Blog

In Thanksgiving of Beaujolais Nouveau!

Celebrate a Beaujolais Nouveau each November aboard the C’est la Vie. Discover the history and charm of this famous wine and enjoy a luxury barge cruise.

Celebrate Sancerre with these five fun facts about the Loire’s most revered white wine. Discover the history, terroir, and flavours of this iconic French wine

July Celebrations & French-American Heritage Month

July is the month of one of the most celebrated of French national holidays – France’s “Fête Nationale” or National Celebration, Bastille Day. The day bustles with fanfare-filled parades, flyovers, and fireworks marking the fall of the Bastille in Paris and the beginning of the French Revolution. Additionally, in the United States, July is recognized […]

All aboard for the International Garden Festival 2024

Discover sustainability and creativity at the 2024 International Garden Festival in Chaumont-sur-Loire. Explore diverse gardens and heritage at this summer event

Experience Easter on a barge cruise holiday in France

Celebrate Easter with a unique French twist on a barge cruise holiday. Explore traditional festivities, culinary delights, and serene waterways aboard the C’est La Vie.

Explore the famous Champagnes of France, including Laurent-Perrier, Krug, Dom Pérignon, Pol Roger, and Cristal, and their rich histories.

Avoid the Summer Olympics Rush with a Spring or Autumn Cruise

Explore the serene beauty of France beyond summer with a spring or autumn cruise on C’est La Vie, avoid the Olympics rush and enjoy luxury at off-season prices.

Looking ahead to 2024 on the C’est La Vie

Experience the luxurious C’est La Vie Hotel Barge, meticulously prepared for 2024 voyages. A perfect Christmas gift offering scenic French waterway cruises.

Discover Montargis with the C’est La Vie

As part of our Upper Loire barge cruise, we visit the charming village of Montargis, here is what to expect.

Discover the heart of French culinary artistry at Auberge des Templiers, a Michelin-starred gem on our Upper Loire Barge Cruise.

Five reasons to book a barge cruise for 2024

We all know about the French scenery, fine dining and historic chateaux but here are five underappreciated reasons to book a barge cruise in 2024

Explore Les Sept Écluses’ historical significance: 7 locks in Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, a key part of the canal history of France.

Unravel Champagne’s rich culture on C’est La Vie Luxury Hotel Barge. Embark on an extraordinary voyage for an unforgettable experience.

Experience a luxury barge cruise on the C’est La Vie

Step aboard C’est La Vie for an unforgettable week in captivating Loire & Champagne regions. Immerse in history, landscapes & luxury.

Last-Minute Availability. Week 37, September 10-16, 2023. Individual cabins or full charter available. Don’t miss out!

As well as historical architecture and fine food, you can expect to see plenty of wildlife on a barge cruise in France. Here are some of the natives you might encounter.

There are currently 450 AOC wine varieties in France. In this blog post we describe some favourites we regularly serve onboard the C’est La Vie.

We are just weeks away from the start of our 2023 so we thought we’d wet your appetite with some of the best recent photos from our beloved clients.

A barge trip & major events in France 2024

Why not combine a barge trip of a lifetime with some of these major events happening in France in 2024?

In a change for 2023 we visit the Boizel Champagne house in Epernay as part of our Champagne barge cruise on board the C’est La Vie.

The crew of the C’est La Vie, would like to wish all our passengers from 2022 and those who will join us in 2023 a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A visit to Belleau Wood & Château-Thierry

The most poignant stops on our barge cruises in France are the visits to the WW1 battlefield and memorial plus the Château-Thierry American monument.

Faïencerie de Gien, the town and the pottery

On our Upper Loire barge cruise we visit the famous tableware factory of the ‘Faïencerie de Gien’ as well as stroll the market town who plays host to it.

In the blink of an eye another peak summer season has passed but with plenty of still to look forward to with an autumn on the Loire.

City life, or countryside life is the dilemma, but on a C’est La Vie barge cruise why not enjoy both!

In this blog we share with you through our wonderful client photos what a summer’s day on a barge cruise in France might look like.

Sights & sounds on a barge cruise in France

What is is actually like onboard a barge cruise in France? Well here are a few of the sights and sounds you can expect from a recent trip.

We have all seen the photos of grand French chateaux and rolling vineyards but there is a treasure of sights to be found if you pause and look close enough.

Anchors aweigh for a new season on the water

April 10th marked the start of our first charter of 2022 with a barge cruise in Burgundy. Here are a few photos and updates from the cruise.

Château de Saint-Fargeau is packed with charm and character, providing a unique contrast to the more exuberant chateaux we visit on our barge cruises in France.

After the long winter, and let’s face it a long couple of years, seeing the first signs of spring here in France is a welcome reminder what’s to come.

France commemorates many different days and events each year. Some military, some religious but always with a strong commitment to honouring their history.

Seasonal Greetings from the C’est La Vie

Olivier and I would like to thank all our clients from 2021, who braved the rules and regulations and made it over to France.

There is more to the Champagne region than just bubbly, here we mention a few highlights including several we visit on our barge cruises in France.

France boasts a richness of fine architecture but even by these prestigious standards, Chateau de Fontainebleau is a sight to behold

Last month we were delighted to welcome our first barge clients since restrictions were lifted. Here are a few highlights from the barge cruise.

France boasts many reasons it remains a fixture on everyone’s travel list but the picturesque towns & villages are what give it a rich, historic charm.

What an 18-months it has been. People have faced severe challenges but we are relieved to see light at the end of the canal.

7 days, 6 nights. Highlights: Chablis, Château of Ancy-le Franc, Medieval town Noyers, Abbey of Fontenay, Auxerre.

France welcomes many tourists specifically to visit WW1 and WW2 battlefields and memorials. Here are a few we visit on our barge cruises.

France is a tourist favourite for good reason, whether you come for the food or open space, here are 5 x things to love about France.

Our golf cruises in France are a great way enjoy the all that France has to offer while including 18-holes at some spectacular golf courses.

Having flexible travel arrangements may certainly help 2021 trip planning so look at our short but sweet 3-night and 5-night barge cruises.

Local markets are an integral part of French culture. Every town will have one at a certain time each week and they are well worth a visit.

Christmas Message from Olivier & Deborah

2021 will be a year of new beginnings and new voyages so until then we send our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

Our highlights of the Loire, a region we always enjoy visiting on our barge cruises in France. Including vineyards, desserts and more.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a Baroque château southeast of Paris. A stop on two of our luxury barge cruises.

Book before October 31st for a 10% discount

Receive a 10% discount on any 5-night cruise or selected weeks on the full length 6-night cruises when booked before October 31st 2020.

Aerial video from a barge cruise in France

Enjoy this spectacular footage of the C’est La Vie Luxury Hotel Barge on a barge cruise in France crossing the pont-canal de Briare.

5 x ingredients for a perfect barge cruise

Here are five key ingredients to a perfect barge cruise in France. Everything from your accommodation to the experienced crew.

When joining the C’est La Vie Luxury Hotel Barge on a cruise in France, you’ll be putting your taste buds through their paces!

The C’est La Vie Luxury Hotel Barge has a long and rich history. Here is the story of our beloved barge and it’s proud owners.

‘Crémant du Bourgogne’ is an underappreciated series of French sparkling wines. Come enjoy wine tasting with us on the C’est La Vie.

Burgundy is a place of relaxation, but also of beauty and culture. There is so much more to see and explore in this unspoilt region of France.

Visit Paris on your Barge Cruise holiday

On our barge cruises not only will you be able to enjoy the waterways of France, but you’ll also be able to indulge in all that Paris has to offer.

Choosing a French 2021 Hotel Barge Cruise

We talk you through the highlights of each 2021 cruise route to help you choose your own French 2021 Hotel Barge Cruise!

As well as the finest French wine and cuisine you’ll enjoy onboard the C’est La Vie Luxury Hotel Barge, we also make a stop at the finest restaurants.

Here is a great guest blog from Howard and his party as they cruised our Champagne route on board the C’est La Vie Luxury Hotel Barge.

Here are the some of the sights you’ll likely see on a Burgundy Barge Cruise on board the C’est La Vie Luxury Hotel Barge.

Working on a luxury hotel barge has given me insights into the beauty of the many different styles of the cathedrals and churches of Champagne.

We visit the Barbizon School of Painters on our Saint Florentin to Meaux Barge Cruise cruise route aboard the C’est La Vie Luxury Hotel Barge.

Loire river cruises are a great way to explore this charming region of France. We have two luxury hotel barge cruise routes that take in the Loire.

Luxury French river cruises are fast becoming the go-to option for travellers looking for an extra special holiday.

We visit the Abbey of Fontenay on our Burgundy cruise route. If you feel like joining us, we would love to welcome you on board our luxury hotel barge.