+44 333 057 0739

Do you have a question?

Our team of advisors is here to listen to you.
+44 333 057 0739
Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm
Open on Saturdays: 9am - 6pm

Do you have a question?

Our team of advisors is here to listen to you.
+44 333 057 0739
Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm
Open on Saturdays: 9am - 6pm

Wine cruise: Discover the wine route by canal boat

Discover the finest vineyards and savour the richness of their aromas: aboard your license-free boat, enjoy a river cruise along the Wine Route as you explore the scenic slopes of renowned wine estates.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and Availability

Departure on Saturday: minimum 7 days. For short stays: departure on Monday or Friday Remember to provide details of your crew to benefit from additional discounts. Please note: 1 May is a public holiday in France and, exceptionally, all locks will be closed on that day.
Adults 18 to 64 years
4
Adults +65 years
0
Children 0 to 17 years
0
Total (max. 12) 4
Routes Boats

At the Heart of Burgundian Gastronomy

In Burgundy, gastronomy is a journey in itself, to be savoured along the waterways. We recommend stopping at the cellars of the Château de Santenay for a tasting of its renowned wines. Then, as you navigate through the heart of the vineyards, you’ll pass through prestigious terroirs like Chassagne-Montrachet, where you can sample exceptional wines. Continue on to Mercurey, a land of great vintages, perfect to pair with a slow-cooked beef bourguignon simmered in robust red wine, best enjoyed in a traditional inn.

At the Heart of Burgundian Gastronomy
At the Heart of Burgundian Gastronomy

The Canal du Midi: A flavourful Stop Along the Water

Along the Canal du Midi, every stop is a chance to discover a generous and sun-kissed cuisine. Start your journey in Toulouse with a slice of apple croustade, a crispy puff pastry tart with apples and Armagnac, sure to please lovers of traditional pastries. Continue on to Castelnaudary, the birthplace of cassoulet, a hearty dish of white beans and duck confit that will warm you after a day of cruising aboard your licence-free boat.

Further along, near the Fonseranes locks, indulge in freshly caught oysters and fish. To accompany these dishes, a glass of Minervois wine reveals the full aromatic richness of this sunny region. As you cruise under century-old plane trees lining the canal, each stop becomes an opportunity to explore a generous cuisine where Mediterranean traditions meet southwestern influences.

Alsace, a Generous Region

Sailing the Alsatian rivers, you’ll discover a region where gastronomy is a true way of life. At every port, a specialty awaits you: in Strasbourg, sauerkraut garnished with flavourful meats is a must, perfectly paired with a dry, mineral Alsace wine like Riesling or Sylvaner. Further upstream, stop in a charming village to enjoy a freshly baked flammekueche or a warm pretzel, perfect companions for a walk along the riverbanks.

A river cruise in Alsace lets you travel to the rhythm of flavours and traditions, in a setting where each lock unveils a new culinary gem. Let yourself be charmed by the warm atmosphere of winstubs, the typical taverns where large convivial tables are shared. Along the canals, half-timbered houses reflect in the calm water, adding to the magic of the journey.

Wine Cruises: Where Water Meets Wine

Embark on a journey full of flavours that will awaken all your senses, especially your taste buds! Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, your license-free boat is a convenient and welcoming mode of transport. Cruising along the wine routes aboard a Pénichette®, you’ll observe the work of the vine and the unique landscapes that surround it. Take the time to admire the beautifully regular rows of vines stretching as far as the eye can see, responsible for some of the finest tastings.

With easy access to wine estates by canal boat, you can meet winemakers firsthand. Mooring alongside major wine houses, you’ll be able to treat your palate by rediscovering or savouring your favorite prestigious wine once more. This is the joy of wine tourism by water: discovering new wine productions and lesser-known appellations that rival the most famous, characterful wines that reveal themselves best on a river cruise in France.

Wine Tourism by Boat: Between Visits and Tastings

Each region boasts its own culinary specialties, but the vine enhances the gastronomic reputation of them all. Discovering the aromas and flavours while visiting estates and meeting producers along the wine routes by water is a unique and ideal way to choose your stops freely. Exploring the Canal du Midi and its UNESCO World Heritage sites takes on a new dimension when navigation is paired with the discovery of its famous appellations… the perfect pairing! Some routes are also ideal for diving into history, as in Burgundy.

Home to France’s largest network of canals and rivers, the region offers a journey at the crossroads of cultural treasures and renowned wines. savour authentic aromas at the Château de Rully, arriving via the Canal du Centre, or experience the bold character of the Côte Chalonnaise while hopping from village to village starting in Santenay. Further north, along the Canal de Bourgogne, admire the Château de Tanlay, an elegant Renaissance relic, before enjoying a glass of Tonnerrois in a riverside wine cellar. The wine route by canal boat hire offers calm, soothing surroundings that contrast beautifully with the intensity of wine tastings.

Wine Activities Throughout Your Cruise

A wine cruise offers the perfect opportunity to combine relaxation with discovering the treasures of French viticulture. Throughout your journey, you’ll visit picturesque villages by river cruise in France and renowned estates, participate in guided tastings, and discover traditional cellars. These stops allow you to meet passionate winemakers who will share their craft and the secrets behind their wines.

You may also take part in tasting workshops to refine your palate and develop the ability to recognize the distinctive aromas and flavours of various labels. Other routes include visits to wine museums and historic vineyards, helping you deepen your knowledge of winemaking history and techniques. Discover it all aboard a canal boat rental!

Gastronomy Along the Water - At Your Own Pace

Enjoy a unique gastronomic cruise experience along the water. Each stop is an opportunity to taste local specialties. Explore canals and scenic rivers at your own pace aboard a license-free boat, while savouring regional dishes prepared with care. Relish delicious meals on board, visit local markets, and enjoy regional products in the villages you pass through.

Whether you’re passionate about wine, cheese, or traditional cuisine, this licence-free gastronomic cruise immerses you in each region’s unique flavours, letting you travel freely and at your own rhythm.

Family Gastronomic Cruise

A family gastronomic cruise is the perfect way to share quality time while discovering local flavours aboard a canal boat hire. On board, both children and adults can enjoy delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients while cruising peacefully through stunning landscapes.

Children will love exploring new stops and local markets, while adults indulge in traditional cuisine and regional wines. This kind of cruise combines relaxation, adventure, and gastronomy for a memorable experience that will delight the whole family as you cruise the Canal de Bourgogne.

Peter

Mooring right by a wine cellar and bringing back a local bottle for dinner on the deck… pure bliss.

Holiday ideas

European Cities

What if your next city break… was by boat? No license needed—just the desire to discover cities from a new perspective. On board, there’s no stress, no schedule to follow: you move at your own pace, enjoying the scenery and stopovers as they come.

From our base in Bram, you can reach Toulouse via the Canal du Midi in just half a day of cruising. Once moored, landmarks like the Basilica of Saint-Sernin or the Capitole are just a short walk away. Further north, set off from Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune and follow the Saône River to Lyon: stroll along the riverbanks, enjoy a drink in the Old Town, then return to your boat for a peaceful night on board.

And it’s not just in France. Take Venice, for example, you can arrive by boat, moor near St. Mark’s Square, and experience *la dolce vita* with your feet practically in the water. In Amsterdam too, everything feels different when you’re navigating through the heart of the canals.

With Riverly, big cities become intimate stopovers, accessible without a car, free from constraints, and always offering the freedom to pause whenever you feel like it.

Golf

Want to learn or improve your golf skills? Choose a river cruise and combine the joy of a boating holiday with your favourite sport. Discover our getaway ideas for a golf-filled weekend.

Fishing

What a joy it is to fish from the deck of your boat as you cruise along! Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply curious to enjoy fishing with your family, explore our getaway ideas for a fishing weekend.

Bicycle

In addition to your boat, Riverly offers bike rentals you can take on board. Use them to stretch your legs along the towpaths, ride on dedicated cycling trails to explore nearby villages and attractions, or simply run errands during your cruise. Here are some getaway ideas for a cycling-themed holiday or weekend.

Frequently asked questions

What budget should I plan for a wine or gastronomic cruise?

A wine cruise requires a budget that varies depending on the duration of the cruise, the selected region, and the type of boat. Weekly cruise rates generally range between €900 and €3,000 per boat, depending on the level of comfort and the size of the vessel. Boat rental is included in this price, but tasting sessions and cellar visits may be additional. The overall cost of the cruise may also be influenced by the season and the level of luxury of the stopovers or wine-related services.

What are the best regions for a wine cruise?

The best regions for a wine cruise in France include destinations known for their vineyards and winemaking traditions. Among the most popular are Burgundy, renowned for its grand crus and scenic classified vineyards; Alsace, famous for its white wines and charming wine villages; and the Loire Valley, known for its variety of wines and stunning châteaux. Other regions such as the Southwest and Provence also offer exceptional wine cruises, combining local wine tastings with cultural discoveries.

Are visits and tastings included in the price of a wine cruise?

Visits and tastings are generally not included in the base price of a wine cruise.

What are the most popular destinations for a gastronomic cruise in France?

The most popular destinations for a gastronomic cruise in France include Burgundy for its wines and traditional dishes, Alsace with its wines and regional specialties, the Southwest for its local products such as foie gras, and the Canal du Midi, ideal for discovering Mediterranean flavours.

Which rivers and canals are accessible for a license-free gastronomic cruise?

The canals accessible for a license-free gastronomic cruise include the Canal du Midi, the Canal de Bourgogne, the Charente River, and the Canal du Nivernais, all located in regions renowned for their culinary specialties.