Scenic River Cruises

A journey with Les Bateaux Belmond promises a European River Cruise experience like no other. Glide through the most picturesque waterways France has to offer on board one of Belmond's seven luxurious péniche-hôtels. (barge hotels) These opulent vessels allow guests to discover regions such as Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, and the Canal du Midi in true comfort and style.

Each barge in the Les Bateaux Belmond fleet is uniquely designed to reflect the charm and heritage of its cruising region. Accommodating between four and twelve guests, these vessels provide an intimate setting for personalised journeys. Luxurious cabins feature en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Some barges boast heated pools, antique furnishings, and even grand pianos!

Alouette

Glide along the tree-lined Canal du Midi from Carcassonne to Béziers aboard Alouette. Start each day with quiet luxury as you wake up in your beautifully designed private cabin. Stop by sun-drenched vineyards to sample exquisite vintages, and join your private chef at bustling markets to select the freshest ingredients for dinner. If you seek cosy intimacy and complete relaxation, this is the perfect luxury river cruise for you.

Ideal for a tranquil summer in the South of France or a romantic getaway, Alouette features just two cabins—one twin and one double—each with an ensuite shower room stocked with L’Occitane toiletries.

Unwind in intimate surroundings, where soft lighting, warm pastel tones, and elegant marble bathrooms create the perfect setting for a restful stay. Enjoy a cooling afternoon siesta or sip a classic cocktail as you watch the sunset through your picture windows.

  • Capacity: 4 passengers
  • Decks: 3, Crew: 4
  • Twin and double beds
  • En-suite facilities with walk-in showers
  • Spacious storage space
  • Air conditioning
  • Sockets for two-pin 220-volt plugs

Amaryllis

Drift through the picturesque waterways of Burgundy’s renowned wine region and uncover its hidden treasures. From St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Pontailler-sur-Saône, explore historic châteaux nestled among lush landscapes, wander through elegant sun-drenched cities and charming villages, and savour the essence of Burgundy in its rich, complex wines.

After a day of discovery, return to the barge for refreshing cocktails and gourmet onboard dining. Experience ultimate relaxation in the grand cabins, where fine fabrics and delicate floral accents in soft, muted tones create a haven of tranquillity. By day, large picture windows keep you connected to the ever-changing beauty of Burgundy’s countryside. By night, spacious king or twin beds promise a restful sleep.

  • Capacity: 8 passengers
  • Decks: 2, Crew: 6
  • King beds (can be configured into twin beds)
  • En-suite facilities
  • Sarmance toiletries
  • Spacious storage
  • Sockets for two-pin 220-volt plugs

Fleur De Lys

Relax as the beautiful Fleur De Lys drifts past enchanting châteaux, picturesque port towns, and sun-drenched vineyards. Along the way, delight in the magic of Burgundy’s finest vintage wines and experience French cuisine at its best, expertly prepared by your private onboard chef.

Step into your spacious cabin where every detail has been carefully considered. Exquisite furnishings and embroidered textiles, sourced from around the world, have been thoughtfully curated to reflect the serene beauty of life on the waterways.

Fleur de Lys features three elegant oak-panelled cabins, each with an oversized picture window, a plush four-poster bed, a spacious ensuite, and adjustable air conditioning. Every comfort has been taken care of.

  • Capacity: 6 passengers
  • Double beds (can be configured into twin beds)
  • En-suite facilities
  • Sarmance toiletries
  • Spacious storage
  • Sockets for two-pin 220-volt plugs

Lilas

Lilas invites you to experience a world of understated elegance, where the bright, homely interiors reflect the beauty of the surrounding Beaujolais wine region—a landscape rich in flavour and heritage. On the luxury river cruise from Auxonne to Lyon, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or savour exquisite delicacies on deck. Each journey offers the chance to explore the region’s finest vineyards and legendary châteaux.

The tranquil ambience of Lilas is felt both inside and out. After a day of organic wine tastings, sightseeing, or simply unwinding in the on-deck pool, retreat to one of four spacious cabins. Each beautifully designed room features delicate floral accents, handcrafted ironwork, timber furnishings, and natural linens, creating a haven of comfort and relaxation.

  • Capacity: 8 passengers
  • Decks: 2, Crew: 6
  • King beds (can be configured into twin beds)
  • En-suite facilities
  • Dyptique toiletries
  • Spacious storage
  • Sockets for two-pin 220-volt plugs

Napoléon

Cruise the majestic Rhône and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Provence aboard Napoléon, an exclusive private charter.

Step on board the largest barge in Belmond's fleet and relax as serene lavender fields pass by and graceful weeping willows dip into the water. Enjoy a crisp glass of Côtes de Provence rosé and indulge in the rich flavours of truffles from Grignan. Uncover the true beauty of this region, from the picture-perfect hillsides of Tain L’Hermitage to the historic walls of Avignon. Napoléon is complete with 6 elegant cabins, each with its own bathroom.

Every morning on board is spent at your own pace, whether you wish to enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your cabin or take it up to the spacious deck, (and maybe even take a morning dip in the jacuzzi!) this stunning barge is your home on the water.

  • Capacity: 12 passengers
  • Decks: 3, Crew: 7
  • Double beds (can be configured into twin beds)
  • Wash basin, shower and a WC
  • Air conditioning
  • Sockets for two-pin 220-volt plugs
  • Length: 129ft / 39.3m, Width: 16.56ft / 5.05m

Pivoine

Pivoine offers not only one of the finest river cruise experiences in France but in all of Europe. Escape to the Rhône and immerse yourself in the region’s diverse wildlife, from the iconic Camargue bulls and white horses to elegant pink flamingos. Discover charming villages with winding medieval alleys and ancient walled crusader towns.

For a rejuvenating start to your day, why not try a sunrise yoga session on deck, arranged by the attentive team, or make use of our fitness equipment for an energising workout?

Onboard, each cabin is a luxurious retreat. Refresh in gleaming marble ensuite bathrooms, then sip a coffee surrounded by plush fabrics and delicate, romantic hues. Step out onto the deck for a dip in the heated alfresco pool, or relax in the lounge with handpicked cheeses and fine wines. Designed with serenity in mind, the four elegant cabins—each featuring king or twin beds, marble bathrooms, and indulgent amenities—offer the perfect sanctuary for your French river cruise.

  • En-suite facilities
  • Double beds
  • Dyptique toiletries
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Sockets for two-pin 220-volt plugs

Gourmet Dining

Each of Belmond's scenic river cruises promises pure culinary excellence from morning til night. Every day begins with fresh French pastries and a continental buffet - but hot meals can be prepared on request. Lunch is a relaxed affair - a light, summery buffet featuring the freshest salads, an exquisite two-course meal served on the deck or maybe even a bespoke picnic basket prepared for you to take to shore. Dinner on board consists of a 4 or 5-course meal prepared with fresh ingredients picked up from the local markets throughout the journey.

During your trip, you will have the opportunity to sample fine vintage wines, artisan cheeses and rich truffles. From Narbonne to Burgundy, each Belmond journey promises the most unforgettable of culinary adventures.

Chef Dominique Crenn

As Belmond prepares for a new season of sailing, they are delighted to welcome the incredible Dominique Crenn as their new Culinary Curator. The renowned chef and owner of the three-Michelin-starred 'Atelier Crenn' in San Francisco, Dominique is celebrated for her cuisine, which is heavily inspired by poetry.

Drawing on her French heritage, she will collaborate with the onboard chefs in Burgundy, Champagne, and the South of France to create a signature entrée, main course, and dessert for each region you explore. Join Les Bateaux Belmond to experience her exquisite dishes—crafted with passion and designed to be enjoyed with loved ones.

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Pivoine - Avignon to Sete
Pivoine - Sete to Avignon
Napoleon - Tain l'Hermitage to Avignon
Napoleon - Avignon to Tain l'Hermitage
Lilas - St Jean to Lyon
Lilas - Lyon to St Jean
Fleur de Lys - Vandenesse en Auxois to Dijon
Alouette - Carcassonne to Beziers
Alouette - Beziers to Carcassonne
Amaryllis - Dijon to St Leger Sur Dheune
Amaryllis - Leger Sur Dheune to Dijon

Related Journal Entries