What we love

La Nouvelle Etoile was converted into a hotel barge in 2002, and cruises on France's oldest canal, the Canal de Briare, along with itineraries in Alsace, Champagne, Picardy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. There is a sophisticated atmosphere on board, with a cocktail bar and piano, and guests are accommodated in four compact but comfortable en-suite cabins. There is also a spacious sundeck with an al fresco dining area and hot tub.