For Self-Drive boating cruises, our expert is Debbie Petermann who works for Le Boat, which owns and operates every barge in the former Connoisseur, Emerald Star, and Crown Blue Line fleets. A self-drive European canal and waterways expert she has specialized in canal cruising since 1985. She is a seasoned world traveler with 25 years of personal experience traveling on the canals through France, Ireland, Belgium and Italy.

Her intimate knowledge of these waterways and the boats available combined with the ability to understand her clients needs make her the perfect go-to person when planning vacations on the canals and rivers of Europe. She has organized honeymoons, groups of families, alumni, and yacht clubs. She can help you choose the perfect trip for those with little to no experience. Her clients put their trust in her to plan not only their first trip, but their 19th trip as well.

These three fleets, for nearly four decades, have provided quality boating vacations in Europe’s most beautiful cruising regions, and specifically in France.

No prior experience is required to skipper one of these boats.

See our Self-Drive Canal Boats at Le Boat

Barge charters are excellent options for beginners and seasoned cruisers alike, offering a slow pace through beautiful countryside and historic towns. You can spend your days exploring centuries-old chateaux, dining at local restaurants, or simply enjoying the passing scenery. Walking and bicycle paths often line the canals, and charming villages are frequently within a few minutes of your nightly stopping points.

Our experts at The French Canal Connection can help you tailor a barge charter in France to your own personal desires, whether you want to cruise in Loire, Provence, the Canal de Bourgogne wine region, or beyond. Barge charters are excellent options for beginners and seasoned cruisers alike, offering a slow pace through beautiful countryside and historic towns. No matter your personal dream for a barge charter in France, our team at The French Canal Connection is ready to make it come true. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.

See our Hotel Barges and Riverboats

We also have yachts in the Caribbean and around the world:

See our worldwide Mega Yachts

Yachts With Crew in The Virgin Islands

Bareboats in The Virgin Islands and Worldwide