Barge breakfasts are informal affairs, taken in the salon, dining room, or perhaps al fresco on deck. A selection of cereal, yoghurt, fruit, cheese, and juice await. But the real point of breakfast might be the village-baked pastries, just warm from the oven. One or two chocolate croissants? The choice is yours. Finish off with hot coffee or a perhaps a selection of herbal teas. Now you are ready to begin another delightful day floating, bicycling, tasting, and sightseeing in the French countryside.

Barges in France cruise on historic man-made canals, built in the 17th, 18th and 19th century to carry cargo. Now these vintage waterways have been renewed as routes for vacationers. Today your barge will cover approximately 10 miles, heading towards the next port. At such a relaxed cruising pace, you can WALK faster than the barge can cruise! So what to do this morning? Well, there’s relaxing on deck and watch the gorgeous scenery drift by. Or, take out a bicycle and explore the passing villages. So many ways to immerse yourself into the passing countryside – and then return to the comforts of your floating home away from home!

Canals are bisected by locks, which raise or lower the barge to the water level of the next section of the canal. Although many of these are now operated electronically, along certain sections of the canal, lockkeepers still manually open and shut the system. On certain routes, lockkeepers still live in petite houses right on the canal and will often welcome your barge with wine and fresh produce for sale. Ask the Captain: Can you jump on shore and help turn the cranks to raise or lower your barge? Many guests enjoy playing lockkeeper – an adventure they could have nowhere else!

In the always-open wheelhouse, you’ll be welcome to join your Captain for a chat. He knows local lifestyle and personalities (aka gossip) and will introduce you to the intricacies of operating the barge. Try steering – it’s fun but a LOT harder than it looks!

Already?! The barge has moored now and everyone gathers in the dining room or on the deck for lunch. Many barges offer a lavish buffet, featuring a different daily selection of hearty salads, main dishes, rich quiches, and boutique cheeses, paired with a selection both a red and a white. At each meal, the accompanying wines are introduced by the crew, revealing the rating, region, and flavor profile.  Sip on one of the two dozen wines you will taste while barge cruising!

This afternoon, enjoy a private tour showcasing those special experiences that can be found only on a barge cruise. Your barge’s crew includes a Tour Guide, who accompanies you on chauffeured and escorted excursions throughout the cruise region. Accompany the Chef to market, where you will perhaps pick out tonight’s cheese selection. Or delve into the history of a preserved family-owned chateau, with the owner as your guide. What about a private introduction to a local artist, going truffle hunting, or perhaps a VIP tasting at an olive oil cooperative? Stroll the pedestrian streets of a city center, sip a coffee in the town square, or window shop for gifts and souvenirs. Taste the wines at historic cellars which have produced and stored varietals for generations. Other choices, depending on your region, may include culinary experiences such as chocolate samplings and champagne tastings; many cruises include visits to enchanting villages, ancient churches, and local museums.

Late afternoon is a wonderful time to relax and unwind while cruising the canals of Europe. Socialize on the deck while enjoying craft cocktails and freshly-made canapes …curl up with a book and cup of tea in the salon…sample local spirts and regional wines from the barge’s fully stocked bar…or challenge the crew to a friendly game of petanque!

Glistening glasses, starched linen napkins, and flower displays set the scene for a dinner party with friends…and you’re invited! Light and flavorful cuisine showcases local ingredients and variety in the four-course menus. Dinner’s plating and presentation are partnered with the nightly wine pairings, which are expertly introduced and generously poured by the crew. A cheese platter and a decadent dessert round out the day’s edible adventures. As with the wine, each cheese is specifically introduced. You’ll taste at least 18 different cheeses – and maybe more – during your cruise.

End your day with liqueurs served on deck as the stars come out over the canal.