February 24, 2022
Looking for a unique way to see some spectacularly beautiful countryside? Look no further than the waterways, canals, and rivers of rural France. You can travel in style with the Belmond Afloat in France program. Their barges are among the most luxurious in all of Europe.
Afloat in France, a fleet of seven luxurious Belmond barges offers serene cruises along the scenic waterways of Burgundy, Champagne, and Provence and is simply the best of the best. Here’s why you should book a Belmond barge cruise in France for your next getaway!
Cruising along the sun-dappled waterways of France is slow travel at its finest. With Afloat in France, barges accommodate between 4 and 12 passengers across the range of individually designed boats, making them perfect for families or a group of friends.
Guests relax on deck, soaking up views of celebrated vineyards or hilltop castles. A dedicated crew, including a private chef and guide, takes care of every need.
Sumptuous onboard dining includes local, seasonal specialties and can be tailored to guests’ particular tastes and requirements. Special touches such as picnic lunches and five-course candlelit dinners accompanied by a selection of wines from France’s finest vineyards are the norm. And all meals, beverages, and excursions are included.
Airy, comfortable cabins with lavish ensuite bathrooms are exquisitely decorated. Heated pools and canopies on the deck, a jacuzzi, and even a piano are among the facilities that make every voyage a slow boat to bliss.
Itineraries are customized to suit guests’ tastes with activities such as horseback riding, hot air ballooning, château tours, wine tastings, and browsing vibrant local markets with the chef. A number of special-interest cruises are available, ranging from gastronomic adventures taking in Michelin-starred restaurants to oenological outings with prized Grand Cru tastings.
As the boat glides along at a sedate pace, it’s often possible to step off the barge and stroll or cycle along the towpath – each barge has its own bicycles. At the end of every day, a chilled aperitif, divine dinner, and often a spellbinding sunset await on board. The barge moors for the night in tranquil ports, where guests might play a game of pétanque with the staff or stroll off to meet some locals.
If you dream of relaxing luxury, scenic waterways, postcard-worthy French villages, superb cuisine, and unparalleled service, then Belmond Afloat in France might be your perfect match. Go ahead, picture yourself effortlessly drifting along a scenic French waterway with a glass of Chablis in one hand and crusty French bread in the other. When you get done, give me a call, and we’ll make that dream a reality.
