Cruise line profile
French Waterways
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A more meaningful
way to see the world.
Looking for a boating holiday in France? Want to see another side of l’Hexagone (as it’s affectionately referred to by the French)? Meander this way. French Waterways was born from a love of cruising the country’s inland waterways and we haven’t looked back. Since Ruth and James first set sail across the English Channel in 2003, memorably in an equinoctial gale, the business has grown from strength to strength in…
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Alouette
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Elegance
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Elisabeth
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Saroche
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AmaryllisAmourAnjodiAnne-MarieAthosBarge ROSACoquelicot (Poppy)C’est la VieDanieleDeborahDelfineEnchanteEsperanceFinesseFleur de LysGrand CruGrand VictoriaJeanineJohannaJohanna MidiKir RoyaleLa Bella VitaLa Belle EpoqueLa Nouvelle EtoileLa Vie en RoseLe PhenicienLilasLucioleL’Art de Vivre (Barge)L’ImpressionnisteMadeleineMagna CartaMagnoliaMargueriteNapoleonPanachePapillonPivoine (Peony)ProsperiteRandleRaymondeRenaissanceRendez-VousRoi SoleilSaint LouisSaraphinaSavannahSavoir VivreScottish HighlanderShannon PrincessSpirit of Scotland
Selected sailings
Where could French Waterways take you?
A few sailings to spark your plans. Explore more routes and dates, or let Gloria help you find your perfect fit.
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French Waterways
Johanna: A Chic Canal Journey Through France’s Wine and Heritage Regions
6 nightsOct 25, 2026
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French Waterways
Elisabeth: A Luxurious Yet Homely Journey Through the Canal de Bourgogne
6 nightsOct 25, 2026
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French Waterways
Amour: An Intimate Voyage of Romance and Luxury on the Canal du Midi
6 nightsApr 3, 2027
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The French Waterways story
Looking for a boating holiday in France? Want to see another side of l’Hexagone (as it’s affectionately referred to by the French)? Meander this way.
French Waterways was born from a love of cruising the country’s inland waterways and we haven’t looked back. Since Ruth and James first set sail across the English Channel in 2003, memorably in an equinoctial gale, the business has grown from strength to strength in both expertise and quality of portfolio. And during that time they’ve cruised more than 10,000km on their own boat throughout the canal and river network, north to south, east to west, passing through more than two thousand locks along the way.