A Video Tour of Paris, France. Paris France Points of Interest & Paris France Attractions. Many guests choose to enjoy a tour of Paris before or after their cruise. Paris, the ‘City of Lights’, is one of the world’s truly great cities. The River Seine, lifeblood of the city, splits it neatly in two, flowing past the Ile de la Cité and the famous cathedral of Notre Dame. The history and culture of Paris can also be discovered throughout its distinctive districts. The village atmosphere of hilly Montmartre with its elegant landmark the Sacre Coeur; the Marais district and its winding streets that evoke medieval Paris; and the grand 19th century boulevards that dominate so much of the city.

Paris, France

Paris has so much to offer with its huge variety of heritage, architecture and culture, from the grace of the Louvre Museum, to the ultra-modern Opera de la Bastille; from the wondrous Eiffel Tower, to the Champs-Elysées headed by the Arc de Triomphe. All this, together with wonderful restaurants and some of the best shopping in the world make Paris an unmissable place to visit.

The stylish 12 passenger Panache & the deluxe 8 passenger La Nouvelle Etoile either begin or end many of their cruises in the heart of Paris throughout the year. Whether entering Paris from the north from Picardy, the east from Champagne or south from Burgundy, passing the infamous Eiffel Tower and the magnificent Notre Dame is always one of the great highlights of the cruise.

Many people choose to visit Paris before or after their cruise, a visit in contrast to the peace and relaxation of the cruise itself. This is why the crew of all of our barges which cruise in Burgundy, including our deluxe flag ship La Renaissance, pick you up and drop you off in the heart of Paris, a transfer by air conditioned mini bus included in the price of the cruise.

What is hotel barging?

Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especiallly on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.

This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.

Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!

European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands.

The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis.

Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

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