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In the press

Writers and broadcasters have been coming aboard our barges since the 1980s. Here is what they found, in their own words.

As seen on public television

Rick Steves' Europe filmed aboard our own Papillon

In “Burgundy: A Gourmet Barge Cruise,” season 13, episode 1306 of Rick Steves’ Europe on PBS, Rick spends a week cruising the Burgundy canal aboard Papillon, the barge our family has owned and run since the beginning. The episode aired in November 2025. Press play to watch it right here, or see it on PBS.

Rick Steves’ Europe, season 13, episode 1306 · Aired November 2025 · Watch the full episode on PBS

"If you're interested in renting a barge for more than a night or two, try the French Canal Boat Company..."

Recommended barge company, ricksteves.com

The New York Times

On March 18, 1984, the Times ran “Afloat in France” by A. Alvarez, a full travel feature about a week aboard Papillon. The piece is reprinted on our press page.

"The secret is enforced relaxation."

A. Alvarez, “Afloat in France,” The New York Times, March 18, 1984

Journalist reviews of Nymphea

Two travel writers cruised aboard Nymphea and published their full reviews. Both are hosted on our current site as PDFs.

Arlene Harris on the Loire Valley

A travel journalist’s account of a week aboard Nymphea in the Loire Valley: the food, the pace, and the country the canal runs through.
Read the review (PDF)

Helen Jackson's travel review

Helen Jackson’s published review of her cruise aboard Nymphea, from first welcome to last morning on deck.

Read the review (PDF)

On the radio and in your headphones

Podcast

KeeKee's Big Adventures: "Canal Cruises in France"

The family travel podcast KeeKee’s Big Adventures devoted an episode to canal cruising in France, featuring the French Canal Boat Company and what a week on the water is really like.
Listen to the episode

Press inquiries

Writing about canal barging in France? We are happy to help with interviews, background, photos, and fact checking. Call Kim directly or send a note through the contact page.

888-229-2315

Contact us

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How to choose a region, what a week actually costs, and the questions to ask before you book. Tell us where to send it.

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The WeTravel booking and deposit checkout embeds here at launch. Guests will choose their week and place the deposit without leaving the page.

Until it is live, call Kim at  888-229-2315, or request the full itinerary to start the conversation.

Check availability for Press

Private charter · the whole barge
WeTravel

The WeTravel booking and deposit checkout embeds here at launch. Guests will choose their week and place the deposit without leaving the page.

Until it is live, call Kim at  888-229-2315, or request the full itinerary to start the conversation.