Why 'Barge Cruising' Is the Smartest Way to See Europe This Summer

"We had booked a stateroom on the Kir Royale, a four-cabin barge owned by European Waterways, a leader in this style of travel. The company has 18 vessels in all, across France, as well as Belgium, the British Isles, Italy, and the Netherlands. We also considered French Country Waterways, with its fleet of four barges, and Belmond, with its seven-ship collection known as Les Bateaux Belmond."

"As we were planning our trip, Chris voiced one concern: "If there are only eight of us on board, what if we don't get along with somebody?" It was a fair point, but we agreed to take the gamble. In the end, we couldn't have been happier with our four fellow passengers: a couple from Australia who were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary and a couple from Michigan on their sixth barge cruise."

A late-August barge cruise along the Marne River coincided with the Champagne harvest, providing up-close views of grape clusters, tasting of tart pinot meunier, and the sensory experience of la vendange. Travelers stayed aboard the Kir Royale, a four-cabin barge with 200-square-foot staterooms offering comforts comparable to luxury ocean cruise ships. Operators in the region include European Waterways, French Country Waterways, Belmond, and numerous small independent barge owners. Small passenger counts foster intimate social dynamics and require compatibility among guests. Barge travel emphasizes slow pacing, immersion in rural landscapes, and personalized service from crew on compact vessels.

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