Classic River France Cruise – Champagne
The Champagne region of France has long been considered one of the greatest heartlands of Europe and has become a mecca for those who appreciate the best in gastronomy, thanks to its world-famous sparkling wine.
The region starts 75 miles from Paris, featuring numerous vineyards and champagne houses including Moët et Chandon. With stunning locations including the cities of Reims, Meaux, and Epernay, and the River Marne, you’ll find stunning horizons to explore as you enjoy some of the best food and drink in the country. Why not try creamy Brie and Coulommiers cheeses and mustards while you are there?
For passengers eager to explore the rich history of the area, you’ll find the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe, one of which is where 30 Kings of France were crowned, including most famously, Charles VII, orchestrated by the loyal but subsequently martyred Joan of Arc. Discover the beauty of the region with a river cruise in Champagne.
Champagne Cruise Highlights
Your classic cruise will give you the chance to explore the true beauty of the region while understanding its history and sampling some of the finest wine in the world. You can from two different classic cruises to give you a true insight into the region.
The first is the Panache cruise. For this cruise, you’ll start in Paris and arrive at your luxury barge moored in Châlons-en-Champagne. With a champagne welcome, you’ll then set off and cruise along the Canal Lateral à la Marne to Tours-sur-Marne. Here you’ll visit Reims and the 800-year-old Reims cathedral, before exploring the grand squares of the city and the elegant shopping arcades.
A visit to one of the best champagne houses in the world, Moët et Chandon, is a must for your trip. Founded in 1743, you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the underground cellars and finish off your visit here with a tasting of their more renowned vintages. Another private champagne tasting will take you to the boutique Grand Cru winery of Frerejean Frères, with a gourmet private lunch in the salon of the family domaine.
Your journey along the Marne will take you to Dormans, which is a water mill and World War One memorial. The 42-acre World War One American cemetery at Belleau Wood gives you the opportunity to learn about one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. From here, your itinerary includes a visit to La Maison Pannier for a tour and private tasting. The final mooring at Château-Thierry gives you some of the most incredible views, as the town overlooks the river.
The classic La Nouvelle Etoile cruise is ideal for those looking for a different way to explore the region. Starting in Paris, you’ll cruise by Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower for some incredible photo opportunities. Travelling along the River Marne, you’ll be taken to the Chateaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte, before exploring the Meaux cathedral.
Meaux’s reputation proceeds it, making your trip to a local cheese maker of “Brie de Meaux” well worth it. Sample cheese and wine from the cellar before cruising to La Ferte. From here, you’ll travel to Chateau Thierry, the scene of American battles during World War One.
On to Reims, where you’ll visit the Cathedral and the Musee de la Reddition, which is well-known for its historical significance. Next is a trip to the Abbey of Hautvilliers, where you can discover the history of champagne and learn more about monk Dom Perignon’s first champagne. You’ll enjoy a meandering journey to the village of Cumieres, just outside of Epernay, where you’ll enjoy a private wine tasting.
Itineraries may vary; please contact us for more information.
Guests are met in Paris and transferred to the barge moored in the heart of Paris for a wonderful champagne welcome. Time to relax as we cruise past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. This evening, enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.
This morning we cruise out of Paris onto the River Marne. After lunch onboard, we visit the magnificent Chateaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte. Rejoin the barge in Meaux in time for a stroll and a visit to the cathedral. Dinner on board.
After breakfast, we visit a local cheese maker of ”Brie de Meaux”. Enjoy a tasting of the various Brie’s of a master cheese maker, along with wines from his excellent cellar. This afternoon we cruise up the river Marne to La Ferte. Dinner on board.
We are now in the Champagne region and on our way to Charly-sur-Marne. Stop to enjoy the wonderful champagne of a small family vineyard before an afternoon cruise to Chateau Thierry, the scene of American battles in World War I. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield. Dinner on board.
Enjoy breakfast this morning as the Marne takes us through covered hills dotted with small wine villages to the delightful little town of Damery. Lunch on board before our drive to Reims. Here we visit the Cathedral and the Musee de la Reddition where Eisenhower had his Map Room and where the ending of WW2 was signed. Dinner on board.
After breakfast, we visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers, where the monk Dom Perignon first made champagne. Upon return, we set off for our last cruise to the village of Cumieres, just outside of Epernay. Lunch onboard before our afternoon visit to the cellars of Moet et Chandon for a private wine tasting. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.
After breakfast, disembark La Nouvelle Etoile and transfer to Paris.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
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Vessel Type: Hotel Barge
Length: 127 feet
Passenger Capacity: 8
Kir Royale, the latest addition to our fleet, has a fascinating history. Converted to a beach landing craft in World War Two, she was sunk before being refloated and eventually transformed into a hotel barge. She now cruises the beautiful region of Champagne with its plethora of vineyards stretching across the rolling hillsides as far as the eye can see. There will be plenty of opportunities to sample the sparkling wine to which the region has given its name with private tastings at renowned champagne houses.
Her saloon is spacious and airy and has been the subject of a complete refit with bespoke furniture and a bar, piano and separate dining area. The four generous and individually decorated suites are each over 200 sq ft in area and are also newly renovated. They have ultra-modern en suite bathrooms with his and hers sinks, and a luxurious oversized rainforest shower.
Outside, there is a small forward sun deck to watch the progress of the barge, a large and sheltered aft sun deck with covered dining area, sun loungers and heated spa pool, plus an upper observation deck with a panoramic view. Imbued with an air of style and elegance, Kir Royale is a great choice for discovering Champagne – whether you’re cruising alongside the rolling vineyards, or perhaps on a private tour, savouring the wines, history and culture of this famous region.
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge
Length: 129 feet
Passenger Capacity: 8
La Nouvelle Etoile has been designed to offer a very high level of comfort and convenience, to provide a blend of traditional elegance and modern-day facilities.
The spacious, air conditioned saloon with its attractive cocktail bar, piano and elegant furnishings provides a truly sophisticated setting, while other amenities include an exercise room and a lift.
Each of the four generous 200sq ft cabin suites is lavishly equipped and the en-suite bathrooms feature double hand-basins and oversized showers. On deck there is a large sun deck with comfortable loungers and a spa pool, as well as bicycles for you to pedal along the nearby towpath.
This cruise on the luxurious La Nouvelle Etoile is a journey back in time through a picturesque landscape along two delightful canals, including France’s oldest, the Canal de Briare. She also cruises in Alsace, Champagne, Holland, Belgium, Picardy, Germany and Luxembourg in Spring and Autumn.
Inclusions
• All meals catered for by our on board Master Chef, good regional wines served throughout the cruise, an open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Chauffeured and guided sightseeing and use of all barge facilities such as bicycles
• Some barges also have an on-deck jacuzzi
• Local transfers to your barge are included and we will advise you of your meeting point at time of booking
• On our Family Charter Cruises equipment for babies and children will be included on most vessels; cribs, travel cot, high chair, car seats, toys, children bicycles and baby bicycle seats
Exclusions
• Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you are fully satisfied with the level of service on board. As a guidance our passengers on average tip approximately 5% of the cruise fare. All tips should be given to the Captain on board and are shared between the whole crew. Gratuities can only be made on board by cash payment.
• Optional hot air ballooning. Medical Cancellation Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of medical cancellation insurance within 14 days of submitting deposit for your cruise.
River Boat
Highlights
• Explore Champagne on the luxury 12-passenger Panache hotel barge between Château-Thierry and Châlons-en-Champagne in May and June• Enjoy the culinary delights of Champagne on the ultra-deluxe 8-passenger hotel barge La Nouvelle Etoile in June
Our Associates Include
