French Canal Cruises 2027
Imagine drifting through Burgundy at walking pace, glass of Chablis in hand, watching the canal banks slide past. Poplars. Lock-keepers' cottages. Medieval villages. The smell of lavender from a Provençal field. This is French canal cruising and it is possibly the most relaxing form of travel on Earth.
CroisiEurope's barge cruises on France's inland canals are a different world from the Rhine or Danube river ships. Maximum 22 passengers, intimately decorated, designed for what the French call 'slow tourism.' You move at a pace that lets you see everything, stop whenever something catches your eye, and cycle along the towpath while the barge locks through ahead of you.
What Makes French Canal Cruising Special?
France has 8,000 km of navigable waterways threading through some of its most beautiful regions. CroisiEurope operates canal barges in Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, Île-de-France (Paris), and Belgium.
The barges include a sun deck with deckchairs and a jacuzzi, bicycles for exploring canal paths, and cuisine prepared under the direction of Alain Bohn a member of the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. Groups can charter an entire barge privately ideal for families or friends travelling together.
Top French Canal Routes for Australians in 2027
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1. Alsace: Strasbourg to Lagarde (Marne-Rhine Canal)
CroisiEurope's home territory the Marne-Rhine Canal threads through the heart of Alsace. Half-timbered villages, stork nests on church spires, Riesling vineyards, and Strasbourg's extraordinary Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Must-sees: Strasbourg's Grande Île (UNESCO), Haut-Barr Castle, Route des Vins d'Alsace
Duration: 7 days | Best time: April October
2. Burgundy: Besançon to Dijon
France's greatest wine and food region. Dijon's mustard, Beaune's wine auction, Chablis, and Époisses cheese are all encountered en route.
Must-sees: Dijon's ducal palace, Beaune's Hospices, Côte d'Or vineyards
Duration: 7 days | Best time: May October
3. Paris: Saint-Martin Canal
A barge cruise in the heart of Paris through the Saint-Martin Canal with its iron footbridges, tree-lined banks, and local café culture. The real Paris, not the tourist version.
Duration: 4 5 days | Best time: April September
4. Provence: Arles to Sète
From Roman Arles through the wild Camargue (flamingos, white horses, black bulls) to Mediterranean Sète. Sun-baked, intensely French.
Must-sees: Arles Roman amphitheatre, Pont du Gard (UNESCO), the Camargue wetlands
Duration: 7 days | Best time: April October
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5. Champagne: Paris to Épernay (Marne Canal)
From Paris to the Champagne capital where Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Perrier-Jouët line the famous Avenue de Champagne. Tastings are a highlight.
What's Included on a CroisiEurope Canal Barge
• All meals prepared by an on-board chef
• Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
• Guided excursions at each stop
• Bicycles for canal path cycling
• Sun deck with jacuzzi and deckchairs
• Fully equipped private cabins
• Port taxes and lock fees
Best Time for Australians to Take a French Canal Cruise
April May: Blossom season, mild temperatures, ideal for Alsace and Burgundy.
June August: Peak season, warm days, lavender in Provence blooms in July.
September October: Harvest season Burgundy wine harvest in full swing, excellent autumn light. Recommended.
Planning Your French Canal Cruise from Australia: Practical Info
Getting there: Alsace barges start in Strasbourg (TGV from Paris CDG). Burgundy barges near Dijon (Paris CDG → Dijon TGV: 1.5 hours). Paris barges accessed directly from CDG.
Currency: Euro. No credit card surcharges with CroisiEurope Australia.
Private charter: Maximum 22 passengers per barge can be privately chartered for groups. Contact CroisiEurope Australia for pricing.
How to Book Your 2027 Cruise with CroisiEurope Australia
CroisiEurope Australia handles all bookings for Australian travellers with local support, AUD pricing, and no credit card surcharges on Visa or Mastercard.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au
Office: Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
Request a free 2027 brochure posted to your door with full itinerary details, pricing, and deck plans.
2027 Early Booking is open now. Lock in your preferred sailing before the best cabins and fares are gone.
