The best barge canal holiday destinations in Europe

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Barges, for those who don't know, are flat-bottomed, slow-travel vessels that come in all shapes and sizes, typically hosting between six to 12 passengers. And barge cruising just got a lot cooler, as the newest barges on Europe's canals mimic cozy boutique hotel suites, featuring comfy contemporary design, bright sunlit rooms and even hot tubs. In this gallery, we take you on a slow journey to some of Europe's finest cruise destinations.

 

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Bath, England -

This canal-meets-river boasts a winning combination of scenic countryside, canalside pubs, feats of engineering, and elegant architecture. Moor at The Barge Inn and cycle up to Avebury stone circle. Bath is an obvious highlight, but don’t miss Bradford-on-Avon, a picture postcard gem of a town.

 

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Colmar, France -

Colmar was apparently the inspiration for the village in the Disney film 'Beauty and the Beast' (1991), and it’s not hard to see why. No matter how much time you have, La Petite Venise ("Little Venice") is an absolute must-see. This stretch of half-timbered buildings along the canal is certainly one of the most alluring, where you’ll glide under the willows and pass the city’s timber-framed houses on a wooden boat powered by a silent motor.