It’s hard to imagine a more relaxing and enjoyable way to discover rural France than cruising its historic canals.
A world of timeless luxury is the promise offered to guests who get onboard with European Waterways whose new programme for 2026/27 has just been launched.
It offers fully inclusive luxury hotel barge memorable experiences across Europe.
In Burgundy routes include the Canal du Bourgogne, dating back to 1775 and completed in 1882 to complete a link between the English Channel and the Mediterranean.
On the visit list:
• Abbaye de Fontenay which was founded in 1118 by Saint
Bernard and one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe.
• Wine tasting followed by lunch with the Baron and Baroness of
Château de Ricey-Bas.
• Wine tasting at Domaine Laroche in Chablis.
Themed Itineraries
• Biking Cruise
• Family Cruise
• Wine Appreciation Cruise
Along the Canal du Centre, also in Burgundy and built around the same period of time, you are travelling routes that were familiar to Julius Caesar and his adversary Vercingetorix.
The canal is close to Bibracte the ancient capital of the powerful Aedui tribe, home to up to 10,000 people in the 1st century BC; an economic and political powerhouse of its day.
It was here that Vercingetorix was proclaimed leader of the Gauls in 52BC shortly before a final, fateful showdown with Caesar and his legions at Alesia.
It signalled the beginning of the end for Bibracte and the rise of nearby Autun that is on the visit list below.
On the visit list:
• Descend or ascend 11 locks before a visit to the 14th century
Château de Germolles, the best preserved of the residences of
the Dukes of Burgundy.
• Visit to the oldest winemakers in Burgundy, Maison Champy
• Visit to Autun, founded by the Romans, it has retained many of its original Antique monuments such
as Roman gates, ruins of a Temple and a 17,000 seat amphitheatre.
Themed Itineraries
• Family Cruise
• Wine Appreciation Cruise
Our dip into the delights on offer along Burgundy’s canals are
typical of a comprehensive showcase that has been developed by European Waterways.
Designed to help travellers plan their next unforgettable journey, the new brochure highlights expert guidance on the best times to travel on a fleet of elegant vessels that showcase the rich character of each cruising region.
“In a world where travel increasingly feels like a race, the serenity of Europe’s canals offers something wonderfully different.”
“Hotel barging brings stillness, authenticity, and moments of genuine spontaneity – luxuries that are becoming all too rare,” said Derek Banks, founder and Managing Director of European Waterways.
More
European Waterways’ 2026/27 brochure can be
ordered or viewed online here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/view-online-brochure
More about Bibracte and Autun at www.exploringmore.co.uk
