Afloat in France | Luxury River Cruises

A serene exploration of France's waterways

Relish every moment of your journey as you glide along on one of our seven luxurious barges

We make it a point of pride to ensure your every need is taken care of. Relax in stylish comfort and dine on sensational cuisine as you drift along picturesque riverbanks, then moor for tailor-made excursions. Our customised itineraries range from truffle hunting and go-karting to hot air ballooning and horse-riding.

Meet the fleet

Sparkling Summer

Secrets of Vintage Champagne

Glide through leafy Champagne on Belmond Pivoine for a week of unforgettable celebrations. Sample some of the most exceptional vintage champagnes of France while gaining unrivalled access to the region’s legendary producers.

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Let's Harvest

Step aboard Belmond Amaryllis for a week of luxurious adventure. Enjoy a unique opportunity to witness and participate in the momentous event of the grape harvest—the highlight of the wine-producing year.

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Grand Cru Journeys

Sample from the 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy. As you meander through the idyllic waterways, hear from wine experts as they join you on board for tastings. By day, enjoy exclusive tours of Châteaux in the region.

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Epicurean Burgundy: A 12-Star Cruise

Board the magnificent Belmond Napoléon for a 7-day cruise through the heart of Burgundy. Indulge your senses as each day you will visit a new Michelin-starred restaurant.

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Trusted for travel

Providing an ever safer environment for our guests and teams

We have worked hard to make sure we're ready to welcome back our guests from around the world.

The Belmond experience is defined by incomparable service, timeless retreats rich with culture, natural wonder and genuine care. Within our walls, our guests will once again experience moments of magic, among those who matter most. Please visit our Covid-19 Response page for details on safety practices and flexible booking policies.

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The Experience

As your private cruise begins, toast your friends and family with a glass of exquisite champagne. Spend time reconnecting with loved ones, relaxing on deck as you soak up the views. Then head ashore together to discover the art of truffle hunting, go-karting or the secrets of Burgundy’s vineyards.

Accompany your chef to the market and pick out fresh produce for the evening’s dinner. Celebrate good times with your cherished companions and let your cares drift away.

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The Experience

Accompany your chef to the market and pick out fresh produce for the evening’s dinner. Celebrate good times with your cherished companions and let your cares drift away.

View journeys

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Luxury barge moored alongside a picturesque canal in France

Let’s cruise through France

Close-up of a couple playing cards and drinking wine

Let’s while away the hours

Guest standing on the bow of a luxury barge looking out at the French countryside

Let’s change the view

Close-up of wine being poured into a glass on table full of French dishes

Let’s delve into terroir

Lady peaking through a pink inflatable donut in an outdoor pool

Let’s make waves

Let’s Afloat in France Together

Family Friendly Fun

All Aboard In France

If you’re searching for a family-friendly break in France, step aboard as we set sail on a luxury river cruise. Discover our top tips for an unforgettable, fun-filled adventure for all.

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The Fleet

Take a closer look at each of our showstopping barges

Belmond Alouette

Survey panoramic views of verdant Burgundy from aboard our cosiest barge, Belmond Alouette, as it winds its way down the grand Canal du Midi.

Route: Carcassonne to BéziersCapacity: 4 passengersAvailable for private charter onlySun deck with a 360˚ view, sun loungers, table and parasol

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Belmond Amaryllis

Belmond Amaryllis delves the secrets of the historic vineyards, villages and cities of Burgundy, drifting dreamily along the Canal de Bourgogne and the River Saône.

Private hire onlyRoute: Dijon to St-LégerCapacity: 8 passengersAvailable for private charter onlySun deck with canopy and heated swimming pool

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Belmond Fleur de Lys

Ornate fabrics, four-poster beds and a grand piano can all be found on Belmond Fleur de Lys, which spirits you in style along the Canal de Bourgogne and through the Ouche valley.

Route: Dijon to Vandenesse-en-AuxoisCapacity: 6 passengersAvailable for private charter or per cabinSun deck with a heated swimming pool

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Belmond Napoléon

Our most majestic barge is perfect for larger groups. Anticipate lavish feasts, and sipping iconic wines and cocktails on deck beneath a canopy of stars.

Route: Tain to ArlesCapacity: 12 passengersAvailable for private charter or per cabinSun deck with Jacuzzi, sun loungers, exercise equipment and canopied dining area

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Belmond Hirondelle

Explore vintage vineyards and pretty riverside towns as you glide along from Chalons-en-Champagne to Epernay.

Route: Chalons-en-champagne to EpernayCapacity: 8 passengersAvailable for private charter or per cabinSun deck with 360 view, sun loungers two tables and large parasol

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Belmond Lilas

Discover a landscape brimming with flavour and heritage on a luxurious cruise from Dijon to Saint-Léger.

Route: Dijon to St LegerCapacity: 8 passengersAvailable for private charter onlySun deck with canopy and heated swimming pool

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Belmond Pivoine

Named after the peony, step aboard Belmond Pivoine and into a world of sensory delight. Hop from vineyards to breweries to chateaux, sampling local delicacies along the way.

Route: Meaux to Châlons-en-Champagne Capacity: 8 passengersAvailable for private charter onlySun deck with canopy and heated swimming pool

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Your Crew

A home away from home

On board you become a family. That’s why guests keep coming back—they feel like it’s a welcome home.

The phenomenal sights might stay on your mind, but it’s the personal connections that stay in your heart. A convivial crew, including a captain, hosts and chef, are on hand round the clock to ensure every aspect of your voyage is exceptional.

Wining and Dining

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Freshly Sourced Gourmet Fare

Seasonal menus of local specialities include signature recipes from your chef.

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The Finest from the Vines

Sample the best regional wines during lunches and dinners.

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Explore in Depth

See more ideas and articles from Belmond

Article

A Haven on the River

When the surroundings are so breathtakingly beautiful, why rush things? Our seven luxurious barges give you the chance to relish every moment of your journey as you glide through the celebrated waterways of southern France.

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Article

All Aboard In France

Savvy travellers are increasingly on the lookout for multi-generational, immersive and bespoke experiences. This spring, families can find the complete package for an adventure extraordinaire through Burgundy aboard Belmond Afloat in France.

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Destination Guide

Explore France from the Waters

There’s a reason that those who have visited the South of France enter a kind of reverie when you ask them to describe their journey.

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Article

France on a Plate

Step aboard as we explore some of the country’s finest flavours.

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Destination Guide

Beautiful Beaune

Winding honey-coloured streets, pretty squares and captivating, vibrant boutiques—the wine capital of Burgundy is a treasure trove of delights, just waiting to be discovered. Let us be your guide.

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Article

Burgundy: A Reverence for Excellence

Wine, religion, power, politics, money. All are deeply entwined in Burgundy’s history.

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Article

Privacy in Motion

Luxury travel by train and boat enjoys a starry legacy—recalling cinematic glamour, overflowing bubbles and peerless hedonism. From elegant private coupés aboard a 1920s carriage to spacious cabins on elegant river barges, which exclusive adventure will you choose?

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Article

Top 5: Alfresco Tables

Let's take this outside. With our alfresco tables, the views promise to be just as delicious as the dishes.

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Article

Champagne—The Spirit of the Region

Something new sparkles in the region of Champagne. France’s Marne Valley overflows with stories from the past.

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Let's afloat in France Together

A serene exploration of France's waterways

Relish every moment of your journey as you glide along on one of our seven luxurious barges

Secrets of Vintage Champagne

Let's Harvest

Grand Cru Journeys

Epicurean Burgundy: A 12-Star Cruise

The Experience

The Experience

The Experience

The Experience

Let’s cruise through France

Let’s while away the hours

Let’s change the view

Let’s delve into terroir

Let’s make waves

Let’s Afloat in France Together

All Aboard In France

Belmond Alouette

Belmond Amaryllis

Belmond Fleur de Lys

Belmond Napoléon

Belmond Hirondelle

Belmond Lilas

Belmond Pivoine

Freshly Sourced Gourmet Fare

The Finest from the Vines

A Haven on the River

All Aboard In France

Explore France from the Waters

France on a Plate

Beautiful Beaune

Burgundy: A Reverence for Excellence

Privacy in Motion

Top 5: Alfresco Tables

Champagne—The Spirit of the Region

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