Hotel Barging is a boutique travel experience that offers an immersive and all-inclusive “gentle voyage of discovery” focusing upon the culture, history, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine of the cruise regions. Founded more than 40 years ago, European Waterways was among the first to operate on the Canal du Midi. Their efforts helped to ignite a new niche travel industry that proved instrumental in the revitalization of Europe’s intricate network of scenic canals and inland waterways as tourism destinations.

European Waterways offers luxury hotel barge cruises that are perfect for foodies and wine lovers. The cruises offer immersive wine and food excursions, daily gourmet dining, and onboard meals prepared by master chefs. Guests can also go truffle hunting, visit an escargot farm, and explore the history and culture of the regions they visit.

The Enchanté is an 8-passenger double-decker hotel barge with an open-plan show kitchen, where guests can observe their skilled master chef preparing gastronomic masterpieces. The cruise itinerary includes a visit to Lagrasse and its 8th-century abbey, with lunch in a local restaurant. Guests will also enjoy a private winery tour and tasting of fine Minervois wines, as well as a visit to an olive press to taste the famous Lucques green olives. They will similarly visit the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, where they can enjoy specialty chocolate and other sweet offerings produced by the city’s many artisanal confectioners. Guests can also stop at a local boulangerie, or bakery, to enjoy freshly baked bread and pastries.

The L’Impressionniste is a 12-passenger hotel barge that cruises Southern Burgundy. The elegant décor includes hardwood flooring, comfortable leather sofas, and large picture windows for a perfect view of the rolling French countryside. Among the cruise highlights is a private winery tour and tasting as well as a tour of Dijon and its markets. Guests will also enjoy a tour of Domaine Chanson in the heart of Burgundy’s Beaune region that includes a private wine tasting and exclusive gastronomic lunch.

If you enjoy world-class cuisine and fine wines in picturesque surroundings, a cruise on a luxury hotel barge is for you.