Packages & Offers in France
The perfect excuse for an unforgettable french getaway.
Set sail and discover the hidden gems of France. Vacation packages and exclusive offers provide everything you need to start planning your next adventure.
Stay Overnight in Paris
Complimentary night at le meurice.
Enjoy a wonderful night in Paris at the Hotel Le Meurice. Book your Les Bateaux Belmond cruise in May, June, July or August, and stay overnight in Paris, either the night before or after your journey.
- Burgundy : Amaryllis - Jul 14, 21; Aug 4, 11, 25. Fleur De Lys - May 5, 26; Jun 16; Jul 14; Aug 4, 11. Lilas - May 12; Aug 4, 11, 18.
- Canal du Midi : Alouette - May 5, 12; Jun 30; Jul 7, 14; Aug 18, 25.
- Camargue : Pivoine - May 12, 26; Jul 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug 18.
- Champagne : Coquelicot - May 5; Jul 14, 21; Aug 4.
- Provence : Napoleon (Private charter) - May 19; Jun 2, 16; Jul 14; Aug 4, 25. Or Napoleon (Per cabin) - May 5; Jul 7; Aug 18.
- Quote code LBB1NFREE when speaking to our reservations team.
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Terms & Conditions
- Subject to availability. Offers cannot be combined and are only valid for new bookings.
- Single travellers please contact our reservations offices for availability.
- Offers are not applicable for parties of 12 or more - please contact [email protected] for group pricing.
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- Canal du Midi
- Alsace-Lorraine
- Upper Loire
- Loire Valley
- Holland Cruises
- Meet the Team
- In the Press
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- Category Premier
- Capacity 6 Guests
- Crew Members 4
- Booking Type Charter Only
- Check-in Time / Location 4:00 PM in Beziers or Narbonne
Float back in time to the 1920’s Art Deco heyday of the famed Orient Express trains on the Canal du Midi’s newest barge, the Elegance!
Elegance is the inspired creation of French captain Mathias Gilles, known for the signature sophisticated style onboard his first vessel, the Esperance. His longtime fascination with the glamorous train travel of yesteryear informed the décor on the aptly-named Elegance. “Precisely as on the Orient Express, Elegance is a work of art that displays a beautiful collection of furniture and objects,” says Mathias.
Elegance’s marquetry, woodwork, cutlery, crystalware, wallpaper, and fabric have all been chosen to reflect this retro-chic railway theme. The celebrated Art Deco artist Rene Lalique’s 1928 etched glass panels — once found on the Orient Express trains! — now enliven the barge’s light-filled salon. Three identically sized cabins ensure deluxe accommodations with Jazz Age charm. A graceful spiral staircase leads to the spacious deck, where ample outdoor seating beckons for hours of lounging and al fresco dining.
Onboard cuisine features the region’s fresh seafood and savory flavors, paired with crisp roses and small-batch spirits from the surrounding Languedoc. As on Esperance, original and creative table settings on Elegance will provide fabulous feasts for the eyes! Enriching excursions introduce guests to European history and French heritage, including visits to charming seaside villages, tasting freshly pressed olive oil, and exploring beautifully preserved churches.
All aboard the Elegance!
Last visited in 2024
A Day in the Life of a Barge Cruise
Extra, extra…Read all about Barge Lady Cruises!
- Accommodations & Amenities
Itineraries
Gourmet dining, rates & dates.
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Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan
Accommodations
- 100 ft long, with 7′ 2″ ceiling height in the salon
- 3 cabins, all 137 sq ft, 6′ 72″ ceiling height, with choice of queen or two twin beds
- Ensuite bathrooms with shower, 6′ 6″ ceiling height
- Ample storage space in cabins
- Salon and dining room
- Deck with umbrella
- Outdoor dining space and seating
Classic Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing
Travel from Capestang to Puicheric on the Canal du Midi *Your cruise could operate in the opposite direction. Please consult with us before making any arrival or departure plans.
Welcome Aboard
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Elegance at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Capestang. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard. After dinner, feel free to take a dip in the hot tub with a nightcap.
Sip, Shop, and Stroll
This morning, your Tour Guide presents Pezenas, a lively town full of art and history, and a place most dear to French playwright Molière. The city's historic center has become a bohemian haven of lively cafes and specialty boutiques. Sip, shop, and stroll your way through this adorable town brimming with authentic French life. Cruise this afternoon; laze on deck and admire the countryside gliding by, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. Enjoy tonight’s dinner onboard.
Gourmet Day
This morning, laze on deck while Elegance glides along the canal. Upon mooring, bookworms are invited to browse a unique book shop with approximately 50,000 second-hand books. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide introduces an olive pressoir for a tasting of small batch olive oils, then it’s a scenic drive to discover the historic and hilltop village of Minerve. Back onboard, join Chef in the open kitchen for a cooking demonstration, followed by drinks and dinner.
An Authentic Taste of France
The morning begins with a visit to Narbonne, a regional capital established in 118 B.C.E. as a Roman colony. A study of European history and local modernity thriving side by side, preserved Roman ruins are reverentially presented in public spaces, while the lively Narbonne market reflects the region’s gastronomic bounty. Enjoy a winetasting, then it’s back to Elegance to cruise through typical villages and under tiny bridges. Enjoy dinner onboard, moored deep in the countryside.
Captivating Carcassone
Begin the day with a scenic cruise through rustic countryside. Enjoy relaxing on deck, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. This afternoon, experience a cruise high point: your Tour Guide introduces Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval fortress with a walled city, ancient castle, and preserved ramparts. If you have already discovered Carcassonne, visit Lagrasse, an attractive market town full of art galleries and craft shops. Return to the Elegance for appetizers and aperitifs followed by another gourmet dinner.
Cruising the Canal du Midi
It’s a full day of cruising, gliding past typical villages and under tiny bridges as you fully savor the magic of one of France’s most iconic canals. Now is the time to explore by bicycle, laze in the hot tub, or join your Captain in his wheelhouse. At the L’Aiguille lock, disembark to view the collection of unusual sculptures created by the artistic lockkeeper, then celebrate your luxurious journey on the Canal du Midi with a festive Farewell Feast onboard.
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.
Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked goods from a local boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. For lunches and dinners, your onboard Chef creates regionally and seasonally inspired fare. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees, and your multi-course gourmet dinner is served with grand table settings and fine crockery, all in a festive setting. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. Note these are sample menus. Bon Appetit!
- Market Greens, Pear, and Parmesan Salad
- Sautéed Ravioli with Pancetta and Local Mushrooms
- Cheeses: Crotin de Chavignol and St. Nectaire Fermier
- Cider and Green Apple Sorbet
- A Selection of Coffees, Teas and Biscuits
- Amuse-bouche
- Comté Soufflé with Seared Scallop and Tomato Jam
- Grilled Cod with Horseradish Lentils and Petit Pois
- Cheeses: Ossau-Iraty and Picodon de l’Ardéche
- Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Vanilla Ice Cream
- A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
- Daumas Gassac
- Voulte Gasparet
- Saint Chinian: Les Terrasses de Gabrielle
- Jean Batiste Sénat: La Nine
- Jeff Carrel: Les Darons
- Limoux: Toques et Clochers
Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season
Additional Details
Included in the rate.
- 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
- Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from a local meeting point
- A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
- All meals onboard from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
- All wines served onboard with lunches and dinners
- Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
- Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub
Not included in the rate
- International airfare
- Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
- Transport to and from the cruise region
- Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price
*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted
“Everything about the barge trip was great. We loved Captain Mathias! Not only is he a skilled captain, but he took wonderful care of us — he seemed to know what we needed even before we did! The barge is so comfortable, and our Chef was superb. We had beautiful weather so we could sit out on the deck and enjoy the canal as the scenery passed by. We all kept saying we could hardly believe we were so fortunate. It really was a perfect vacation.” – Linda S, Esperance, sister ship to Elegance
Are you ready to discover the cultural treasures of the Canal du Midi?
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The Creators of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Train Are Launching a Luxury Barge in Champagne Country
Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne is set to hit the water in May 2023.
Belmond, already known and loved for its luxury Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train , is preparing to step up its boat game, too.
In October, the travel company announced its plans to add to its fleet of riverboats with the addition of Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne , set to hit the water in May 2023.
The vessel, which TravelWeekly reported is an updated version of Belmond's Hirondelle barge, is getting a redesign thanks to the French duo Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet. The pair is turning the barge into a luxury haven with three double cabins, all boasting marble ensuite bathrooms and copper soaking tubs, along with neutral and cream-toned decor and just the right touch of soft pinks and baby green so that guests can unwind in style.
"By its moniker, the Coquelicot is a nod to discovery, a journey past appearances, and a study of what lies beneath the surface," the company shares on its website about the trips to come. "Just like our new boat, the Coquelicot is a sophisticated invitation to embark on a sensational journey, a voyage towards excellence."
Beyond the rooms, a highlight of the barge is its new open kitchen, which will likely serve as the heartbeat of every trip, as food appears to be a primary feature of the journeys.
Upon boarding, the company says, the staff will greet guests with "a refreshing flute of Ruinart, the very soul of Champagne and our partner in this adventure."
Guests will then continue down the river to visit the Ruinart vineyards for more tastings as well as a private lunch featuring a four-hands menu by Ruinart's chef Valérie Radou and the Coquelicot's chef.
Back onboard, guests can indulge further in "distinctive menus designed by your Coquelicot chef" for dinner before finishing the evening with flowing Champagne alongside the barge's sommelier. And in the morning, travelers can get ready to do it all again over coffee and local pastries.
"Experience locally-sourced cuisine while learning modern recipes. Appreciate the marriage of heritage and contemporary furnishings," the company adds. "At the end of your voyage, Coquelicot will leave you longing for more escapism." Though really, that's happening for us before the journey even begins. See more about the new barge and book your getaway here .
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