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France is home to a handful of winding channels and coursing rivers that offer a back door to some of the country’s most distinguished destinations. That is, if you can sail them. Belmond, and their impressive fleet of eight luxury barges opens that door. Discover the quiet regions of Burgundy, Provence, and Camargue on board a barge that has been transformed for an intimate sailing journey.
Each barge has been meticulously curated to provide unbounded comfort and pleasure down to the finest of details. All barges include spacious guest rooms, en-suite bathrooms, state of the art technology and more and each barge has its own unique touches that complement the capacity and style of the vessel. Regardless of your preferences, you can be sure to find a vessel perfect for you.
All vessels, but one (The Napoléon), are dedicated to private charters. This way, families and small groups have the utmost privacy and comfort while on board. Despite this commonality, each vessel has its own distinct personality and sails custom river routes through France.
Belmond barges Coquelicot, Alouette, and Fleur de Lys are perfect for immediate family members looking to spend quality time together on a quiet journey to the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Choose Fleur de Lys and head to Burgundy in the comfort of a four poster bed and spacious cabins, or sail to Champagne whilst drinking your favorite bubbly aboard Coquelicot. If you’re interested in a historical route, sail to Béziers aboard Alouette and pass by medieval fortresses during an al fresco lunch.
If you’re looking to include extended family on your sail, barges Amaryllis, Lilas, Pivoine, and Napoléon offer accommodations filled with character and style. Belmond sailings are a great option for multi-generational trips. Effortlessly customizable itineraries complement the various interests of those on board. Let your children explore the villages while the adults enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, before gathering for fine French cuisine inspired by local tastes and flavors.
Excursions on each sailing are inspired by off the beaten path adventures that capture and complement your destination’s beauty and charm. Not only will you be enthralled with the tales and exclusive local knowledge of each crew member, but you will also be immersed in local life. Excursions on a sail could look like horseback riding beautiful bridleways of the Languedoc region that weave through castle ruins, a picnic under olive groves personally prepared by your chef, hot air ballooning over chateaux and charming vineyards, or taking a tour of the Narbonne market to select fresh produce for the night’s dinner.
Dining aboard a Belmond barge is an unforgettable gourmet experience. Savor each morsel as you dine in the open-air listening to the waves lap against the ship’s bow and watching the twinkling stars peak through the clouds each evening. Each meal is carefully prepared by your personal chef with fresh ingredients sourced along each route. This method allows each meal to be influenced by the local tastes throughout your sailing, and creates a more intimate relationship between you and the flavors of France. Pair each dish with finely aged wine per the recommendations of your own sommelier on board, or open the bottle you personally selected on that day’s vineyard excursion.
If you’re a food aficionado, Belmond offers itineraries specifically curated around 33 Grand Cru vineyards and Michelin-starred cuisine. Spend a 7-day itinerary aboard the Napoléon in the heart of Burgundy, tasting a new Michelin-starred restaurant each night.
With a wide portfolio of properties and travel experiences around the world, Belmond’s Bellini Club fosters a special relationship for guests with exclusive benefits. Invite-only, Brownell advisors have access to grant Bellini Club member status to clients who book through them. Make your experience all the more memorable with special touches and flexibility.