France – the land of love and wines, Royal castles, Cathedrals and Popeโs Palace, UNESCO world heritages; traditional regional gourmet food made with chefsโ expert artistry.
You know whatโs one of the most budget-friendly and all-inclusive ways to explore and experience all these in one package?
River and canal barge cruises!
This blog talks about the ins and outs of some of the best affordable barge cruises in France.
Besides, you will get all the information you need to make the whole trip as budget-friendly as possible, starting from buying the air tickets.
Keep reading to find out!
Key Takeaways:
โ This affordable barge cruise offers beautiful scenarios from the sun deck while moving through the canals of France.
โ Chef special regional dishes with freshly picked items under the sun and stars, or an intimate dinner in the fine dining area.
โ These packages also include visits to the royal palaces, museums, and world-famous cathedrals, where the guideโs storytelling takes you to the medieval era.
Overview of Affordable Barge Cruises in France
Looking for something a bit more off the beaten path but also affordable?
Here is a lowdown on some top-notch barge locations along with their scenic routes:
Barge Locations | River/Canal Route | Atmosphere |
Southern France | Canal du Midi | Spring bloom and peaceful Fall |
Camargue & Provence | Camargue & Provence | Serene villages in Spring and Fall |
Brittany & Loire Valley | Brittany & Loire Valley | Lively in Spring and Fall |
Burgundy | Southern Burgundy | Spring Bloom and Autumn Colors |
Alsace-Lorraine | Marne-Rhine Canal | Warm in Spring, Peaceful in Fall |
Seine, Ile de France, Northern France | Seine, Ile de France, Northern France | Pleasant in Spring and Peaceful in Fall |
Upper Loire | Upper Loire | Mild temperature in Spring, Vibrant Fall |
Now, letโs get into the details of the affordable barge cruises in different regions of France.
Location 1: Southern France
- Barge Names: French Country Waterways – Renaissance, CroisiEurope – Anne-Marie, European Waterways – Anjodi; Barge Lady Cruises – Saraphina, Belmond Afloat in France – Hirondelle.
- River Route: Canal du Midi, Southern France.
- Duration: Typically 6 to 7 nights.
Soothe your soul and bless your eyes in the beautiful waterways of the sole best wine production area of France. This French canal barge includes beautiful site views, ancient ruins, cultural heritage, and gourmet food.

Here, you will get to explore Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the vineyards, and Minerva Village. The wine-tasting experience itself is unforgettable.
Moving on, the pride their chefs take is real. It is not just food, it is an artistic creation combining continental and international recipes, made with special care.
Location 2: Camargue & Provence
- Barge Name: French Country Waterways
- River Route: Camargue & Provence
- Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Get a deluxe barge experience with French Country Waterwaysโ spacious cabins, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service.
The guide will take you to the days of the Roman Empire as you walk through the cobblestoned street of Arles.

Then comes Avington, the celebrated popeโs place, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vibrant architecture and divine feelings will take your heart on a different trip. And if you are lucky enough to be visiting in July, then you can enjoy the famous annual theater festival here.
The package offers you all-inclusive meals with regional dishes. The cherry on top is the wine tasting from selected categories of vineyards. You may remember the names of the dishes for their weird uniqueness, like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and tarte tatin.
Location 3: Brittany & Loire Valley
- Barge Names: Barge Lady Cruises France, Belmond Afloat in France
- River Route: Brittany & Loire Valley
- Duration: 7 days/6-nights
Hereโs another breathtaking cruise experience with cultural sightseeing. Both the barges offer a deluxe cabin and personalized service, and Chรขteau de Chambord will welcome you with its French Renaissance architectural view.

Whereas, Chรขteau de Chenonceau is a walk through the Royal womenโs luxury.
Then, Chรขteau d’Amboise, the Royal residence of the Renaissance, awestruck you with a gothic and historical vibe. You can explore through the Royal lodgings and bless your eyes with the beautiful view of Loire from the tower.
Finally, treat your belly to a royal treatment with the chef’s special traditional all-inclusive French dishes like Coq au Vin, Quiche Lorraine, and Crรจme Caramel.
Lastly, the inclusive riverside bike ride will be like nourishment for your soul.
Related Post: Top Activities & Travel Tips for Loire Valley Day Trip
Location 4: Burgundy
- Barge Names: French Country Waterways, CroisiEurope, European Waterways, Barge Lady Cruises, Belmond Afloat in France
- River Route: Southern Burgundy
- Duration: Depends on the cruise; it can be six nights, five days, or seven nights and six days.
Hereโs a range of deluxe to premier accommodations for your cozy French holiday.

Cruise through the waterways of the Saรดne River, the Rhรดne River, the Doubs River, the Burgundy Canal, and the Canal du Centre. The Burgundian countryside is like heavenly bliss for the eyes. As you move through the Canal du Centre, the landscape looks like scenarios from paintings.
This cruise includes a lifetime experience of observing traditional Burgundian winemaking. In fact, they are widely famous for the finest wine production – Cote d’Or vineyards.
So, make sure to observe the years-old winemaking while roaming around the hallowed grounds of renowned wineries like Domaine de la Romanรฉe-Conti.
Last but not least, pay a visit to historical towns, like Beune and Dijon. Itโs like a walk through todayโs France, with the smell of the days of Roman emperors.
Location 5: Alsace-Lorraine
- Barge Names: French Country Waterways, European Waterways
- River Route: Marne-Rhine Canal
- Duration: 6-7 days (depending on the package)
French Country Waterways and European Waterways are two of the best barge cruises in France, offering you a luxurious and deluxe stay.

To begin with, you can enjoy a panoramic view of beautiful Strasbourg and Nancy villages, vineyards, and green areas from the Marne-Rhine canal. On this route, you can explore some small barge cruises to get a personalized experience.
Next up, the Cathรฉdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is a masterpiece of Romanesque-Gothic style architecture. The pink sandstone walls, sculptures, and stained-glass windows create a mesmerizing ambiance.
The bike rides through the vineyards are a treat for your mind, like the special regional dishes paired with exquisite wines for your tummy.
Location 6: Seine, Ile de France, and Northern France
- Barge Names: CroisiEurope, European Waterways
- River Route: Seine, Ile de France, Northern France
- Duration: 4 days (CroisiEurope), 7 days (European Waterways )
CroisiEurope provides comfortable cabins with bathrooms and TVs. Whereas European waterways have barge cruises with personalized service and a decorated, spacious cabin.

CroisiEuropeโs budget river barge includes a visit through French towns like Moret-sur-Loing, Nemours, Chateau Landon, and Grez-sur-Loing.
Plus, these European Waterways’ barge cruises will take you to the Upper Loire. And I canโt even start with the scenic beauty of this area.
The walk through the age-old castles and beautiful landscapes, from the majestic chateau to the vineyards, will be a relaxing treat for your soul.
“Both the barges have inclusive bike riding, wine tasting, and regional gourmet food.”
Location 7: Upper Loire
- Barge Names: Barge Lady Cruises – C’est la Vie
- River Route: Upper Loire
- Duration: 6-night
Get an ultra-deluxe cruise experience with Barge Lady Cruisesโ C’est la Vie.
This 8-passenger barge offers 4 spacious cabins with personalized service.

Sightseeing includes wine tasting at Sancerre, a tour of the local chateaux, local market visits, and the Loire River cruise.
The Barge Lady Cruiseโs gift to you is wine tastings of the famous Sauvignon Blanc from the raws of the Sancerre and Pouilly Fume areas.
Lastly, you can enjoy the regional dishes with seasonal, fresh ingredients. The barge’s experienced chef presents you with classic Continental cuisine with hand-selected wines.
What to Expect From Affordable Barge Cruises in France?
Now you know that there is no need to worry about any luxury hotel barge for a cruise through the canals of France.
Because the affordable barge cruises in France offer the best all-inclusive packages for budget trips. Such as the following:
Accommodation Options
- Capacity: Accommodates 6-12 passengers for 6/7 nights; personal boat for groups.
- Cabins: Spacious, air-conditioned cabins with riverside views from sun deck and large windows.
Gourmet Food & Wine
- Meals: All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring French cuisine and fine wines.
- Special Treats: Cheese add-ons with every meal, reflecting local culinary heritage.
Excursions and Activities Included
- Guided Tours: Visits to royal palaces, cathedrals, and historical cities with expert guides.
- Scenic Views: Panoramic views from the sun deck and rides through villages and vineyards.
Services and Amenities on Board
- Facilities: Well-appointed lounges, bars, and dining areas.
- Experience: Combines luxury, personalized service, and comfort.
Essential Travel Tips for Your Barge Cruise in France
Before deciding on a barge cruise in France, make sure to consider the following tips to get the best experience:
- Cheapest Season: Book barge cruises in France during the shoulder seasons (April, May, September & October) for lower prices and a choice between vibrant spring blooms or serene autumn ambiance.
- Booking Ticket in Advance: Always aim to book the air tickets 2-3 months beforehand to fit in the budget. So make sure that your passport is updated at least 5-6 months before the trip.
- Travel Insurance: Thereโs no loss in being a bit extra careful. So get travel insurance.
- Currency: Always keep some euros in hand for small expenses. Inform your bank and travel agency prior to the trip to update your card for international currency.
- Language: Knowing a few basic French terms like Bonjour, Au revoir, and Merci always comes in handy, whether shopping or traveling.
- Chic Attire: Match your vibe and choose exclusive wear to flaunt in diners and museums. Keep it comfy for the daytime visits to marketplaces, historical town streets, and vineyards.
- Sun Protection: As basic as it is, do not forget your SPF, sunglasses, and hats. This just turns relaxing on the sundeck into an instant-perfect moment.
- Camera: If your phone is enough, then no worries. But if you are into vlogs and time-lapses, then the tripod is a must.
- Toiletries and Medications: Keep enough of these. Remember, itโs a week-long outdoor trip.
Related Post: Luxury Barge Cruises in France
Closing Notes
Now you know what are the options for an affordable barge cruise in France. First of all, you will get a comfortable stay on the cruise across the French waterways for almost a week. Next, you will get to enjoy relaxing moments on the sun deck with a view of French towns, villages, and vineyards.
And, of course, that is not all. These inclusive packages offer visits to museums, French cathedrals, and royal palaces. Also, the alfresco meal experience paired with wine tasting adds a finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best canal trip in France?
Well, the answer to this is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, Canal Du Midi, the Southern Camargue & Provence region, and the landscapes of Brittany & Loire Valley are the most popular.
Are river cruises cheaper than ocean cruises?
Yes. River cruises are usually cheaper than ocean cruises and offer a more intimate and personalized experience.
Are all river cruises expensive?
Not really, the river cruise price varies depending on packages and companies. French Country Waterways, Barge Lady Cruises, and European Waterways offer all-inclusive affordable deals.
What is the best river cruise destination?
Usually, the answer to โbest river cruise destinationโ depends on personal expectations and experience. However, Canal Du Midi, Southern Camargue & Provence region, and the landscapes of Brittany & Loire Valley are pretty popular.