Canal barge company European Waterways said that it’s seeing a growing number of its charters being booked for family vacations and by multigenerational groups celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and other milestones.
“Burgundy, southern France, and Alsace and Lorraine are among the most popular routes for family and multigenerational vacations,” said Derek Banks, managing director for European Waterways.
The company said that families who book European Waterways listed the fact that barging offers an intimate atmosphere, privacy, a relaxed pace, and that they can create a customized itinerary as among the reasons why they chose this form of travel.
Families who want to charter European Waterways’ six- to 20-passenger canal barges will benefit from the cost savings of a whole-boat charter vs. purchasing individual cabins.
In order to accommodate groups traveling with children, European Waterways’ barges often have bikes on board. Itineraries can also be adapted to include more active excursions, as well as more family-friendly sightseeing.
On European Waterways’ Burgundy canal cruises, for instance, groups can visit Parc L’Auxois, a zoo and science-themed learning center. Families can also explore the Grottes d’Arcy sur Cure, a network of underground caves and lakes that have limestone walls covered with Paleolithic cave paintings, they can visit Loisirs en Morvan Parc Adventure for off-roading, tree climbing and kayaking, or they can go to the outdoor pools at the Amphitrite Centre in Montbard, France.
“With multigenerational charters a growing market, European Waterways ensures that our cruises offer a widely diverse itinerary to satisfy the interests of every member of the family or group,” stated Banks.
European Waterways was founded by Banks in 1976, and currently encompasses a fleet of 19 vessels. Of those, 15 sail throughout France. Itineraries also including sailings in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, Scotland, England and Ireland. The company carries around 2,500 passengers each year.