Les Bateaux Belmond — whereabout travel co.

Les Bateaux Belmond voyages are so dreamy, I can't even believe they are real life. It's the type of experience where you'll be pinching yourself the entire time. Every time I see these photos, I can't help but hum to myself, "merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream." How about you?

Cruising along the sun-dappled waterways of France is slow travel at its finest, and luxury travel company Belmond has been offering guests this experience since 2004. Les Bateaux Belmond has a fleet of seven luxurious barges that offer personalized cruises in Burgundy, Champagne, Canal du Midi, Camargue and Provence. Guests are able to absorb each region’s distinctive character and charm, enjoying unparalleled access as they tour, dine and explore their surroundings at a leisurely pace -- or, you know, "gently down the stream."

April through October of every year, between four and 12 passengers can be accommodated across the range of individually designed boats. Each is like an intimate hotel or private floating villa, and no two days on deck are the same. Guests relax and soak up views of lavish vineyards, hilltop castles and fields of lavender. A dedicated crew, including a private chef and guide, take care of your every need. Heated pools and canopies on deck, a jacuzzi and even a grand piano are among the amenities that make every voyage like a scene from your favorite foreign film.

The newest in the fleet, Coquelicot, whisks travelers through the magical Champagne region. Meticulously decorated by French duo of interior designers Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet, the floating villa has a main deck with two alfresco lounges, an open kitchen and shaded dining area. Belmond has also partnered with France's oldest Champagne house, Maison Ruinart, to offer guests a private tour of its vineyard in Taissy alongside a tasting of its legendary cuvées. Back on the boat, Maison Ruinart’s chef Valérie Radou treats passengers to a five-course meal on this voyage.

Each member of the fleet offers unique accommodations, and all share a heightened sense of elegance and luxury. Spacious cabins are punctuated by thoughtful details and every creature comfort, from gleaming en-suite bathrooms to state-of-the-art technology to antiques, murals and four-poster beds.

Itineraries can be customized to passengers’ preferences, whether it’s truffle hunting, château tours, chef-guided market visits or family-friendly activities. Special-interest cruises are also available, ranging from gastronomic adventures taking in Michelin-starred restaurants to oenological outings with prized Grand Cru tastings. As the boat glides along at a tranquil pace guests may choose to walk or cycle along the towpath – each boat has its own bicycle fleet. Adventure-seekers can try their hand at hot-air ballooning, horseback riding and go-karting.

Let Whereabout Travel Co. help you select the perfect voyage for your family and enjoy exclusive benefits from our partnership with Belmond, including:
- A $500 gift voucher when you book a holiday totaling $5,000 or more;
- A complimentary upgrade based on availability at time of check-in;
- VIP welcome treats with a local taste;
- plus $100 per person per journey and $45 per person for day trips in onboard credits.