Belmond Expands its Burgundy Fleet with New River Barge 'Marguerite'

Belmond, part of the LVMH portfolio, is set to launch 'Marguerite', a new luxury riverboat, in Burgundy, France, this summer. The 128-foot vessel, formerly known as 'Amaryllis', has undergone a comprehensive transformation and re-joins the brand's Les Bateaux Belmond fleet, offering curated journeys along the region's waterways.

According to Rachel Cormack of Robb Report — Travel, the vessel's origins trace back to 1962 as a historic barge before its initial conversion into a floating Belmond hotel in the early 2000s. Rachel Cormack notes that after two decades of cruising, it has been entirely reimagined and christened 'Marguerite', a name derived from the French word for 'daisy'.

In her reporting, Rachel Cormack details that the interior design of 'Marguerite' draws inspiration from its floral namesake and Burgundy's golden daisy fields. This aesthetic is reflected in 'soft yellow hues, floral motifs, and colorful stained glass'. The furnishings further underscore a regional tribute, with many pieces handcrafted by French artisans. Maxime Brun, general manager of Les Bateaux Belmond, stated that 'Marguerite' is 'the result of a true French collaboration, uniting our teams here in Saint Jean-de-Losne, our in-house architect, and exceptional artisans from across France,' as reported by Robb Report — Travel. Brun highlighted specific contributions, from 'the stained-glass mastery of Atelier Loire in Chartres to the fine woodwork crafted in Saint Rémy'.

Rachel Cormack of Robb Report — Travel further describes that the vessel accommodates up to eight guests in its 'upscale living quarters,' comprising four double cabins, each with an en-suite. Public spaces include a spacious open-plan salon and a formal dining area. The outdoor deck is framed by wildflowers and local herbs, featuring an alfresco dining area and a plunge pool, enabling connection with the surrounding landscape. The service, they add, mirrors 'a five-star hotel' given the nearly equal crew-to-guest ratio. Culinary offerings are a highlight, with custom menus crafted by Michelin three-star chef Dominique Crenn, prepared by the onboard chef using locally sourced ingredients.

Our take: Belmond's expansion of its river cruising fleet underscores a growing demand for intimate, experiential travel in European waterways. The meticulous attention to regional artistry and the collaboration with a chef of Dominique Crenn's caliber signal a clear strategy to position 'Marguerite' as a pinnacle of luxury barging, appealing to a clientele seeking both refined comfort and deep cultural immersion. We've been watching luxury river cruising evolve from its more traditional forms, and this launch indicates a significant elevation in bespoke experiences.