Family Barging Cruises
Summer 2024 Special Offer – Family Fun Afloat
Up to 3 kids travel for FREE
A multi-generational family, hotel barge cruise on the French canals is a fantastic option for families looking to enjoy a unique and relaxing escape together. With the entire barge privately chartered for your group, you have the freedom to tailor the experience to suit everyone's interests and preferences. The fully-crewed "floating villa" experience allows for a comfortable and convenient stay, and you only have to unpack once.
Special Offer for Summer 2024 Family Barging Cruises
We have four French hotel barges participating in this special offer of a 20% discount on a private barge charter plus either 2 or 3 children travel FREE depending on the barge. Book by August 23, 2024.
- Panache in Alsace: August 11th departures
- L'Art de Vivre in Northern Burgundy: departures on July 28th, August 25th
- La Belle Epoque in Northern Burgundy: July 28th and August 4th departures
See details below.
When to Travel
Trying to decide when to travel? Summer in Europe is an ideal time to embark on our family cruises. The longer days provide ample daylight which are ideal for exploring the region, before returning to the barge to enjoy the facilities on board.
Trip Planning
From the moment your family is met at your chosen pick-up point, you can rest assured that every detail will be taken care of. Child/booster seats for the air-conditioned minivan will have been organized and ready to be used upon arrival. Travel cots, children's bicycles and safety equipment, highchairs, and baby gates can be arranged so there's no need to bring your own.
Your week will be loosely based around your chosen hotel barge's Classic Cruise itinerary and a maximum of four excursions can be swapped with family-friendly activities. At the planning stage of your family cruise, you can tailor your itinerary to ensure there's something for everyone in your family to enjoy. You're welcome to add more but it will be at an additional cost. Whether it's a wine tour and tasting for the grandparents, a culinary experience for the parents, or perhaps an enchanting castle exploration or theme park visit for the kids, you can change as much or as little as you wish.
On board, there's plenty for all to enjoy. The view of the surrounding countryside is sure to impress, particularly if you're on deck in the hot tub with a glass of champagne. However, the selection of board games, puzzles, books, and DVDs are great fun, too. And, if you would like to play the traditional French game of pétanque, the crew will be happy to show you how.
Overall, booking a family charter cruise on a barge offers a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone in your group, making it an ideal choice for families looking to create lasting memories together.
Your Expert Crew
Your expert and personable crew are there to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the trip, while also catering to your every need. The Captain will be on hand to talk you through your day's activities, give you a personal insight into how to make the most of your time in each mooring, and will ensure a most enjoyable experience. The onboard master chef will cater to most dietary requirements, and should younger guests require earlier mealtimes or different menus, that won't be a problem. Each meal is carefully designed to highlight seasonal produce and use locally sourced ingredients to reflect the region's delicacies.
You'll also be joined by an onboard Tour Guide who has a wealth of knowledge on the places you visit each day. Back on board, two Hosts and a Deck Hand (who often double as a Tour Guide) will ensure your safety and comfort throughout your stay, while remembering details such as your favorite post-dinner digestif, how you like your eggs in the morning, or when best to turn down your cabin in the evening. The Deck Hand can also teach you how to tie the ropes and how to safely maneuver in a lock, should you wish to learn.
Hotel Barges With Special Offer for Summer 2024 Family Cruises
French Hotel Barge l'Art de Vivre
- Route: Northern Burgundy: Canal du Nivernais between Auxerre and Chevroches
- Passengers: up to 8
- Crew: 4
- Special offer: 20% discount off the 6-person charter fee and two kids travel for free.
- Special price: $31,600 for up to 6 guests plus 2 children
- Special dates: Departing July 28th and August 25th
- Itineraries: Standard classic, Family
- Biking Plus option
- L'Art de Vivre's Online brochure
French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque
- Route: Northern Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay
- Passengers: up to 12
- Crew: 6
- Special offer: 20% discount off the 9-person charter fee and three kids travel for free.
- Special price: $53,680 for up to 9 guests plus 3 children
- Special dates: Departing July 28th and August 4th
- Itinerary: Standard classic, Family
- Biking Plus option
- La Belle Epoque's Online brochure
French Hotel Barge Panache
- Route: Alscase-Lorraine: between Niderville and Kraftt
- Passengers: up to 12
- Crew: 6
- Special offer: 20% discount off the 9-person charter fee and three kids travel for free.
- Special price: $55,440 for up to 9 guests plus 3 children
- Special dates: Departing August 11
- Itinerary: Standard classic, Family
- Biking Plus option
- Panache's Online brochure
Please note...
You are getting an excellent deal even if you are not using the barge to full capacity. Take Panache, for example. If you are a group of 6 adults with 3 kids (9 passengers), you are still saving $12,960 off their normal charter rate.
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