Hotel barge
Encyclopedia
The Hotel Barge came into being following the decline in commercial and freight carriage on the canals of Europe. Many working barges have been converted into floating hotels of varying degrees of luxury. This trend began in the 1960s and has now grown into a network of hotel barges operating on the canals and rivers of France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and the UK.
in southern France Thomas Jefferson
, then ambassador to France before he became the third President of the United States, wrote to a friend almost 200 years before canal vacations became popular saying "You should not think of returning to America without taking this tour I have taken". However, the practice of converting large barges (i.e. barges generally designed to fit into the locks of canals with minimal remaining volume) only began in 1966 with the Barge Palinurus, converted from carrying coal and captained by Richard Parsons on the canals of the Burgundy region of France. At the time the barge was equipped to take 20 passengers, with only one bath, two showers and two toilets shared between them, cruising on the River Yonne
and the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal).
The popularity of cruises, particularly amongst American clients, on this new type of boat was improved significantly thanks to the American writer Emily Kimborough and her book 'Floating Island' published in 1968, all about her experiences aboard the Palinurus. The high standards of accommodation expected by American clients rapidly drove the levels of luxury aboard hotel barges upwards. In 1969 Richard Parsons teamed up with Guy Bardet to launch Continental Waterways, a company that eventually ran 15 hotel barges in France.
Three decades later and the market for luxury vacations on floating hotels has grown even further, with over 300 cabins and 70 hotel barges available on French canals alone. In recent years the market has seen significantly increased custom from British, Australian, New Zealander and Russian clients, equalling those from the United States. In part this might be due to American sensitivities post-9/11, post-Iraq and for economic reasons but Europe (and France in particular) remains as safe, friendly and attractive as it has always been.
, but there are also hotel barges operating in Ireland
, England
, Scotland
, Germany
, Holland, Belgium
and Italy
. The French 'Classic' routes ( Burgundy, the Loire Valley
and the Canal du Midi
) are the busiest, having the most hotel barges operating, together with an appreciable number of hire boats and private pleasure craft. However, hotel barges are to be found working almost all of France’s waterways, including the quieter and lesser-known canals – these present an alternative to the busier routes. Most waterways (rivers and canals) remain unspoilt and key attractions of hotel barging are peace and quiet, comfort and relaxation in attractive surroundings.
Hotel barges normally travel for a part of the day, between town ports or more informal moorings. Most cruise on Europe's extensive canal network (8,500km in France alone) but a few visit or operate on rivers. Cruise itineraries will have been developed to provide clients with a rich mixture of scenic quality, history and interest. Many barges will also provide excursions to visit local sights (for example, vineyards, restaurants, artisan workshops, markets or castles), most according to a pre-arranged schedule others entirely according to the wishes and interests of particular guests. Most barges will provide bicycles for guests for more informal explorations.
The vessel itself will be certified for certain category of waterway, ranging from the straightforward to major rivers such as the Seine
or Rhone
to tidal coastal waters. It will be required to have appropriate insurance cover and be surveyed at regular intervals.
Hotel barges provide guest rooms (cabins) of a luxurious standard, with en-suite bathrooms. They will normally also include a saloon (lounge) and dining room, and an open sun deck with appropriate furniture. Some barges also feature Jacuzzis, hot tubs and small plunge pools on deck (although these are not always well used by guests, being somewhat exposed to the public gaze). Many barges, especially those operating in Southern France, are air-conditioned. Many hotel barges provide mobile internet access whilst on board.
In recent years, as is the case throughout the travel - and other - sectors, it has become increasingly easy to find information, make comparisons, make enquiries and make bookings via the internet. Potential clients can identify and make contact direct with potential hotel barges, or specialist brokers representing them, many of which will be owner operated.
Direct contact with barge owners or operators can prove an excellent 'litmus test' of the operator's commitment to customer service, measured by speed of response, efficiency and interest in accurately understanding, and meeting, client needs and delivering the personal attention that is a significant ingredient in a successful hotel barge vacation. However the experience and knowledge of a specialist broker can be invaluable when making comparisons between barges, or for discovering possible cruise options that may not have even been initially considered. As with any high value leisure purchase it is always important that potential clients and suppliers can discuss and agree features of the product that can be tailored to client interests - for example, places visited or culinary likes and dislikes.
Larger hotel barges are booked by the room, for the cruise itinerary and the cruising hotel is shared with other guests. Smaller boats are usually chartered as a whole, meaning friends or family share the experience together as a private party.
History
When referring to travelling on the Canal du MidiCanal du Midi
The is a long canal in Southern France . The canal connects the Garonne River to the on the Mediterranean and along with the Canal de Garonne forms the Canal des Deux Mers joining the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The canal runs from the city of Toulouse down to the Étang de Thau...
in southern France Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom , the third President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia...
, then ambassador to France before he became the third President of the United States, wrote to a friend almost 200 years before canal vacations became popular saying "You should not think of returning to America without taking this tour I have taken". However, the practice of converting large barges (i.e. barges generally designed to fit into the locks of canals with minimal remaining volume) only began in 1966 with the Barge Palinurus, converted from carrying coal and captained by Richard Parsons on the canals of the Burgundy region of France. At the time the barge was equipped to take 20 passengers, with only one bath, two showers and two toilets shared between them, cruising on the River Yonne
Yonne River
The Yonne is a river in France, left tributary of the Seine. It is 292 km long. The river gives its name to the Yonne département. Its source is in the Nièvre département, in the Morvan hills near Château-Chinon...
and the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal).
The popularity of cruises, particularly amongst American clients, on this new type of boat was improved significantly thanks to the American writer Emily Kimborough and her book 'Floating Island' published in 1968, all about her experiences aboard the Palinurus. The high standards of accommodation expected by American clients rapidly drove the levels of luxury aboard hotel barges upwards. In 1969 Richard Parsons teamed up with Guy Bardet to launch Continental Waterways, a company that eventually ran 15 hotel barges in France.
Three decades later and the market for luxury vacations on floating hotels has grown even further, with over 300 cabins and 70 hotel barges available on French canals alone. In recent years the market has seen significantly increased custom from British, Australian, New Zealander and Russian clients, equalling those from the United States. In part this might be due to American sensitivities post-9/11, post-Iraq and for economic reasons but Europe (and France in particular) remains as safe, friendly and attractive as it has always been.
Hotel barging
Luxury Hotel barges have been cruising in Europe for over 30 years and are felt by many of their clients to provide an enjoyable, relaxing and luxurious way of experiencing countryside scenery, towns and villages. The great majority of boats are to be found in FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, but there are also hotel barges operating in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Holland, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
and Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. The French 'Classic' routes ( Burgundy, the Loire Valley
Canal latéral à la Loire
The Canal Latéral à la Loire was constructed between 1827 and 1838 to connect the Canal de Briare at Briare and the Canal du Centre at Digoin, a distance of 196 km. It replaced the use of the River Loire which had reliability problems arising from winter floods and summer droughts...
and the Canal du Midi
Canal du Midi
The is a long canal in Southern France . The canal connects the Garonne River to the on the Mediterranean and along with the Canal de Garonne forms the Canal des Deux Mers joining the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The canal runs from the city of Toulouse down to the Étang de Thau...
) are the busiest, having the most hotel barges operating, together with an appreciable number of hire boats and private pleasure craft. However, hotel barges are to be found working almost all of France’s waterways, including the quieter and lesser-known canals – these present an alternative to the busier routes. Most waterways (rivers and canals) remain unspoilt and key attractions of hotel barging are peace and quiet, comfort and relaxation in attractive surroundings.
Hotel barges normally travel for a part of the day, between town ports or more informal moorings. Most cruise on Europe's extensive canal network (8,500km in France alone) but a few visit or operate on rivers. Cruise itineraries will have been developed to provide clients with a rich mixture of scenic quality, history and interest. Many barges will also provide excursions to visit local sights (for example, vineyards, restaurants, artisan workshops, markets or castles), most according to a pre-arranged schedule others entirely according to the wishes and interests of particular guests. Most barges will provide bicycles for guests for more informal explorations.
Hotel barge types
Hotel barges vary widely in size, in configuration, in the scale and quality of their accommodation, and in the standard and amount of catering. At the larger end, there are barges that take 24 guests, at the smaller, just four. All hotel barges have a high staff to guest ratio, but it would be natural for the more intimate boats to provide a greater degree of personal attention and possibly personal comfort. A few hotel barges (six or eight guests) are 'static' and remain at their one place of mooring. A unique proposition is offered by one professional working barge, which offers comfortable modern accommodation for two - and the opportunity to see a 'real barge' in action.Regulations and hotel barges
Hotel barges have to comply with a number of legal requirements, including those in France being scrutinised by the Commission de Surveillance inspectorate. The barge has to have a qualified pilot in control that has the following credentials:- A 'GP' Grande Plaisance licence (this has replaced the former 'PP' Péniche Plaisance licence).
This tests the pilot's thorough knowledge of waterways regulations and practicalities, together with an examination of barge handling skills. The test can only be carried out at a recognised school. - A 'Passager' licence (Certificat de Capacité commercial licence with a “Passager” endorsement).
This licence to carry paying guests is obtainable only after four years of practical barge operation experience. - An 'ASP' Attestation Spéciale Passagers.
At least one person (skipper or crew) must have this certificate, which requires knowledge of proper equipment operation, safety procedures and first aid.
The vessel itself will be certified for certain category of waterway, ranging from the straightforward to major rivers such as the Seine
Seine
The Seine is a -long river and an important commercial waterway within the Paris Basin in the north of France. It rises at Saint-Seine near Dijon in northeastern France in the Langres plateau, flowing through Paris and into the English Channel at Le Havre . It is navigable by ocean-going vessels...
or Rhone
Rhône
Rhone can refer to:* Rhone, one of the major rivers of Europe, running through Switzerland and France* Rhône Glacier, the source of the Rhone River and one of the primary contributors to Lake Geneva in the far eastern end of the canton of Valais in Switzerland...
to tidal coastal waters. It will be required to have appropriate insurance cover and be surveyed at regular intervals.
Catering and facilities
From a food and drink point of view, hotel barges vary from those offering straightforward Bed and Breakfast services, to those also providing Lunch, to Full Service. At least one hotel barge offers self-catering. At the best Five Star level, barges will have a qualified and experienced chef on board able to prepare and serve cuisine of an internationally high standard, from daily fresh local ingredients - and with an accompanying selection of local wines and spirits. The opportunity to dine well - and healthily - is another reason many clients say that they choose a barge hotel experience. Some barges - particularly the smaller owner operated ones - welcome guests with dietary preferences or requirements, for example kosher, halal, vegetarian, vegan, no starch or low carbohydrate diets and maintain their high standards within those disciplines. Whilst some barges provide a thoroughly enjoyable straightforward experience, offering good value for money, a completely bespoke personal service is a feature of the top-end hotel barges.Hotel barges provide guest rooms (cabins) of a luxurious standard, with en-suite bathrooms. They will normally also include a saloon (lounge) and dining room, and an open sun deck with appropriate furniture. Some barges also feature Jacuzzis, hot tubs and small plunge pools on deck (although these are not always well used by guests, being somewhat exposed to the public gaze). Many barges, especially those operating in Southern France, are air-conditioned. Many hotel barges provide mobile internet access whilst on board.
Booking a hotel barge
The traditional route for selecting a hotel barge from the many that are available has been to use the services of a specialist broker. Often based in the USA, but with a number in Britain and France, brokers represent a selection of boats. The best brokers will know their portfolio of barges very well, having personally inspected them, understanding what they offer guests and consequently able to advise potential clients which would be best suited for their vacation and to manage the booking process. Brokers receive a commission of between 10% and 35% for these services.In recent years, as is the case throughout the travel - and other - sectors, it has become increasingly easy to find information, make comparisons, make enquiries and make bookings via the internet. Potential clients can identify and make contact direct with potential hotel barges, or specialist brokers representing them, many of which will be owner operated.
Direct contact with barge owners or operators can prove an excellent 'litmus test' of the operator's commitment to customer service, measured by speed of response, efficiency and interest in accurately understanding, and meeting, client needs and delivering the personal attention that is a significant ingredient in a successful hotel barge vacation. However the experience and knowledge of a specialist broker can be invaluable when making comparisons between barges, or for discovering possible cruise options that may not have even been initially considered. As with any high value leisure purchase it is always important that potential clients and suppliers can discuss and agree features of the product that can be tailored to client interests - for example, places visited or culinary likes and dislikes.
Larger hotel barges are booked by the room, for the cruise itinerary and the cruising hotel is shared with other guests. Smaller boats are usually chartered as a whole, meaning friends or family share the experience together as a private party.
Some hotel barges
- AnjodiAnjodiAnjodi is a Luxe motor Dutch steel barge built as a trading barge but refitted in 1982 as a hotel barge. She is currently berthed on the Canal du Midi in south-west France....
- Enchanté
- La Belle Epoque
- La Dolce Vita La Dolce Vita (barge)The La Dolce Vita was built in 1897 in Groningen, Netherlands. She originally served as a cargo barge in Holland. She presently serves as a hotel barge, owned by silver Venice lda and operated by European Waterways.-History:...
- La RenaissanceLa Renaissance (barge)The La Renaissance was built in Belgium in 1960 as a spitz barge to carry cargo along the canals of Europe. Her original cargo was grain and iron ore. She presently serves as a luxury hotel barge, owned and operated by European Waterways.-History:...
- L'Art de VivreL'Art de VivreThe L'Art de Vivre was built in 1917 in Deptford, England as a cargo barge. She presently serves as a luxury hotel barge, owned and operated by European Waterways.-History:...
- L'ImpressionnisteL'ImpressionnisteThe L'Impressionniste was built in 1960 in Belgium and is a spitz barge with a dutch luxe motor style bow. The overall hull shape of the barge is a marriage of the French and Dutch barge building influences. She was converted to a hotel barge in 1996...
- Magna CartaMagna Carta (barge)The Magna Carta was built in Holland in 1936. It was converted from a sand carrying cargo vessel to a hotel barge by Geoffrey K. Temple in 2001-2002 after 65 years of carrying cargo for the same family. It was sold to be replaced with a much larger vessel as it was no longer large enough to compete...
- NympheaNympheaThe Nymphea was built in 1921 to carry cargo along the canals of Europe and is a classic Dutch design with shallow draft. She presently serves as a luxury hotel barge, owned and operated by European Waterways.-History:...
- RosaRosa (barge)The Rosa is a Tjalk-clipper style barge, built in Dedemsvaart, Holland in 1907. Its former name was the "Renaissance". It was converted to a hotel barge in 1990 and sailed on the Canal des Deux Mers between Toulouse and Bordeaux. She is being refitted during 2010 for cruising on the Canal Latéral...
- Saint LouisSaint Louis (hotel barge)The Saint Louis is a Luxemotor hotel barge, built by Boot a Alphen in Holland in 1923. She was built as a bulk carrier and served in the Dutch seas and inland waterways carrying cargoes of grain and gravel until around 1985...
- Scottish Highlander
External links
- Hotel Barges in France Directory of hotel barges, fleet operators and brokers
- Barge related regulations
- Go Barging Fleet operator's website
- The Barge Company Broker's website
- The Barge Connection Broker's website