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Belmond is perhaps best known for its luxury hotels and resorts, a collection of properties with origins as a travel brand revered as a paragon of all things luxe: Orient Express. Founded in 1976 with the acquisition of the legendary Cipriani Hotel in Venice, followed by the iconic Orient Express train, the company’s name was changed to Belmond in 2014, but it maintains the same peerless standards. And yes, Belmond offers luxury cruises on the rivers and canals of France.
Known as Les Bateaux Belmond, the company’s seven intimately-sized vessels operate in a niche segment of the river cruise market known as luxury barge cruising. Each uniquely decorated ship accommodates just four to 12 guests as it explores rivers and lesser-known canals in storied regions of France — from Champagne to Burgundy. Belmond’s itineraries are seasonal, offered solely from April to October.
The Intimate Ambiance: Life on board is a creative blend of captivating excursions — such as exclusive wine tastings in Burgundy and bike rides through lavender fields in Provence — and chill-out time offering the chance to meet shipmates, generally a friendly mix of Americans, Australians, and Europeans. Belmond’s vessels are also popular with families and groups of friends, who can charter a ship for exclusive use.
Creature Comforts: Each of Belmond’s ships features a decadent interior design that mixes modern comforts with a nod to the furnishings and fabrics of bygone eras. The six-guest Coquelicot most embodies the word “posh” with its elegant Art Nouveau style complementing the refined ambiance of the Champagne region, where it cruises. Amaryllis, an eight-guest vessel that cruises Burgundy, features embroidered Parisian coverlets on the beds and antique sconces on the walls, while six-guest Fleur de Lys, which also cruises Burgundy, has four-poster beds in its three staterooms.
Superb Food: Gala night menus can feature indulgent options that include foie gras, Mediterranean sea-bass, Wagyu Beef, and French cheeses. On other nights, the chefs display their mastery of regional dishes which are nothing short of a triumph. Breakfast and lunches are served buffet-style in the restaurant and on deck respectively. Attention oenophiles: The sailings throughout France are especially wine-focused.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury: While several of Belmond’s ships cruise the popular Rhone & Soane rivers in the South of France — think Lyon, Avignon, Arles — one vessel cruises the Canal du Midi in central France, a region that’s home to the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, while two cruise the esteemed Burgundy wine region and one explores legendary Champagne.
Experiential Travelers: This venerable company has always fascinated travelers, especially those with travel "bucket lists" they are looking to complete. If an exclusive canal cruise is on that list — perhaps for an anniversary or milestone birthday celebration — Belmond’s bespoke approach and attention to detail will make the experience all the more exceptional.
This Is Not the Place to Cut Calories: With so many rich temptations — a cruise with Belmond in France is the definition of a culinary vacation — you'll want to indulge in everything and deal with any weight gain after you get home.
The Line Welcomes Children Age 12 and Up: Children age 12 and older are welcome on a per-cabin booking basis, so you may have teens onboard a summer sailing when school is in recess; children of any age can cruise with accompanying adults on a private charter.
