( CNN ) -- Even the most jaded and cosmopolitan travel writers tend to rave when it comes to canal barging cruises in France . It 's no wonder , given the beautiful scenery , gourmet feasts and faultless service . A completely different beast from a river cruise , which can cover several rivers and countries in one sailing with more than 100 passengers , the canal barge cruise is slower , smaller and more expensive ( $ 350- $ 1,000 per day ) . World 's most extravagant cruise ships . Approximately eight to 12 guests and six English-speaking crew are the usual number of passengers on a French canal barge , which navigates through centuries-old waterways through the French countryside . Stops range from castles and cathedrals to villages and vineyards , where passengers can step off on guided tours . Although canal barge cruises are possible in a number of European countries , these are the reasons why France is by far the most popular destination . 1 . The wine . The average varieties of wines offered on board a week-long French barge cruise ? More than two dozen -- all French and all selected after judicious testing and tastings by the staff . A variety of canal routes wind through vineyards where passengers can step off and try Sancerre from the Loire Valley , Reislings from the Alsace-Lorraine in the north-east and Bordeaux wines , as well as those from the warm climates of Languedoc-Rousillon and Provence . Some of Burgundy 's best vintages can be sampled at the Grand Cru vineyard of Chambertin-Clos de Bèze in the northern part of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy , Clos de Vougeot , the headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin and the Château-Hotel André Ziltener . World wine-buying guide . 2 . Elaborate cuisine . Several barge cruises offer the option to dine ashore , to eat in the restored Abbaye de la Bussiere in La Bussière-sur-Ouche , for example . What was once a pilgrimage retreat in 1131 is now a Relais & Chateaux hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant . Onboard the barge , thematic regional French fine dining is the standard . The chefs create their inspired from tiny galley quarters . One divine sample menu dreamed up by Selbey , the chef on the European Waterways ' L'Impressionniste barge : French onion soup , lamb with minted peas , and poached pear with mascarpone ice cream paired with a white Pernand Vergelles and red Meursault , Ecrevisse salad , Coq au Vin and fresh fruits paired with a white Ladoix and red Moulin -- a vent and escargot , tender scallops and mousse au chocolat paired with Rose Marsannay . A stop at the gastronomic markets in the culinary towns of Dijon and Beaune is also a must . Passengers can shadow barge chefs as they go scouring for rich foie gras , briney crevettes , baguettes with a crunch like no other and hundreds of fresh cheeses . 10 best wine destinations for 2013 . 3 . Quaint lock keepers . Many old locks on the waterways are tended by lock keepers , and passing through them on the barge cruise becomes a fun experience in itself . When barges pull up , beefy men race out to turn the wheels , raising the rushing water level high enough to let the barge cruise through . At midday there may be a bit of a wait , as the cruise captains wo n't even consider disturbing a lock keeper 's lunch . 10 best French restaurants in Paris . 4 . Interesting history . Dating back to the 16th century , barging had a different meaning from the luxury travel experience that it 's become today . The French countryside 's elaborate canal system was developed as a means to transport coal and other goods that were difficult to move on land . History buffs will love the fact that their airy , luxurious barges were once working ships carrying cargo along the same winding waterways . 5 . Leisurely day excursions . The canals in France are surrounded by historical towns and in addition to vineyard visits , day excursions include stopping by the old towns and meeting the locals . Guided tours of old architecture are some of the top highlights of a barge trip . Recommended : a visit to the Hospice de Beaune in the town of Beaune , which was built in 1443 and is one of the finest examples of French 15th-century architecture . But for those who prefer to just relax instead of embarking on busy historical excursions , it 's wonderful to just sit on the deck and watch the scenery pass by , too . European Waterways , +1 877 879 8808 ; rates start at $ 4,750 per person . French Country Waterways , +1 800 222 1236 ; rates start at $ 5,095 per person .
France is Europe 's most popular destination for canal cruise cruises . These are converted luxury canal hotels , usually only for eight to 12 guests . Food and wine offered on board are all regional .