Despite being very popular, the typical 'honeymoon cruise'
doesn't really have very much to do with travel. Certainly, on a
traditional honeymoon cruise, a larger ship travels from one port to
another, but there is very little happening in between. For the most
part, this is by design as what many honeymooners want is privacy,
luxury, and every opportunity for romantic moments. But why limit your
romantic holiday when you can have so much more? On a French barge
cruise, romantic couples can have all the luxury, privacy, and
convenience of a traditional cruise, with the bonus of exploring the
stunning French countryside.
The Barge
If you've never considered a French barge cruise as a romantic setting for a honeymoon, you're in for a huge surprise! These vessels are also known as 'hotel barges', offering the same luxurious accommodations and superb services as the best hotels. Some even have pool spas on deck! You can book a seven-day honeymoon tour through the beautiful Loire Valley, on a vessel complete with air-conditioned staterooms and en-suite facilities. Interiors of varnished hardwoods and stained glass provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere and there's even a wine cellar. You'll dine on superb meals using locally sourced ingredients, prepared by the on-board chef and the crewmembers of these barges are as competent and accommodating as staff in the best hotels. Numbers of passengers are limited (some only carry six passengers), allowing staff to give you their fullest attention.
The Journey Itself
Romance is incorporated in every aspect of a honeymoon French barge cruise. It will begin with champagne to welcome you on board, followed by a romantic candle-lit dinner on board - the first of many. Although staying in your cabin for the whole trip is certainly an option, there'll also be plenty of romantic opportunities to explore as you cruise the stunning Loire Valley - such as an outdoor lunch underneath shady weeping willows in Larcay or a walk among the gardens of Chateau de Villandry. For the ultimate romantic adventure, you can view the verdant beauty of the Loire Valley as you soar above it in a hot air balloon, and what could be more romantic than watching the sunset at Chissay en Touraine? After sailing under the bridge Château de Chenonceau, with its five impressive arches, you can pay a visit to the Château itself and then dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant at the end of the day!
Medieval villages, vineyards and wineries (complete with wine-tasting), rose gardens, ancient châteaux and busy street markets are only a few of the other experiences and attractions open to be explored on a French barge cruise honeymoon. There's no doubt it will be the trip of a lifetime and one that will stay in your memory for the rest of your lives.
The Barge
If you've never considered a French barge cruise as a romantic setting for a honeymoon, you're in for a huge surprise! These vessels are also known as 'hotel barges', offering the same luxurious accommodations and superb services as the best hotels. Some even have pool spas on deck! You can book a seven-day honeymoon tour through the beautiful Loire Valley, on a vessel complete with air-conditioned staterooms and en-suite facilities. Interiors of varnished hardwoods and stained glass provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere and there's even a wine cellar. You'll dine on superb meals using locally sourced ingredients, prepared by the on-board chef and the crewmembers of these barges are as competent and accommodating as staff in the best hotels. Numbers of passengers are limited (some only carry six passengers), allowing staff to give you their fullest attention.
The Journey Itself
Romance is incorporated in every aspect of a honeymoon French barge cruise. It will begin with champagne to welcome you on board, followed by a romantic candle-lit dinner on board - the first of many. Although staying in your cabin for the whole trip is certainly an option, there'll also be plenty of romantic opportunities to explore as you cruise the stunning Loire Valley - such as an outdoor lunch underneath shady weeping willows in Larcay or a walk among the gardens of Chateau de Villandry. For the ultimate romantic adventure, you can view the verdant beauty of the Loire Valley as you soar above it in a hot air balloon, and what could be more romantic than watching the sunset at Chissay en Touraine? After sailing under the bridge Château de Chenonceau, with its five impressive arches, you can pay a visit to the Château itself and then dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant at the end of the day!
Medieval villages, vineyards and wineries (complete with wine-tasting), rose gardens, ancient châteaux and busy street markets are only a few of the other experiences and attractions open to be explored on a French barge cruise honeymoon. There's no doubt it will be the trip of a lifetime and one that will stay in your memory for the rest of your lives.
