| ROSA |
Cruising Gascony & Bordeaux in Southwest France
All About The French Hotel Barge Rosa
A Little Bit of History
The French Hotel Barge Rosa, initially named Renaissance, is a Dutch Tjalk Klipper barge built in 1907 in Dedemsvaart, Holland. She transported various cargo in the offshore seas of the Netherlands.
French Hotel Barge Rosa cruises Gascony in southwest France
In 1990, she was transformed into a charming hotel barge cruising the waterways of southwest France. Twenty years later, in 2010, Rosa was completely refitted to a high specification and began cruising the Canal Latéral à la Garonne — a stunning section of the larger Canal des Deux Mers.
Each stateroom has a little bit of history as well:
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901), French painter and illustrator from Albi (Tarn)
- Jean-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867), French painter from Montauban (Tarn-et-Garonne)
- Déodat de Séverac (1872-1921), French composer from Saint-Félix-de-Caraman (Haute-Garonne)
- Jean-François Champollion (1790-1832), the first translator of Egyptian hieroglyphics from Figeac (Lot)
French Barge Cruise Through Southwest France
From April to October, hotel barge Rosa gracefully meanders along the Canal de Garonne through Gascony and Bordeaux on her classic cruise. Visit historic fortified bastides, stunning countryside views, village markets, experience and learn more about the rural French culture. When you embark on your own adventure of discovery aboard Rosa, you’ll understand what makes this historic barge so special.
Rosa’s cruise route is the Canal de Garonne between Bordeaux and Toulouse in Southwest France, featuring the best that Gascony has to offer. Visit historic fortified bastides, stunning countryside views, village markets, learn more about the rural French culture.
Rosa is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests with two double-bedded and two twin-bedded staterooms, each having full ensuite private bathrooms. The salon is particularly welcoming and features attractive wood panelling, comfortable seating and a cosy bar. Outside there is a spacious sun deck with comfortable furniture.
The four crew consist of a knowledgeable captain, tour guide, hostess, and a master chef whose culinary masterpieces will be a regular delight throughout your cruise. Eight bikes are available for use and your tour guide, an expert in the local area, will be happy to advise you on the best routes to cycle should you wish to explore.
You may have already seen Rosa when she was featured in the very successful BBC television series, French Odyssey with Celebrity Chef Rick Stein.
Cruise Highlights
GASCONY – April through mid-summer
- Visit the renowned Château Bellevue la Fôret for a winery tour and private tasting
- Visit to Château de Goudourville
- Guided tour and private tasting at a renowned local Armagnac producer
- Visit Moissac and its UNESCO-classified abbey
BORDEAUX – Mid-summer through November
- Tour of the famous Saint Émilion
- Visit the impressive Château de Duras
- Cruise across the 1,900 foot Agen aqueduct
- Wine, cheese and Armagnac tastings
Learn more
ROSA – All About The French Hotel Barge Rosa
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