Les Bateaux Belmond

Luxury Boat

The Art of Slow Travel with

Les Bateaux Belmond

Golden Waterways: A Timeless Voyage Through France Afloat with Belmond

Aboard the fleet of Les Bateaux Belmond by Belmond, the golden age of slow travel is reimagined along the storied canals and rivers of France. Drifting through regions such as Burgundy, Champagne, Provence and Camargue, each intimate barge carries just a handful of guests, creating an atmosphere of rare privacy and understated grandeur. Polished wood interiors, plush fabrics and thoughtfully designed salons set the tone for refined relaxation, while spacious cabins with ensuite bathrooms offer a serene retreat framed by ever-changing vineyard slopes, sunflower fields and medieval villages. On deck, life moves at a gentle rhythm — mornings begin with leisurely breakfasts in the open air, afternoons unfold beside heated pools, and evenings gather around candlelit tables where regional French cuisine is paired with exceptional local wines.

As the barges glide beneath ancient stone bridges and along tranquil towpaths, the journey extends far beyond the water. Curated excursions reveal centuries of heritage — private wine tastings at historic estates, guided explorations of grand châteaux, visits to vibrant markets and encounters with local artisans who preserve time-honoured traditions. Whether cycling through vine-lined countryside, wandering through storybook towns or returning on board for an alfresco feast beneath the fading light, each experience is seamlessly woven together. Afloat with Les Bateaux Belmond, every mile becomes a celebration of French art de vivre — intimate, immersive and eternally elegant.

River Cruise | Luxury Boat

Boats & Regions in 2026

Drifting along the vineyard-laced waterways of Burgundy and Bordeaux, the storied canals of Champagne, and the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence and the Rhône, each barge offers a seamless blend of privacy, authenticity and understated luxury. Thoughtfully curated itineraries combine immersive cultural encounters, private wine tastings, château visits and guided explorations with exceptional onboard dining and personalised service, inviting you to experience France not as a destination, but as a way of life — unhurried, intimate and profoundly enriching.

Vessel Details & Facilities

  • Perfectly at Home on France’s Waterways with Les Bateaux Belmond

    Les Bateaux Belmond offers intimate and refined river journeys across France’s most picturesque waterways. From Champagne and Burgundy to Provence and Bordeaux, each barge reflects the character of its region, combining private, unhurried travel with curated cultural experiences. Guests explore vineyards, châteaux, and charming towns by day, then unwind on elegant decks with exceptional cuisine and wine by night. Whether chartered exclusively or booked by cabin, every voyage feels like a floating home. Immersive, luxurious, and deeply connected to the essence of France.

  • Experiences & Activities Afloat in France with Les Bateaux Belmond

    Aboard Les Bateaux Belmond, every journey is tailored to celebrate France’s finest pleasures. In Champagne, guests of Coquelicot enjoy exclusive access to Ruinart — the world’s oldest champagne house — with private tastings and bespoke menus created alongside Ruinart’s Chef in Résidence and the onboard culinary team. Beyond the vineyards, discovery unfolds at your rhythm — from strolling through Dole, Dijon, Beaune, Seurre and Chalon-sur-Saône to truffle hunting in Burgundy’s forests. Families can cycle along scenic canals, ride horseback through pastoral landscapes, or soar above vineyard mosaics by hot-air balloon. From private tastings in Bordeaux and sunlit Provence to exclusive moments in Paris, each itinerary is thoughtfully curated by the Guest Experience team, seamlessly personalised to reflect your passions and vision of France at its most extraordinary.

  • A Celebration of French Terroir on the Water

    Aboard Les Bateaux Belmond, dining becomes an exquisite reflection of the regions you traverse, from the vineyard-lined landscapes of Burgundy to the storied hills of Champagne and the sun-drenched charm of the South of France. Curated under the culinary vision of three-Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn, each menu is a heartfelt homage to France’s rich gastronomic heritage, celebrating seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly sourced ingredients and time-honoured techniques. Served in intimate onboard settings or alfresco on deck as picturesque waterways drift by, every breakfast, leisurely lunch and elegant multi-course dinner is thoughtfully crafted to harmonise with the surrounding landscape, complemented by exceptional regional wines that transform each meal into a truly immersive voyage through French flavour.

  • Tailor-Made Celebrations on France’s Most Enchanting Waterways

    Aboard Les Bateaux Belmond, every private charter is designed as a seamless celebration on France’s most enchanting waterways, inviting you to gather family, friends or colleagues for a truly tailor-made river journey. Sumptuous dining takes centre stage, with bespoke menus crafted to your tastes and the opportunity to enjoy hands-on cooking classes in the barge kitchen, while ashore, curated experiences unfold — from picnics in sun-soaked vineyards to elegant moments within the grounds of a grand château. For larger parties, chartering two or three vessels together offers exceptional flexibility and shared facilities, with custom itineraries shaped around your group’s passions, whether golf, antiques or gastronomy. Wine lovers will find particular delight in Burgundy, where immersive tastings, expert-led classes and visits to renowned cellars reveal the region’s most prized vintages, including the celebrated Semaine des Grands Crus experience featuring extensive tastings and special dinners alongside winemakers themselves. With warm-hearted service, artisanal menus and thoughtfully arranged excursions, each voyage transforms tranquil French waterways into an unforgettable backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments.

Meet The Boats

Lilas, Burgundy

Crystal Symphony is an intimate, elegantly reimagined luxury cruise ship that brings world-class comfort and timeless style to every voyage. With sweeping ocean views and thoughtfully redesigned spaces throughout, she accommodates up to 606 guests in spacious staterooms and expansive suites — including the opulent Crystal Penthouse Suite with panoramic verandas and panoramic ocean vistas that frame each new destination. Warm, intuitive service, bespoke amenities, and refined interiors blend modern sophistication with a welcoming sense of ease that feels like home at sea.

Onboard, guests enjoy a world-class array of experiences, from multiple complimentary dining venues — including Nobu Matsuhisa’s acclaimed Umi Uma and Italian-inspired Osteria d’Ovidio — to serene wellness retreats at the Aurōra Spa, engaging enrichment programs, and Broadway-inspired entertainment. With elegant social spaces, panoramic observation decks, and an inviting promenade deck perfect for leisurely strolls, every detail is crafted for comfort and discovery. More than a ship, Crystal Symphony is a refined floating retreat where exceptional service, luxurious design, and the joy of exploration meet the endless horizon.

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Napoléon, Provence

Sail the legendary Rhône in rarefied privacy aboard Napoléon, A Belmond Boat — the grandest vessel within the Les Bateaux Belmond collection and an exclusive private charter designed for indulgent escape. Along the waterways of Provence, lavender fields stretch toward the horizon while willow branches trace the river’s gentle current, setting the scene for a journey steeped in southern French romance.

On board, life is savoured beautifully: chilled glasses of Côtes de Provence rosé in hand, truffles sourced from Grignan served at elegantly set tables, and landscapes unfolding in cinematic splendour. Drift past the terraced vineyards of Tain-l’Hermitage and the historic ramparts of Avignon, each destination a chapter in a voyage crafted for true bon vivants — where gastronomy, culture and effortless luxury flow as seamlessly as the river itself.

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