The eight-passenger L’Art de Vivre is the oldest hotel barge in the European Waterways fleet. Built in England during WWI as a supply vessel to Allied troops battling in Somme, the 100-foot historic ship now sails smoother waters on Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy, France.
Converted into a hotel barge in 1998, she is traditional and timeless in style, with original wood and brass features to pay homage to her storied heritage. At the same time, the L’Art de Vivre cabins have been lovingly updated to suit modern travelers, while common areas feature contemporary amenities like a spa pool and a cozy saloon.
Step back in time aboard the classic vessel as she effortlessly cruises on one of the longest-established canals in France.
100 sq. ft. including modern en suite facilities. Each room has twin or double beds, wardrobe, small table and a private bathroom with shower
Deckplan
Staterooms
The L’Art de Vivre barge offers four Staterooms featuring either twin or double beds for two guests. With a private bathroom, a wardrobe, and a small table, each well-appointed room is comfortable and fully equipped for week-long trips to quiet waterways and remote tourist spots in France. Other features include portholes and hairdryers.
Sun Deck: Head to the ship’s sun deck for the best views of the L’Art de Vivre cruise. Loungers offer a comfortable spot to watch the enchanting French countryside pass by, while a six-person Spa Pool is perfect for a soothing soak while sightseeing.
Saloon: Inside, the light-filled saloon is a well-loved hangout spot among passengers seeking drinks and good conversation. A pleasant combination of traditional furnishings and modern leather accents make this an inviting space from morning to evening.
Dining: Every meal aboard this European Waterways cruise features classic favorites and regional specialties. Wine and a cheese board are also served.
The L’Art de Vivre hotel barge is fully air-conditioned. A four-person crew is onboard to ensure a relaxing and smooth-sailing journey for guests.
L’Art de Vivre Cruise Itinerary
L’Art de Vivre cruises the Canal du Nivernais, a serene and secluded waterway in France. The week-long Burgundy cruise takes passengers to treasures of the region, from the magnificent riverside cathedral of Auxerre to idyllic French villages. Private charters of the tour are also available.
The Canal du Nivernais cruise treats guests to a variety of shore excursions, including wine tasting, hikes, and guided tours of historic churches and sites. L’Art de Vivre carries bicycles for guests interested in cycling on towpaths. An optional hot air balloon ride is also available.
L’Art de Vivre Information
Length: 100 feet
Passengers: 8
Crew: 4
About European Waterways
With more than 40 years of experience, European Waterways is known for developing exceptional barge cruises in Europe’s most beloved waterways. Sail to beautiful lands across the continent, from castles in Scotland and Holland’s gardens to quaint towns in England and the vineyards of France.
The European Waterways fleet consists of hotel barges especially fitted for these journeys, including La Nouvelle Etoile, Shannon Princess, La Bella Vita, and Spirit of Scotland, among others. Each vessel can carry up to 20 passengers, making each European barge cruise intimate and personalized. All ships and systems undergo regular maintenance and refurbishment to maintain the company’s remarkably high standards of safety and comfort.
L'Art de Vivre Reviews
The peaceful nature of the L’Art de Vivre hotel barge cruise suited passengers who experienced tours aboard the vessel. A good number of guests raved about the food served on the ship, while others highlighted the clean, well-maintained cabins.
Ask our Adventure Life travel experts for cruise recommendations, ship comparisons, or general advice on upcoming tours in or beyond Europe.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.