The Lock-Keeper Blog

If you’re thinking about embarking on an Italian river cruise, we’ve chosen 10 top reasons why we know you’ll love the experience.

Whip up this recipe and sit back with a glass of Irish cream liqueur for St Patrick's Day.

Cruising by barge, you’re bound to fall in love with the natural beauty of Ireland. Learn about history and culture on a cruise along the River Shannon.

A themed canal and river cruise in Italy is a wonderful way to dive deeper into the Italian way of life.

Luxury, history and culture: this is what a river cruise in Italy is all about. Discover the highlights of the top 6 places to visit on an Italian river cruise....

The seven-rise Fonserannes Locks are an architectural highlight of any barge cruise. France is rightfully proud of this 17th-century engineering gem.

Holidays on the Canal du Midi are very popular today, but not many know about the construction of the Canal du Midi. Find out about its rocky history here…

The Bianco Canal is a little known Italian Gem, but what is there to see and do as you cruise along it?

The River Saône flows for 300 miles from the Vosges Mountains to its junction with the River Rhone in Lyons and is navigable for 230 miles

The Étang de Thau, sometimes known as the Bassin de Thau, is the largest of a collection of saltwater lagoons that span along the French coast from the Rhône to...

Burgundy Wine Guide: The Burgundy wine region is home to some of the most expensive wines in the known universe, there are plenty of good, affordable wines that can...

Languedoc Wine Guide: All you need to know about one of the largest wine producing regions in the world

A Scottish cruise is an ideal way to explore this beautiful country, so rich in history and cultural heritage. Get inspired with these fabulous fun Scottish facts.

Discover fine Languedoc wines at the Château Pech-Celeyran, where guests aboard hotel barge Anjodi can enjoy an unforgettable tour and tasting...

This guide provides you with a broader insight into this wonderful waterway and the surrounding towns & villages

Southern Rhône River Guide: All you need to know about one of the most significant waterways of Europe

The Ultimate Guide to the Burgundy Canal - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

Alsace is a wonderful area to explore on a hotel barge holiday. A mixture of German and French culture plus several canals make for a delightful holiday. Here’s how to...

For anyone wanting to hop off and explore the land a little during their barge cruise, here are a few places to visit on a cycle on the Burgundy Canal.

Thinking of a Caledonian Canal Cruise? Our intimate week-long luxury barge cruises explore the Scottish Highlands in comfort and style…

On a luxury barge holiday in beautiful Burgundy, you will have the opportunity to taste a range of wonderful cheese. Here is a guide to the best Burgundy cheeses...

A luxury barge cruise in Alsace & Lorraine takes you on a real culinary treat, particularly in its capital city. Read on for a tasty guide to the cuisine...

From the Champs Elysees to the Île de la Cité, discovering the French capital on a Paris river cruise is a fantastic way to explore the Seine and surrounds

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Chef Olivia Gibbons from hotel barge Shannon Princess shares her mussels with Guinness recipe.

Burgundy is the home of barging, and the canal itself is one of the most diverse and fascinating destinations in France, read on for the story of its unique history...

Learn about some of the traditional Scottish drinks you can taste on your Highlands cruise with our handy guide to some of their lesser-known tipples...

In the mood for something spooky? Why not read up on some of Europe's most haunted hotspots - all of which can be visited on a luxury barge cruise...

Planning a luxury cruise in Champagne? These amazing attractions are the jewels of the Champagne capital!

Admire stunning architectural heritage when you discover Mantua Italy, a popular port of call aboard La Bella Vita

Planning some time in the Scottish Highlands? You can't leave without a visit to the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle - a highlight on our cruises in Scotland

Autumn is a beautiful time for cruising, which is why we've been planning a potential new route through Burgundy, on some spectacular rural canals.

Now working as the chef aboard luxury hotel barge, Anjodi, chef Dave Lawrence shares a special recipe from his time aboard the Spirit of Scotland - an authentic Cullen Skink

The Canal de Bourgogne doesn’t just have stunning surroundings – its feats of engineering are equally impressive! Find out more here.

Our top 5 picks from the Burgundy wine region, taste guaranteed!

At European Waterways we’ve got an amazing selection of barge trips in France, so we’d like to share our Top Ten for 2022. It’s never too early to start planning…

In search of Burgundy's best châteaux? From classic favourites to gorgeous hidden gems - here's our guide to 9 must-sees and how to find them...

Calling all solo travellers! Our new and exclusive solo cruise offers the very best of Venice to Mantua with the addition of some 'extra surprises' - exclusively picked for this...

From how it was made to how it's enjoyed today - read all about the Burgundy Canal's rich and complicated history

The Shannon Princess itinerary is so popular that guests are booking over a year in advance for the chance to climb aboard! Read on to find out why...

There's more to Burgundy than excellent wines, its cuisine is particularly special too! Read on to find out more...

One of the unique features of a river cruise in Italy is that you get first-hand experience of the history, culture and character of the waterways.

Going on holiday by yourself can seem like a daunting experience, but did you know that one in six holiday makers now choose to travel alone? For everything you need...

Gascony has some of the most delicious gastronomic traditions in France. Our cruises introduce you to the region’s food and wine in the most wonderful way

Top sights include a tour of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, Legoland, and Thorpe Park amusement park.

The Château de la Bussière is a beautiful 17th century castle, complete with gorgeous gardens and the opportunity to pick your own raspberries!

Perhaps you've found yourself in Alsace for the weekend? Here's the top five things you should do while you're there!

Fine dining, fresh ingredients & open air markets, Sue Reddel's cruise aboard Enchante is foodie heaven!

One of "Les Plus Beaux Villages" in France, Lagrasse is a stunning hilltop village nestled amongst miles of vineyards and pretty countryside.

Head to Gastronomic Gascony for Rosa's delightful new excursions involving cheese, wine & afternoon tea in an 18th century chateau...

Visiting Ireland? The oldest licensed distillery in the world resides in County Westmeath, a lovely place to stop for a small tipple of the water of life!

Arguably the most famous Wedding Venue on the planet, certainly a must see if you're in England

A wonderful way to experience France, this Paris to Champagne luxury cruise pairs the excitement and romance of the French capital with the serene beauty, history and world beating wine...

Have you heard of the famous Scottish Munros? Perhaps you'd like to bag a few aboard a luxury barge cruise through the heart of the highlands?

There's plenty to Holland besides windmills and clogs! Take a look at our 5 favourite experiences that you should try while you're there...

Visiting Venice, Verona or Mantua this summer? Here's just what you should do while you're there

Head to the Gascony region and discover some of the finest French specialities!

Explore the districts of San Marco and San Castello just like a local aboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

What is there to do and see in Reims? With architectural genius, art galleries galore and champagne tasting on every street this French gem has something to entice everyone

We hear from a variety of the La Bella Vita Crew to see just what life aboard our Italian vessel is like

Champagne is good for a lot more than just the exquisite sparkling wine; with cathedrals, bustling towns and sunshine aplenty it's a destination with something for everyone!

Discover two French staples at the places where they originated, indulge in the fantastic flavour of the Burgundy region

Wanting to know more about Bordeaux wine? Good years and bad? Which wine with which food? Read on for a brief glimpse into the good vintages, blends and bottles...

Béziers, Carcassonne & Narbonne are just some of the fascinating towns and cities we visit along this wonderful waterway

Meandering through the lush green countryside at the heart of Ireland, is the glorious River Shannon, a must see for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle!

514 Kilometres and 8 Centuries of fascinating, beautiful history along Champagne's River Marne

More than 1300 years of historical intrigue await you at the unique Abbaye St-Pierre de Moissac in Gascony, France

Indulge in the finest champagne as we visit the world renowned Moët & Chandon for a private tour and tasting

The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery & Memorial is a humbling and historic visit at the heart of the Champagne region of France

What better way to explore the cuisine of Southern France than aboard a luxury hotel barge, cruising through sunny Bordeaux?

2019 is the year to visit the Loire Valley! With magnificent Renaissance exhibitions, events & celebrations across the region there's plenty to excite and inspire

Discover some of the finest wine that France has to offer on a Wine Appreciation cruise in the South of France

Visit the 14th century Château de Duras, an architectural wonder, which has been both a fortress and a stately home over its 900-year history

Sip the week away aboard La Bella Vita as you indulge in Italy's finest wines and cruising scenery

Fresh Sea Oysters are a favourite feature of a barge cruise on the Canal du Midi, where we visit the local farm for a tasting and some sunset sea views

Film buff? James Bond or Harry Potter fan? Then our Classic Cruise through the Scottish Highlands will have plenty of interesting excursions for you

This diverse region of art, history, magnificent architecture and great natural beauty is an ideal honeymoon location

Chablis may be known for its wine, but its history is just as intoxicating. Find out more here.

Bring beauty into your life at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction – it’s a safe bet you’ll leave with something gorgeous.

Now a wonderful location to enjoy a cruise, for centuries the Canal de Briare was an important transportation channel.

Take the road less travelled and sample backstreet Parisian bars, the medieval beauty of Montargis and the riverside architecture of Auxerre