French Country Waterways | ShermansTravel

by Elissa Garay

Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

If a laid-back voyage through scenic and little-trodden French countryside — a pace broken only by leisurely visits to centuries-old villages, châteaux, and wineries — sounds like your vacation speed, look no further than the intimate barge cruises of French Country Waterways. This polished, American-owned operation runs a fleet of five high-end, 8- to 18-passenger hotel barges that ply the French canal system with itineraries in the Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace-Lorraine, and Loire regions. Onboard, expect plush appointments, an attentive English-speaking European crew, and free-flowing wines paired with market-fresh fare, whipped up by your own private chef.

What We Love

Michelin-Star Dining: While the onboard cuisine is already top-notch, every itinerary also includes a memorable dinner ashore at a standout Michelin-starred restaurant.

Bike Riding: The slow pace of barge travel lends well to independent exploration ashore, best accomplished on one of the vessels' complimentary bicycles.

Best Known For

Haute-Cuisine: Dining is a main event on any sailing — you're in France, after all — especially during lingering four-course dinners. Expect the onboard chef to turn out mouthwatering fare with fresh ingredients from local markets, with plenty of regional cheeses and bakery goods, all complemented by fine (included-in-the-rates) French wines.

Included Excursions: While voyages don't come cheap, they do bundle in plenty of extras, such as well-coordinated guided excursions (usually in a private van) to tour regional castles or go wine tasting at renowned vineyards, for example.

Who It's Best For

Mature Couples in Search of R&R: The line generally attracts affluent, well-traveled Americans (and some Canadians) ages 50-plus, in search of a slow-paced vacation.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Introverts Needn't Apply: The small size of the barges, combined with the shared mealtimes and group excursions, are best enjoyed by travelers who enjoy social environments.

Elissa Garay

Deal Expert / Travel Blogger