"Live your life now"
Cruising with Barge Matilda is not just for seeing France, it is for experiencing France. Our route will showcase French history, Chateaux, ancient villages, and towns, along the canals that have been used as trading routes for centuries.
Travelling on the Barge Matilda will allow you to truly experience France, whether you are on board, cycling through the countryside or just relaxing as you enjoy the sights and experience each stop provides along the way.
Stops vary from mooring in towns and villages to treasures only reachable by boat. The adventure is one not to be missed.
The pace is a relaxed six kilometres an hour or walking pace, there is every opportunity to fully immerse yourself into the lifestyle, scenery and ambiance of France and the Barge Matilda. We begin cruising in the morning after breakfast, generally arriving at our next stop early afternoon to provide plenty of opportunities for enjoying the location and amazing things France has to offer.
Leisurely walking or cycling provides you with an opportunity to explore the area. Markets, shopping, interesting museums, churches, art galleries and local festivals and music can be found along the way. There are even opportunities to walk/cycle and re board Matilda at a different location.
As you start to fall in love with the unique areas we visit, you may wish to make some changes to the itinerary. Bruce will consider any requests to change the route and timing with the end location in mind.
It is the tranquil, relaxing and rejuvenating experience of cruising at a leisurely pace, soaking up fresh air, enchanting sights and tasting delicious French wines, cheeses, and cuisine that the experience of the Barge Matilda is all about.
It is the tranquil, relaxing and rejuvenating experience of cruising at a leisurely pace, soaking up fresh air, enchanting sights and tasting delicious French wines, cheeses, and cuisine that the experience of the Barge Matilda is all about.
Flexible options for dining out and dining on board
This is no ordinary tour. No fancy terminals, no signposts, no grinning staff wanting to take your photo against fake scenery.
Create your own memorable moments daily on the peaceful canals of Europe. Our barge stops where you want to stop.
Create your own memorable moments daily on the peaceful canals of Europe. Our barge stops where you want to stop.
Are you seeking an unforgettable, relaxing, and enjoyable tour on the canals of France, tailored exactly the way you want it?
We welcome you to come aboard and enjoy the stress-free, sociable, and unique experience on of one of France’s classic private charter barges, as you discover the incredible landscapes and waterways of France.
It’s a Tour de France with a difference.
Fully functional kitchen amenities if you wish to take in the fun of preparation of seasonal French food.
Or make the most of your trip and try the local French restaurants on our next stop.
Comfortable and authentic accommodation on board.
Unlimited use of on-board bicycles.
Stunning scenery of France.
Local knowledge and expertise.
Fantastic rates.
Fun!
Bruce is your perfect host and enjoys showing others a good time and creating an amazing experience for you. He will show you what the relaxed barging lifestyle is all about – tranquillity, amazing scenery, amazing local French food, and wine and of course, an adventure.
He welcomes you to climb aboard and soak up the ambience, relax and revitalise yourself as he takes care of you while you journey with Matilda for a cruise of a lifetime!
Bruce and Barge Matilda
We welcome you to come aboard and enjoy the stress-free, sociable, and unique experience on of one of France’s classic private charter barges, as you discover the incredible landscapes and waterways of France.
It’s a Tour de France with a difference.
Fully functional kitchen amenities if you wish to take in the fun of preparation of seasonal French food.
Or make the most of your trip and try the local French restaurants on our next stop.
Comfortable and authentic accommodation on board.
Unlimited use of on-board bicycles.
Stunning scenery of France.
Local knowledge and expertise.
Fantastic rates.
Fun!
Bruce is your perfect host and enjoys showing others a good time and creating an amazing experience for you. He will show you what the relaxed barging lifestyle is all about – tranquillity, amazing scenery, amazing local French food, and wine and of course, an adventure.
He welcomes you to climb aboard and soak up the ambience, relax and revitalise yourself as he takes care of you while you journey with Matilda for a cruise of a lifetime!
Bruce and Barge Matilda
ITINERARY 2025
Week long, 6 night cruises starting Friday until Thursday(can be adjusted).
From 1000 Euro per person per week.
Three night cruises from 600 per person per week.
Departures still available from May 2025, thru to 27th September 2025
Departures in 2026 in planning so ask.
Departure points vary as we journey around the Midi and Garonne region
Sete, Narbonne Carcasonne Toulouse Montauban Moissac Agen Bourdeaux
Week long, 6 night cruises starting Friday until Thursday(can be adjusted).
From 1000 Euro per person per week.
Three night cruises from 600 per person per week.
Departures still available from May 2025, thru to 27th September 2025
Departures in 2026 in planning so ask.
Departure points vary as we journey around the Midi and Garonne region
Sete, Narbonne Carcasonne Toulouse Montauban Moissac Agen Bourdeaux
Dates Available between 1st May -30th May, 1st August -27th Sept 2025
or book early for 2026 Southern France
or book early for 2026 Southern France
BARGE MATILDA
Soak up some seriously slow cruising, far from the madding crowd, aboard a classic 1909 luxemotor style barge and our comfortable summer home, Barge Matilda. Join her voyage of discovery through the river and canal navigations of France, Belgium and the Netherlands and enjoy helping move a beautiful, historic barge through a small part of the extensive European waterways. Informal, fun, barge vacations are what it's all about and although its preferable to join in to get the best from the experience, there will be loads of time to relax as well. You'll need to be reasonably agile, make your own bed, have an open mind and great sense of humour. Barge Matilda and crew will ensure your experience is one to remember. Once aboard, we hope to indulge you in this passion for global travel, local wine, tasty regional cuisine and soaking up the ever changing landscapes that glide ever so gently past Barge Matilda. Matilda offers most of the comforts of a home away from your home. Her two cosy cabins are arranged as double births and both have private en-suite shower rooms. She has a spacious saloon with panoramic windows offering great views, day or night plus a well equipped galley. Barge Matilda accommodates up to eight guests, but is best enjoyed by 2 or 4, so once you've booked, it's a little like having your own private barge. Payments from guests provide for day to day running and most importantly, the large maintenance fund keeping my 115 year old, 88 ton barge afloat! She's my wonderful cruising home and I welcome you to her unreservedly.
the history of BARGE MATILDA
Matilda had started her life as a freight barge working in the Netherlands. Built in 1909 in the town of Alphen with the name of Koophandel, she is a Katwijka barge in the style that became the classic Luxemotor shape. Built as a day boat with little accommodation, the coach house appeared to be the primary living space. She is riveted iron construction 24.7 metres long, 4.7 metres wide, 1.1 metres draught (at the rudder) and 2.7 metres air draft at the rear of the coach house. The rear deck removable cover is 3.2 high. She was built with a displacement of 88.4 tonnes.
Originally she was powered by a Rennes two cylinder diesel motor and believe that the next engine, a Henschel 6 cylinder, 11 litre diesel was fitted new in 1967. In 2019 Matilda was fitted with a new engine. I don’t know much of her working life but she was bought by an English family in 1993 and converted to a live-aboard vessel. They purchased her partially converted but had her completely stripped and finished by Wed. K. Brouwer b.v. in Zaandam, NL. Since then Matilda has been owned by a succession of Australian owners. She has been continuously cruised since then both in Europe and the UK.
The vessel has always been on the Dutch Kadaster register so its history and working life should be freely available to someone who wants to search.
The Katwijk influence has given her excellent good looks. The vertical prow allows a spacious forepeak while the low bow allows a good view ahead. The gently curved sides and the slight narrower stern give her a significant improvement in her handling compared to parallel sided barges. Being heavily constructed with wide decks together with substantial railings makes her a very safe ship.
I purchased Matilda in 2018 to begin my life aboard. Since purchase, I have continually upgraded Barge Matilda and every day, in every way, she gets better and better.
Matilda takes you down to the river,
You can hear the boats go by, you can spend the night with her,
And you know that she's vintage, but that’s why you want to be there,
And she gives you espresso coffee, just like they do in Stralya
And when you get to move her, then she gets you on her wavelength
And she lets the river answer that you'll always be her lover
And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind.
There are ensuites with the bedrooms, there is also fine linen supplied
And you need nothing with you, and yet you leave all troubles behind
And you want to travel slowly, and you want to travel blind
And then you know you can trust her, to touch your body, spirit, and mind.
Originally she was powered by a Rennes two cylinder diesel motor and believe that the next engine, a Henschel 6 cylinder, 11 litre diesel was fitted new in 1967. In 2019 Matilda was fitted with a new engine. I don’t know much of her working life but she was bought by an English family in 1993 and converted to a live-aboard vessel. They purchased her partially converted but had her completely stripped and finished by Wed. K. Brouwer b.v. in Zaandam, NL. Since then Matilda has been owned by a succession of Australian owners. She has been continuously cruised since then both in Europe and the UK.
The vessel has always been on the Dutch Kadaster register so its history and working life should be freely available to someone who wants to search.
The Katwijk influence has given her excellent good looks. The vertical prow allows a spacious forepeak while the low bow allows a good view ahead. The gently curved sides and the slight narrower stern give her a significant improvement in her handling compared to parallel sided barges. Being heavily constructed with wide decks together with substantial railings makes her a very safe ship.
I purchased Matilda in 2018 to begin my life aboard. Since purchase, I have continually upgraded Barge Matilda and every day, in every way, she gets better and better.
Matilda takes you down to the river,
You can hear the boats go by, you can spend the night with her,
And you know that she's vintage, but that’s why you want to be there,
And she gives you espresso coffee, just like they do in Stralya
And when you get to move her, then she gets you on her wavelength
And she lets the river answer that you'll always be her lover
And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind.
There are ensuites with the bedrooms, there is also fine linen supplied
And you need nothing with you, and yet you leave all troubles behind
And you want to travel slowly, and you want to travel blind
And then you know you can trust her, to touch your body, spirit, and mind.
meet your host
Bruce has been cruising the waterways of Belgium, Holland and France for the past thirtheen years, finally now on his new 115 year old barge Matilda.
It would be my pleasure for you to come and explore France and make my journey part of yours.
It would be my pleasure for you to come and explore France and make my journey part of yours.
what do guests say about us
Thank you so much for your excellent hospitality, your comfortable cabins, meals and experiences. We had a wonderful six days cruising this most beautiful region of France. We will have lovely memories. Many thanks again.
Kaye & Steve- Melbourne, Australia
Kaye & Steve- Melbourne, Australia
The highlight of our French road trip! The boat itself is huge, characterful and comfy. Bruce was great with us,
Ozzie-style warmth and generosity and my kids will never forget this experience.
Zia, London UK
Ozzie-style warmth and generosity and my kids will never forget this experience.
Zia, London UK
Formidable expérience de séjourner sur Matilda. Bruce est parfaitement disponible pour rendre le séjour très agréable. Merci à lui ! Sebastien
We really enjoyed our leisurely cruise on Bruce's beautiful old Dutch barge. It was great to experience the tranquillity of the canal from the water. Matilda has inspired us to take a boating holiday. Deb, Victoria Australia
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