Learn more about the difference between a French barge cruise and a traditional cruise – and the top five reasons why a luxury barge trip should be your next vacation.
Imagine cruising gently along tranquil canals in France, surrounded by historical villages and rolling vineyards. Barge cruises offer tourists a glimpse of the serene French countryside, and they immerse you in local culture and cuisine. A luxury barge cruise on board the Barge Meanderer is different from a traditional cruise in many ways – barges are smaller and slower, they offer more detailed itineraries, and they often explore remote regions. Here are five reasons why a luxury barge trip provides a more authentic travel experience than a traditional cruise.
1. Access to an Enchanting Countryside
The Barge Meanderer is smaller than riverboats and cruise ships, and we glide through many inland canals inaccessible to larger vessels. French canals often travel through ancient hamlets and towns that predate the waterways and immerse you in rich architecture and history. Cruise past famous 17th-century landmarks in Montargis and Montbouy during a cruise on the Canal de Briare or explore on foot to experience modern culture blossoming from historical remains.
2. Explore France’s Hidden Gems
If you’re looking to explore Europe off the beaten track away from bustling tourist attractions, a luxury barge cruise is the ideal summer vacation for you. Our luxury French barge cruises feature unique itineraries, and you will have the opportunity to stroll through small local markets and taste food and wine from boutique French restaurants and vineyards. We will provide bicycles for you to ride alongside the canal to get some fresh air and light exercise during your trip.
3. Build a Leisurely Itinerary
Whereas the Barge Meanderer travels at about 5 miles per hour a traditional river cruiser moves at about 15 miles per hour. The slower pace means you cover less territory, giving you plenty of time to explore all the rich culture the French countryside has to offer. Barge vacations are suited for relaxing and exploring at your own pace, offering more freedom than traditional cruises. They take time to move through locks along the canal in such a way that provides you with the opportunity to explore with the peace of mind of knowing that you can quickly and easily come back on board when you’re done.
Related post: What You Can Expect During a Barge Vacation in France
4. Travel With a Smaller Group
Our focus is on catering to smaller groups of people or families. Book a luxury barge trip to make lifelong memories without being surrounded by bustling tourists on all sides. This helps you to have a more intimate experience without any additional stress or chaos.
5. Get Personal Service and Customized Excursions
The crew on the Barge Meanderer takes the opportunity to get to know every guests’ tastes to make the cruise more enjoyable. If you notice a fantastic attraction that you’d love to visit – ask the crew for more guidance on the area! The intimate size of a barge cruise allows the staff to build custom adventures for you, even if your group wants to split up for the day.
Barge cruises are luxurious and relaxing, and they offer authentic travel experiences away from busy tourist areas. Cruising through French canals on the Barge Meanderer is a magical experience that leaves you feeling refreshed for weeks after your vacation. We offer diverse ways to enjoy France, which are suited to couples, small groups, and solo trippers. If you’re looking for a picturesque summer abroad, get in touch with us to book your trip.