European Waterways Launches New “Hidden Heart of France” Itinerary Aboard Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre, Celebrating the Magic of La France Profonde

European Waterways invites travellers in 2026 to slow down, unwind and explore the beauty of La France Profonde - the “Hidden Heart of France.” With a new “off the beaten track”  itinerary, guests are welcomed aboard L'Art de Vivre to explore the upper reaches of the Nivernais Canal and the surrounding Morvan Hills, a national park known as the “green lung” of Burgundy. Cruise along the winding waterway through narrow tunnels, hand operated bridges and staircases of locks with ivy covered lockhouses on a journey rarely taken by modern travellers.

“There are places where time slows to the rhythm of the water,” says Derek Banks, Founder and Managing Director of European Waterways. “On this canal, every turn of the wheel, every lock we pass, invites you to leave the world behind and truly breathe.”

Cruising in the “Little Amazon”

The Canal du Nivernais is often called the most beautiful canal in France and it's easy to see why. Overhanging trees form tunnels of green light, while quiet forests, meadows and tiny hamlets create a magical, intimate world. Herons, kingfishers, swans and even tiny creatures on water lilies can be observed along the way. One feels at home with nature.

“La Petite Amazonie” is like stepping into a living painting. Every bend in the canal feels secret, every lock a pause in time. It's a place where nature and history meet, and where guests can truly unwind and reconnect with the simple beauty of life,” says Banks.

Fortresses, Ruins and Timeless Views

Excursions include Château de Bazoches, once a 12th-century fortress and later home to Louis XIV's military engineer. Guests can explore the armoury, historic maps and panoramic views over the Morvan Hills, gaining insight into life in historic France.

At Compierre, a nearly two-thousand-year-old Gallo-Roman village, the main street, foundations of shops, houses, and a temple remain remarkably intact, offering a glimpse into rural Roman life.

“You don't just see history here, you live it,” Banks explains. “From ancient ruins to grand châteaux, every moment is a reminder that the past is alive if you take the time to notice it.”

From Cobblestone Streets to Historic Cellars

Explore Avallon, with its Romanesque Church of Saint-Lazare, medieval ramparts, and terraced gardens cascading down the hillside. Wander the winding streets of the pilgrimage town of Vézelay, marvelling at the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene.

At Domaine Laroche in Chablis, guests enjoy a private tour of the cellars and learn how medieval monks perfected the craft of winemaking. A private lunch follows in the thousand-year-old monastery crypt, where Premier and Grand Cru wines are still aged.

“Walking through these historic towns and into ancient cellars, you see how past and present coexist,” Banks says, “how something as simple as wine can connect us to centuries of craft, culture and life in Burgundy.”

Available Departures for 2026

The following departures for L'Art de Vivre's new itinerary are now open for booking:

• 19 July 2026
• 26 July 2026

Guests wishing to enquire about alternative dates are invited to contact the European Waterways reservations team.

“This itinerary is an immersion in a past time of landscapes unchanged for centuries, traditions kept alive by the people who live them and the captivating simplicity of life along a quiet Burgundian canal,” added Banks. “It is, quite literally “ L'Art de Vivre”,  the art of living.”

For more information and to plan your private charter, visit www.europeanwaterways.com

High-resolution images are available online at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/a1hvos8mbrihbq8w8sivi/AKgGVR9DNsHLleaxro7-ccY?rlkey=gliic8du6bk7dx31gmc9fuzht&dl=0

About European Waterways

Established in 1974 European Waterways offers luxury hotel barging which is an immersive, all-inclusive “gentle voyage of discovery” that focuses on the culture, history, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine of the region. With a 6 to 20-person capacity and a 1:2 crew ratio, European Waterways can provide an impeccable level of onboard service, as they transport their guests on the intimate inland waterways that are often inaccessible to larger vessels. Exploring this network of smaller canals allows for spontaneity and the opportunity to explore the picturesque surroundings by bicycle or on foot. In addition, there are daily, chauffeured excursions “off the beaten track” to a wide variety of enthralling locations, from exquisite wine tastings to private tours of stately homes. European Waterways is the largest luxury hotel barging company in Europe and has a fleet that cruises nine countries.

Please visit www.europeanwaterways.com for information.
For Reservations Tel: +44(0) 1753 598555

For Press Information:
Paul Newman, European Waterways
paul@europeanwaterways.com | + 44 (0) 1753 598555