La Nouvelle Etoile

Vessel Type: Hotel Barge

Length: 129 feet

Passenger Capacity: 8

La Nouvelle Etoile delivers a higher tier of comfort than a typical canal barge, balancing traditional styling with upgraded modern amenities. The saloon is fully air-conditioned and arranged like a private lounge, complete with cocktail bar, piano, and refined furnishings. An exercise room and an on-board elevator extend the vessel’s usability beyond standard barge design. The four large suites each exceed 200 square feet and include double basins and oversized showers. Outside, the sun deck provides space for open-air lounging and a spa pool, with bicycles available for use along the canalside towpaths.

The barge travels some of Europe’s most historic waterways, including the Canal de Briare, and also offers longer, more wide-ranging itineraries that cover greater distances in a week than traditional cruises. These routes link varied regions: Holland’s windmills and Keukenhof Gardens, Belgium’s historic towns, Champagne’s châteaux and cellars, Alsace’s wine villages, and the castles and river valleys of Germany and Luxembourg. Each departure combines extended cruising with curated visits, positioning La Nouvelle Etoile as an option for travellers wanting a more spacious vessel and a broader, multi-region journey.