It started as a lark - the English translation of "alouette". Three North American couples ventured on a barge trip in 1985. Despite the apprehension of some of the travellers, this proved to be their best vacation ever.
During this wonderful week of meandering the French canals two of the ladies decided to get into the barge business. A working barge called “Mars” was transformed into a luxury hotel barge, renamed the "Alouette" and began her cruising life in May 1987. Afloat in France was born.
Afloat in France operates not only the Alouette but also her sister ship the Hirondelle (swallow), launched in 1993, the Fleur de Lys and Napoléon which were acquired in 1994, and the newest and most deluxe barge, the Amaryllis, launched in 2002.
In 2004 Afloat in France became part of the Orient-Express collection.
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