Les bateaux Belmond
France
LES BATEAUX BELMOND
Burgundy, Provence, Canal Du Midi, Champagne, Camargue,
France
www.belmond.com
SHIP INFORMATION
Group
Belmond
Shareholders
Part of the Belmond Group Ltd collection.
Date of Creation
The first péniche-hotel, the Alouette, was restored and made its first voyage in 1987. In 2004 Belmond acquired the Les Bateaux Belmond fleet.
Ship General Manager
Marie Poutissou
Ship Positioning
5-star Luxury.
Relish every moment of your journey as you glide along on one of our seven luxurious barges. We make it a point of pride to ensure your every need is taken care of. Relax in stylish comfort and dine on sensational cuisine as you drift along picturesque riverbanks, then moor for tailor-made excursions. Our customised itineraries range from truffle hunting and go-karting to hot air ballooning and horse-riding.
Les bateaux Belmond
History & Story
The Les Bateaux Belmond fleet, comprising seven luxury floating villas, came about after three North American couples ventured on a barge trip in 1985, during which two travelers decided to start up their own peniche company.
The first barge, formerly called ‘Mars’ became the first of five to be converted into a luxury barge which began her cruising life in May 1987. Today it is known as Alouette. In 1993 Hirondelle was launched, then in 1994 Fleur de Lys, Napoleon and Amaryllis were launched in 2002. In 2004 Belmond acquired the Les Bateaux Belmond fleet. Lilas and Pivoine were next to start traveling in 2018, followed by the newest addition to the fleet, Coquelicot in 2022/2023.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Cruising on one of our luxury barges allows the connoisseur to appreciate the beauty and culture of the French waterways to the full. Onboard, guests are offered every indulgence, from plunge pools to the finest cuisine and on land, guests can enjoy exclusive wine tastings and fascinating excursions.
Location
The fleet cruises along the scenic rivers and canals of southern France, winding through Canal du Midi, Burgundy, Provence, Camargue and Champagne. Live the dream on France’s magnificent colourful country waterways from April to October each year.
Key sites/activities in the area
Excursions are planned to suit your wishes. A personal guide is on board, ready to introduce you to the region’s highlights such as architectural landmarks or famous vineyards. An air-conditioned vehicle accompanies each barge for your onshore visits. Guests get exclusive access to private vineyards, gardens, antiques, markets and local beauty spots. The péniche also carry bicycles to enable independent exploration of the local region at leisure. If that wasn’t enough, there are opportunities to experience a hot-air balloon ride, go cycling or play golf.
Fun Facts
Our operational reach covers almost the full length of France. From Champagne in the east of Paris to Carcassone in the south west, near the Spanish border.
We serve over 1000 bottles of champagne in a season.
Children’s Corner
We welcome families aboard Les Bateaux Belmond fleet.
SHIP FEATURES
Accommodation
Our stunning barges accommodate between four and 12 guests in total comfort. Each is are individually designed and some have heated, panoramic pools and sunbeds laid out on the attractive sun decks, while all are equipped with bicycles ready for riding along leafy pathways by the tranquil canals. All meals, beverages and excursions are included within your fare.
Relax in bright, airy lounges, gazing at the views through the large picture windows, or drink in the vistas from the sun deck – also perfect for cocktails before dinner.
There’s a high crew-to-guest ratio and each of our seasoned staff is fluent in English and French. A personal guide is on board, ready to introduce you to the region’s highlights. You’ll be looked after by the barge’s chef, too, who carefully pairs fresh regional cuisine with local wines and cheese.
Restaurants & Bars
- Dining is a highlight of every cruise.
- With a highly skilled chef on board, you can look forward to gourmet delights, from tasty breakfasts and delicious lunches to five-course candlelit dinners.
- Our chef sources the freshest ingredients from local markets and will tailor the cuisine to your tastes.
- You can also visits the markets with the chef.
- Your cruise begins in style with a champagne reception to welcome you on board.
- All meals, beverages and excursions are included in our fare.
Wellness
Swimming pool on selected barges
Corporate & Celebration Events
Whether you seek a family holiday, reunion with friends, or a romantic escape, or perhaps share an interest in golf or photography, we can create the perfect journey with customized itineraries for guests who choose to charter the barge.
Privately hiring the barge, allows guests the opportunity to have their own floating house party, flexibility with the length of travel, and larger parties can even take advantage of tandem cruising, where two péniche travel together.
Extra Notable Features
Some of our barges have grand pianos, others heated, panoramic pools. Our cabin facilities include iPod docking station, DVD players, computers and WIFI – this really is boating with a difference.
The mini-van transfer or train transfer from Paris to the river cruiser, all table d’hote meals, complimentary beverages, all excursions stated in the itinerary and accommodation are included in the cost.
Number of employees
39