Les Bateaux Belmond to Launch Marguerite Riverboat in Burgundy This Summer
A four-suite floating villa will debut on Burgundy’s canals with private charters, Michelin-led dining, and tailored itineraries set to launch in late summer 2026.
Photos: Courtesy of Thorne Studio
Les Bateaux Belmond will introduce a newly reimagined riverboat, Marguerite, to its Burgundy fleet this summer, expanding its footprint in one of France’s most established inland cruising regions.
The vessel, formerly the Amaryllis, has been redesigned as a four-suite floating villa accommodating up to eight guests. It will operate along Burgundy’s canal network, joining Belmond’s existing lineup in the region, which includes Fleur de Lys and Lilas, as well as additional boats in Bordeaux and Provence.
Onboard, Marguerite is structured around private full-boat charters, with four double suites, en suite bathrooms, and a central open-plan salon. Outdoor space includes a deck designed for dining and lounging, along with a plunge pool. Interiors draw directly from regional references, with a palette of soft yellows and floral motifs inspired by Burgundy’s marguerite fields, alongside contemporary stained-glass elements and custom furnishings tied to local craft traditions.
Dining will be a central part of the experience. Menus are developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn and executed onboard by a private chef, with an emphasis on seasonal sourcing. Guests will also have access to off-boat dining, including reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants and private meals in historic estates across the region.
The itineraries are designed to move beyond Burgundy’s most trafficked routes. Programming includes guided visits in Dijon, cycling along the Route des Grands Crus, and private tastings at both established and lesser-known wine estates. Additional experiences range from culinary workshops to access inside Château du Clos de Vougeot.
Each departure is supported by a dedicated Guest Experience Executive, who manages pre-arrival planning and customizes activities on a per-group basis. The model follows Belmond’s existing approach to small-format river cruising, where the emphasis is on fully tailored itineraries rather than fixed schedules.
Belmond’s French riverboat portfolio is part of the broader LVMH Hotel Management division. The boat is scheduled to begin operating in Burgundy in late summer 2026.
