A former vessel is about to become one of the most exclusive ways to travel through France. Les Bateaux Belmond is transforming the former Amaryllis into a brand-new luxury floating villa called Marguerite, set to debut in late summer and carry just eight guests at a time through the celebrated wine country of Burgundy.
This is not a typical river cruise. Marguerite is being positioned as a floating villa — a private, intimate experience designed for small groups who want something far more personal than a large cruise ship can offer. With only four double suites on board, the vessel is built around the idea that fewer guests means more attention, more flexibility, and a deeper connection to the landscapes and culture drifting past the windows.
For anyone who has ever dreamed of slow travel through one of France’s most storied regions — vineyards stretching to the horizon, medieval villages, world-class wine at every turn — Marguerite is shaping up to be exactly that kind of journey.
What Makes Marguerite Different From Other River Cruises
Les Bateaux Belmond already operates a well-regarded collection of luxury boats across France, so the arrival of Marguerite is not the company starting from scratch — it’s a deliberate evolution of what they do best.
The vessel has been redesigned from the ground up after its previous life as the Amaryllis. What emerges is something closer to a private villa that happens to float: four elegant double suites, an open-plan salon for gathering and dining, and a generous outdoor deck where guests can watch Burgundy’s famous countryside pass by in real time.
The capacity limit of eight guests is a defining feature. On larger river cruise ships, hundreds of passengers share the same corridors, dining rooms, and excursion schedules. On Marguerite, a group of eight — whether that’s a family, a group of friends, or a collection of wine enthusiasts — effectively has the entire boat to themselves. That distinction shapes every part of the experience, from mealtimes to shore excursions to the pace of the journey itself.
The itinerary is described as tailored, weaving together luxury, local culture, and history. Burgundy itself provides the backdrop: a region renowned not just for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but for its Romanesque abbeys, medieval towns, and a landscape that has shaped French identity for centuries.
Inside the Vessel: What Guests Can Expect
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Marguerite (formerly Amaryllis) |
| Operator | Les Bateaux Belmond |
| Number of Suites | Four double suites |
| Maximum Guest Capacity | Eight guests |
| Key Onboard Spaces | Open-plan salon, outdoor deck |
| Region | Burgundy, France |
| Expected Launch | Late summer |
The open-plan salon is a central part of what makes the design feel villa-like rather than ship-like. It’s a space designed for guests to actually live in, not just pass through — a place for meals, conversation, and the kind of unhurried moments that define genuine luxury travel.
The outdoor deck adds another dimension entirely. Being on the water in Burgundy, with an open deck to sit on as the boat moves through the Canal de Bourgogne or the Saône, is the kind of experience that photographs cannot fully capture. The pace of a river journey — slower and more deliberate than flying or driving — gives guests time to actually notice where they are.
Why Burgundy, and Why Now
Burgundy has long attracted visitors who take wine seriously. The region’s appellations — from Chablis in the north to Beaune at its heart — are among the most respected in the world, and the landscape that produces those wines is equally compelling. Rolling hills covered in vines, small villages with centuries of history, and a food culture that rivals anywhere in France.
Combining that setting with a vessel that accommodates only eight guests creates something genuinely rare in luxury travel: an experience that feels private, curated, and unhurried all at once. The tailored itinerary Belmond is building around Marguerite is designed to connect guests not just to scenery, but to the culture, history, and people that give Burgundy its character.
River cruising has seen growing interest from travelers who want more than resort-style holidays — people looking for experiences rooted in a specific place, its food, its wine, its stories. Marguerite is a direct answer to that appetite, built for guests who want depth rather than breadth.
- Large ships carry hundreds of passengers, reducing the sense of privacy and personal space throughout the journey.
- Fixed schedules and shared excursion groups limit how much guests can tailor the experience to their own interests.
- Onboard spaces are designed for mass use, making intimate gatherings or private dining more difficult to arrange.
- Marguerite accommodates a maximum of just eight guests across four double suites, ensuring genuine privacy.
- The itinerary is described as tailored, allowing the small group to experience Burgundy's culture and history on their own terms.
- An open-plan salon and a generous outdoor deck give guests villa-style living spaces throughout the voyage.
What Happens When Marguerite Launches
Marguerite is confirmed to join the Les Bateaux Belmond fleet in late summer. The vessel will operate in Burgundy, offering voyages that blend the region’s wine heritage, cultural landmarks, and natural landscapes into a single, cohesive journey.
For travelers already familiar with Belmond’s broader portfolio — which includes trains, hotels, and river boats across multiple countries — Marguerite represents the brand pushing further into ultra-intimate, small-group experiences. The floating villa format is a clear signal of where high-end river travel is heading: away from scale and toward something more personal.
Travelers interested in booking will want to plan well ahead. With a maximum capacity of eight guests per voyage, availability on Marguerite will be limited by design. That exclusivity is the point — but it also means demand is likely to outpace supply quickly once bookings open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marguerite?
Marguerite is a new luxury floating villa being launched by Les Bateaux Belmond in Burgundy, France, converted from the former vessel Amaryllis and designed to carry a maximum of eight guests.
How many guests can Marguerite accommodate?
The vessel has four double suites and accommodates up to eight guests at a time, making it suitable for small private groups.
When will Marguerite be available?
Marguerite is set to join the Les Bateaux Belmond fleet in late summer, though a precise launch date has not been confirmed in available information.
Where does Marguerite sail?
The vessel operates in Burgundy, one of France’s most celebrated wine regions, offering itineraries that combine luxury, local culture, and history.
What onboard spaces does Marguerite offer?
The vessel features four double suites, an open-plan salon, and a generous outdoor deck for guests to enjoy during the voyage.
How is Marguerite different from a standard river cruise?
Unlike large river cruise ships that carry hundreds of passengers, Marguerite is designed as a private floating villa for a maximum of eight guests, with a tailored itinerary and intimate onboard spaces.
Leave a Reply