We consider Gibbs distributions on permutations of a locally finite infinite set $Xsubsetmathbb{R}$, where a permutation $sigma$ of $X$ is assigned (formal) energy $sum_{xin X}V(sigma(x)-x)$. This is motivated by Feynmans path representation of the quantum Bose gas; the choice $X:=mathbb{Z}$ and $V(x):=alpha x^2$ is of principal interest. Under suitable regularity conditions on the set $X$ and the potential $V$, we establish existence and a full classification of the infinite-volume Gibbs measures for this problem, including a result on the number of infinite cycles of typical permutations. Unlike earlier results, our conclusions are not limited to small densities and/or high temperatures.