Themed Cruises in France
Golf Cruises – Biking Cruises – Family Vacations – Antiques Tours
Alongside our classic itineraries, we offer a selection of themed private charters, designed around particular interests and ways of travelling.
The possibilities are almost endless. Below is a small selection of our most popular themes, each adapted to the rhythm of cruising and the character of the regions we explore. Should you have a specific interest not mentioned here, we would be delighted to create a tailor-made itinerary for your group and explore ideas together.
Our Themed Charters Include:
Golfing Cruises
The Upper Loire region offers golfers the opportunity to play a collection of beautifully maintained and scenic courses, including Golf de Fontainebleau and Cély-en-Bière Golf Club, regularly ranked among Europe’s most respected courses. All courses within comfortable reach of our cruise route have been carefully selected. Our golfing cruises can be tailored to suit keen players wishing to enjoy a different course each day, or guests who prefer to include a single round as part of a relaxed week on the water. For non-golfers travelling with the group, our regular programme of excursions continues seamlessly, offering equally rewarding experiences ashore.
Biking Tour Cruises
Guided cycling can be seamlessly incorporated into our itineraries, with routes suited to all levels, from relaxed rides along quiet canal paths to longer, more challenging days for experienced cyclists. Cycling may replace certain excursions, offer an alternative to van travel, or become the focus of the day, while remaining entirely optional for each guest. Six high-quality bicycles are available on board. Guests are welcome to bring their own bikes; we will arrange transport of bike cases to and from the barge and provide onboard storage. High-end road bikes may also be rented locally (approximately USD 450 per week). Routes are adapted daily to suit individual abilities. Maps, GPS devices, helmets, water bottles, and essential spare parts are provided. Guests may also bring their own cycling shoes and clip-in pedals if preferred.
Winery Tour Cruises
While every standard cruise includes a winery visit, this themed itinerary expands the experience to include additional cellar visits, tastings, and opportunities to observe the wine-making process more closely. Tours are fully tailored to guests’ interests, from relaxed introductions for those new to wine to more in-depth tastings for knowledgeable enthusiasts. Informal sessions focus on understanding grape varieties, regional styles, and tasting techniques, allowing both novices and connoisseurs to deepen their appreciation. On request, the wine selection served on board can also be adapted to reflect guests’ preferences or the regions visited during the cruise, creating a seamless connection between discoveries ashore and the experience on board.
Family Programs
While barge cruising naturally lends itself to a calm and unhurried pace, we are happy to welcome families and can adapt the itinerary to suit younger guests when appropriate. Depending on interests, days ashore may include water parks, adventure playgrounds, or family-friendly excursions, all within easy reach of our cruising routes. Visits to places such as Disneyland Paris can also be arranged, allowing younger travelers to enjoy memorable experiences while maintaining the comfort and balance of a private cruise for all.
Antique Tour Cruises
For centuries, French furniture and decorative arts have shaped tastes and interiors around the world. One of the great pleasures of antiquing in France lies in the ease with which genuine pieces can still be discovered, often in the most unexpected places. Our Antiques Cruise includes an additional day exploring the renowned markets and galleries of Paris, accompanied by a specialist guide offering expert insight into styles, periods, and provenance. Should guests acquire treasures along the way, we can also arrange professional packing and transport back to the United States, allowing purchases to be enjoyed at home with complete peace of mind.
Let us help you imagine an unforgettable journey
Let us know if there is a particular experience you would like to include in your cruise, and we would be delighted to create a unique itinerary for your group.
All themed cruises are subject to availability and local conditions and may incur a supplementary charge.
Further details on our Special Themed Cruises are available on request.
Please note that themed cruises are offered exclusively as private whole-boat charters and are not available for individual cabin bookings.