EST. 1999
HOTEL BARGE ELISABETH
HOTEL BARGE
ELISABETH
The Spirit Of Happiness
Romantic couple staring into the distance on a sailing yacht

Unparalleled Service

Where Bespoke Meets Indulgence

A Star.
A Star.
A Star.
A Star.
A Star.
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DÉPART
Welcome To

Elisabeth

TAILOR-MADE EXCELLENCE

Elisabeth is a beautiful hotel barge brimming with character and charm that promises a treasured memorable experience cruising the waterways of France and Holland. Indulge in our tailor-made cruising vacations, crafted for those with an appreciation for unassuming luxury. Venture along the waterways of France and The Netherlands, immersing yourself in lush greenery and picturesque landscapes - a perfect backdrop for a week-long voyage through the enchanting heart of Europe. 

Designed with meticulous attention to your comfort, exclusivity and tranquillity, Elisabeth offers three en-suite staterooms, a light-filled lounge, dining room and bar, a spacious outdoor terrace, and comfortable wheelhouse. Here, amidst an art deco ambiance, modern hotel amenities seamlessly blend with the Elisabeth’s timeless allure, ensuring an experience that exceeds every expectation.

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Journey with us...
A beautiful sunset overlooking the canal de Nivernais
The Elisabeth Hotel Barge cruising along the canal du Nivernais.
Picturesque trees evenly spaced along the canal's edge with the reflections on the water.
See the serene & sublime
Embrace the spirit of happiness
French boy in the street, grinning because he's carrying a big bottle of wine.
A portrait of David The Captain David's Mother, beaming wearing a motor cycle helmet.
Laugh & make memories
Explore the local culture
A vintage bottle of Chablis wine.
A woman with a hat and flowing dress is walking through a sunny vineyard.
A cathedral hall
Eat, drink & be merry!

A Choice Of Passage

EXPLORE france & the netherlands

Begin your voyage by choosing between the idyllic scenery of the Chablis region, or the majestic waterways embodying Holland's rich heritage and culture.

Map of France.
France
GURGY > MAILLY-LA-VILLE
Map of Holland.
Holland
HAARLEM > JUTPHAAS

* Routes are illustrative and take 7 days to complete.
* Due to the positioning of the boat, the route can begin at either end - this will be confirmed upon booking.

All Aboard Elisabeth

YOUR HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME

From the moment you step onboard, Elisabeth becomes your home-away-from-home; with the soothing familiarity of your very own floating country house. Amidst Elisabeth's tranquil embrace all your cares will effortlessly fade away, as you embark on a week-long journey of pampering and relaxation.

The Terrace

The tranquil terrace offers panoramic views of the bucolic countryside. Settle back, unwind and watch the world go by from the sumptuous outdoor furnishings – the crew are always on hand to spoil you and to take care of your every whim!

KEY FACILITIES
  • Sun terrace (with large sunshades)
  • Large covered wheelhouse with guest seating
  • Comfortable outdoor furniture
Come with us!
Viens avec nous!

The Salon

The Salon is the perfect place to be pampered within its understated luxury. Carefully curated antique and modern furnishings create a boutique hotel ambience. Relax with a cocktail in large comfortable sofas, read a book from the library, or perhaps just curl up for a snooze. After all, you’re at home!

KEY FACILITIES
  • Open bar (including cocktails made-to-order)
  • Climate controlled wine cellar
  • Bose speakers (bluetooth connectivity)
  • Amazon Echo
  • Extensive book library
  • Air conditioning throughout
Cheers!
Ça s’arrose!

The Staterooms

We offer three spacious en-suite, fully air conditioned staterooms. Each stateroom can be arranged as either a walk-around queen, or, if preferred, a generous twin room.  

We pride ourselves on providing the best night’s sleep the waterways of France have to offer and indulging our guests with superior linens and toiletries.

KEY FACILITIES
  • 3 spacious staterooms (queen, or twin configuration)
  • Luxurious toiletries
  • Bathrobes & fluffy towels
  • Hairdryer
  • Ample wardrobe space and shelving
  • Room safe, large enough for jewels, diamonds, tiaras and even laptops!
Sweet dreams
Faites de beaux rêves
Interior shot of the salon in The Hotel Barge Elisabeth

The Lounge

Carefully curated antique and modern furnishings achieve a boutique hotel ambience and is the perfect place to be pampered within its understated luxury. 

Relax in large comfortable sofas with a cocktail, read a book from the library, or perhaps curl up for a snooze.  After all, you’re at home!

KEY FACILITIES
  • Open bar (including cocktails made-to-order)
  • Climate controlled wine cellar
  • Bose speakers (bluetooth connectivity)
  • Amazon Echo (in public spaces)
  • Extensive book library
  • Air conditioning throughout
Cheers
Ça s’arrose!

The Staterooms

We offer three spacious en-suite, fully air conditioned staterooms. Each stateroom can be arranged as either a walk-around queen, or, if preferred, a generous twin room.  

We pride ourselves on providing the best night’s sleep the waterways of France have to offer and indulging our guests with superior linens and toiletries.

KEY FACILITIES
  • 3 spacious staterooms (queen, or twin configuration)
  • Luxurious toiletries
  • Bathrobes & fluffy towels
  • Hairdryer
  • Ample wardrobe space and shelving
  • Room safe, large enough for jewels, diamonds, tiaras and even laptops!
Sweet dreams
Faites de beaux rêves

The Terrace

The tranquil shaded terrace offers panoramic views of the bucolic countryside. Settle back, unwind and watch the world go by from the sumptuous outdoor furnishings – the crew are always on hand to spoil you and to take care of your every whim!

KEY FACILITIES
  • Sun terrace (with sunshades)
  • Large covered wheelhouse with guest seating
  • Comfortable outdoor furniture
  • Bicycles and helmets for each guest
Cheers
Ça s’arrose!

It's All About Service

SUBLIME FOOD & WINE

We profoundly believe that local is best wherever you are in the world. Not only is this better for the planet but it also celebrates often ignored regional specialities and some astonishingly great artisanal producers.

Matthew, our chef, sources local produce which brings delicious seasonal ingredients to our kitchen for his enticing and expertly prepared meals. Some of our dishes often include ingredients we have grown in our own garden or cured and/or preserved ourselves.

All of the wines served onboard are from local producers who grow and make their wine within 50 km (30 miles) of our house in Burgundy.  We endeavour to support small vignerons, many of whom produce fewer than 5,000 bottles of a particular wine each year – meaning that most of our cellar is unlikely to be found outside of Burgundy.

...With exquisite attention to detail
A Sample Menu

And Peace Of Mind

IT's THE LITTLE THINGS

We believe that it’s the meticulous attention to detail that truly sets us apart. From the curated decor to the impeccable service provided by our dedicated crew, every aspect of your experience is thoughtfully crafted to ensure your utmost comfort and satisfaction.

It’s the little things that make all the difference – over 20 wines and spirits specially paired to perfectly match your personalised menu; the bespoke recommendations for exploring the surrounding countryside; and the warm smiles greeting you at every turn, that elevate your stay from ordinary to extraordinary, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Floating car sailing in a chaotic scene of other boats.
PRIVATE TRANSFERS
TO/FROM
PARIS & AMSTERDAM
vintage photo of a chef sampling his cooking with joy!
PRIVATE CHEF
Two women laughing and giggling in a Parisian bar.
PRIVATE CHAUFFEURED
SIGHTSEEING
Lady holding two large bins above her head.
DAILY HOUSEKEEPING
Captain holding a gigantic glass of wine.
OPEN BAR
Man and Woman riding their bikes from the 1960's
BICYCLE EQUIPMENT

The Captain's Log

MESSAGES FROM GUESTS

We cherish the memories and shared experiences of our guests; their words echo the essence of our commitment to unparalleled hospitality and our dedication to excellence. We invite you to discover the reflections of those who have previously journeyed with us.

Why The Elisabeth?

A TOUCH OF CLASS

WHY CHOOSE THE ELISABETH?

Small and focused – We are a small owner operated business, not a large faceless company.  Our only barge is the Elisabeth.  Therefore, 100% of our focus in on ensuring your enjoyment, relaxation and happiness whilst you are with us.

Local knowledge – We live locally.  This means we have excellent knowledge of the region, particularly for local suppliers of food and wine.

No surprises– The price is the price, there are no hidden extras (unless you ask for them).  Gratuities are at your discretion.

HOW BESPOKE CAN THE CRUISE BE?

Custom cruises – If an itinerary or a particular tour doesn’t interest you we are happy to create some alternative options (we have been known to move a cruise to a different waterway to accommodate a guests request).  Similarly, if you or some of your party would like to play golf every day, or take a hot air balloon ride, go clay pigeon shooting, relax next to a stream for a picnic for the day, go horseback riding, cycling or walking; all of these are available, some at no additional cost.

HOW DO I GET HERE?

We offer a free private transfer service for all full charter bookings and can collect your entire party from an airport, train station or hotel in Paris or Dijon (for French cruises) and Amsterdam (for Dutch cruises).  We ask that your party are all collected from the same location. 

Hotels – We are happy to recommend hotels in Paris, Dijon or Amsterdam for your stay before and/or after your cruise. 

By car – All of our cruising locations are easy to get to by car and all have free public parking available.

By train – One of the more relaxing ways to join us is by taking a train.  France and Holland have excellent high speed train services.  If you would rather make your own way to us by TGV or standard train we are happy to collect you from the station at the start of your cruise and return you at the end. 

By plane – Commercial flights operate in to and out of Paris and Amsterdam.  Private transfers can be arranged for CDG, ORY and AMS airports.  Should you wish to arrive by private charter aircraft we can advise which airport is closest and collect you from there and return you to either the same or alternate location.

Book Now

Your VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME

Begin the booking process with a message to us to express your interest. We’ll then establish which dates and itinerary are best/available for you and at what price. We do offer some seasonal discounts, so please don’t shy away from asking!

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“We want you to feel at home … as if you’re in your own country house”
David & Matthew