Slip along the tree-lined Canal du Midi from Carcassonne to Béziers aboard intimate Belmond Alouette. Wake in luxury each day. Meander mysterious medieval fortresses. Drop by sun-drenched vineyards to sample the vintages. At bustling markets, pick out fresh ingredients for dinner alongside your private chef. If you’re looking for cosy intimacy and complete relaxation, this is the river cruise for you. Enjoy the finest of barge cruises aboard Belmond Alouette. Unwind in intimate cabins, where soft lighting, warm pastel tones and airy marble bathrooms set the scene for a restful stay. Cool off with an afternoon siesta, or stretch out with a classic cocktail as you watch the sun set through your picture windows. Perfect for a lazy South of France summer or for a romantic holiday, cosy Belmond Alouette has just two cabins. One twin and one double—each with an en suite shower room—provide sumptuous sanctuaries on board.

Wind the waters of Burgundy’s picturesque wine-making region, from Dijon to St-Léger, on this luxury barge. Uncover the secrets of historic chateaux hidden amid the leafy landscape. Lose yourself in elegant cities soaked in sunshine. Taste the spirit of Burgundy in its deep, complex wines. A dip in our on-deck pool is the perfect way to prepare for adventures ahead. After a full day, cosy cabins and sumptuous feasts tempt you back on board. Aboard Belmond Amaryllis you’ll look forward to settling in for the night. Grand cabins of muted palettes, fine fabrics and floral accents promote rest and relaxation. En suites are spacious and gleaming. By day, large picture windows ensure you stay connected to the beautiful Burgundy scenes drifting by. Generous king or twin beds make for a restful night’s sleep. En suites boast overhead showers or baths and dual vanities. Large windows give way to spacious decks. Unwind in the air-conditioned cool while the sun-dappled countryside passes by.

From historic Dijon to pastoral Vandenesse-en-Auxois, discover the region’s top castles and wineries in style. Not many barges boast four-poster beds, a stately lounge and a grand piano. Belmond Fleur de Lys is unique and full of character. Drift to captivating chateaux, charming port towns and sun-drenched vineyards. Along the way, discover the magic of Burgundy vintages and—with your private onboard chef—French cooking at its finest. Step into a spacious chamber where every last detail has been taken care of. From plush beds to oak-panelled ceilings, the interior’s soft aesthetic perfectly mimics the ambience of life on the waterways. Two cabins can be configured as twins or doubles––perfect for families or groups embarking on French barge trips. Step inside to oversized picture windows, four poster beds, sumptuous bedding and spacious en suites. Cool off or warm up with adjustable air-conditioning and heating. We’ve thought of everything.

Cruising the majestic Rhône from Tain to Arles, take in the charms of Provence aboard Belmond Napoléon. Recline on the largest barge in our fleet, as peaceful meadows drift by and weeping willows dip into the water. Around-the-clock indulgence awaits. Sip cocktails under the stars and feast on local delicacies. Tour the postcard-perfect hillsides of Provence, then quench your thirst surrounded by world-class vines. Welcome aboard our flagship canal boat. Packed with every possible amenity for a superior sleep, cabins are designed for optimal space and serenity on the French waterways. Pen the day’s delights at your sun-dappled writing desk, or dream the day away on your plush double bed. Pamper and prep in the elegant en-suite before cocktails on deck. Our spacious twin or king cabins feature their own indulgent en-suite bathroom, large scenic window and controlled heating. All six cabins can be reconfigured to your needs––the perfect choice for groups or families.

Explore vintage vineyards and pretty riverside towns as you glide along from Chalons-en-Champagne to Epernay. Tour the best of the Marne Valley on the largest lock barge in our fleet. Take a seat on the polished teak deck and slip into a more tranquil pace. Or unlock your inner connoisseur under the guidance of our well-versed crew. A variety of unique curiosities and experiences await off-board to enchant your whole party. After a day of adventure, close the door on your own private sanctuary for the perfect night’s sleep. Exquisite embroidered fabrics and fine antique furniture define our French river cruise’s style. Wake to birdsong and the gentle sounds of the river. Open curtains to tree-speckled vistas, calm waters and blue skies. Designed with tranquility in mind, each cabin ensures a supremely relaxing cruise. Sit back under oak-panelled ceilings on plush furnishings, or pen the day’s highlights from your writing desk. An oversized picture window coaxes sun-dappled daydreams.

Discover a landscape brimming with flavour and heritage on a luxurious cruise from Dijon to Saint-Léger. Launching in 2018, Belmond Lilas invites you to step into a world of understated indulgence. Soft furnishings and rustic timbers echo the surrounding landscape of Burgundy. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, or savour divine local delicacies on deck. Each sensational adventure explores the region’s finest vineyards and legendary chateaux. Blending rustic timbers and handcrafted details with a vibrant colour palette, Belmond Lilas’ soothing ambience is felt inside and out. Following a day of organic wine tastings, exploring medieval ruins or simply relaxing in the on-deck pool, four spacious cabins provide the perfect sanctuary to revive. Experience one of the country’s finest small luxury cruises. After a day spent under local vines or biking beside the waterways, there’s no finer haven to return to. Four generous en-suite cabins feature inviting king or twin beds, a writing desk and a large picture window.

To enhance the immersive gastronomic experience, your host for each lunchtime or evening meal will take the time to outline the characteristics of each accompanying wine before serving it with care. It may be a smooth Santenay or premier Cru from Burgundy, a dry Sancerre or an aromatic Riesling from Alsace, each wine is carefully selected to compliment the exquisite cuisine served aboard .

During your cruise you will also have the opportunity to sample some of the finest cheeses that Europe has to offer, just as with the wine, your knowledgeable host will take the time to describe the history and tasting notes of each cheese before serving it alongside a specially chosen vintage, food for thought as well as the tastebuds!

Breakfast

Awake to the aroma of brewing coffee. Then enjoy a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, cold meats, crusty French bread, hot buttery croissants and pastries freshly-baked and collected from the local patisserie this morning accompanied by delicious conserves, or perhaps a cooked breakfast.

Luncheon

Luncheon may be a buffet, of imaginative salads, pâtés, quiches, meat or fish platters, or perhaps a delicious homemade soup and entrée, accompanied by a choice of local cheeses and wines – often served al fresco on the sunlit deck overlooking the countryside.

Dinner by Candlelight

On your hotel barge moored beneath the stars, dinner is a gastronomic adventure and the finale to your day’s journey of relaxation and discovery. You may be served Chèvre Chaud en Portefeuille, or Marinated Langoustines,  followed by Filet d’Agneau au Basilic, Truite à la Chablisienne, or Magret de Canard au Vinaigre de Framboise – all complemented by fine wines.

Then a selection of creamy and firm cheeses such as Chaource, Époisses or Morbier, before a delicious dessert, perhaps Ile Flottante, Crème Brulée à la Vanille avec Tuiles aux amandes, Tarte Tatin avec Caramel au Beurre Salé or Fondant au Chocolat. And afterwards, of course, relax with coffee and liqueurs in the company of your fellow passengers.