The Hirondelle cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône, the River Rhin and the River Saône.  

The large windows, well above the water line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of Burgundy and Franche-Comté: renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque villages.

It is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times.

Excursions are arranged to places with story-book names, whether it be the quaint town of Dole, the famous museum in Dijon, the castle in Châteauneuf or to Besançon, birthplace of Victor Hugo.

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Facilities

• Air conditioning
• Games
• Hairdryer 
• Hifi/Stereo (in salon) 
• Shaver Socket 110-220V (Converter available) 
• Writing Desk

History

Hirondelle was constructed as a 27 metre cargo barge at Hoogerand in the Netherlands in 1928 and was originally named Vios. She was later lengthened to 38,50 metres, in order to increase her tonnage and hence her cargo capacity. This, combined with her 5.05 metre beam, now makes her the largest size of barge able to fit in to the canal locks.

She was brought to France and was converted to welcome passengers in 1992 - 1993, when her name was changed to Hirondelle.

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