Stays That Slay: French Gay River Cruise

Savour lavish lodgings in Paris. Then meander the Marne-Rhine Canal on a little barge that likes to live large.

We’re famous for adventures to far-flung destinations like Mongolia and Tanzania, but we thought it was time to put our twist on a quintessential European endeavor: a Gay River Cruise through France. It will be one of the smallest cruises we’ve ever offered, and the bantam boat is technically a barge…but there’s nothing utilitarian about it. Read on to see the vessel on which we’ll saunter along at 4mph, and check out our hotel in Paris!

Bienvenue Aboard the Beautiful Barge Déborah

With only 10 cabins aboard, this boat will be our home for one of the most intimate cruises we’ve ever offered. Barge Deborah is also one of the newest barges to navigate along the canal. She offers clean, distinct furnishings with royal purple accents throughout. And since she only travels at 4mph, you can also count on a leisurely laid-back vibe en route.

The barge accommodates up to 20 passengers, with amenities such as a sun deck, dining area, jacuzzi, and lounge. At 110 square feet, the cabins are cozy but comfortable. Cabins are set up in a twin configuration (2 separate beds) by default as this works best for the small cabin layout.

The Suites

Each of the 10 cabins aboard features:

• 110 sq ft of accommodation – cozy but luxe
• All rooms have only twin beds, so apologies to the cuddlers
• Outside views from every cabin
• Air conditioning…a must if there’s a European heat wave
• A safe to store passports and valuables
• Private en-suite with shower

The Amenities

Beyond the comforts of your suite, the boat also offers:

• Sun Deck with loungers, parasols, and a hot tub
• A professional, gay-friendly English-speaking crew of 6
• Limited Wifi (depending on location)
• 6 bicycles if you want to stretch your legs during excursions
• An air-conditioned coach to carry us between transfers and stops

The Food

While Deborah is small, her cuisine is hugely impressive. Prepare to indulge in three- and four-course lunches and dinners that celebrate the regions we’ll visit. French wines are included with your meal (you may have heard French wine is definitely not bad).

The following are part of Deborah’s all-inclusive food service:

• breakfast buffet, multi-course lunches and dinners
• all drinks with meals (water, wine, beer, fruit juice, and coffee)
• light snacks after breakfast and before dinner

Please note: Champagne, grands crus from the special wine list, and drinks from the special bar menu are not included during meals but can be purchased separately. Any drinks outside of meal service are at your own expense.

Details To Be Aware Of

Docking: At night, we may be “rafted” to another barge, meaning other people may need to board our ship to get to land, and vice versa. Take special care when crossing, and do so at your own risk, but know that crew assistance is available if you need it. Please note we could be in a few busy/noisy ports, so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

Power on board: Do not try to use a 110/120V blow dryer or electric shaver plugged into the ship or through a travel adaptor. Such devices should only be used with a power converter, which is not supplied on board. Charging camera batteries, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and other small electronic devices will not be a problem. However, you will require a travel adaptor. Cabins have standard European two-pin outlets as well as USB outlets.

Bonus stay: Hôtel Duo, Paris

C’est parfait!

With a history that spans back to the 1920s, Hôtel Duo has been managed by four generations of women from the same family. Each added her own passion to the project, beginning with hospitality and culminating with design. In 2003, the family purchased the property next door to the original hotel, and the merging of those two hotels inspired its current reign as the fittingly named Hôtel Duo. Major renovations physically married the properties, with elemental juxtapositions like raw concrete pillars with classic original columns.

The hotel is conveniently located in the historic Marais gay village. You’ll be a short walk to Georges Pompidou Centre, the Louvre and Notre Dame. Inside, the main lobby surrounds an enclosed vertical garden. A perfect place for a breath of fresh air away from the madness of the city beyond.

Eat, Drink, and Be…Marie?!

Are you intrigued by our Gay River Cruise through France? Lets us know! You can also consider a world of other tours if you’re craving something more Asian. Or African. Or South American.