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Champagne Region 7 Day Luxury Barge Tour (KR)
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.
The 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, ths 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.
Slow Tours offers a number of other Luxury Tours in Europe
Sunday, Châlons-en-Champagne
Guests are met early afternoon in Paris** and transferred to the hotel barge moored in Châlons-en-Champagne. Enjoy a champagne welcome while your Captain introduces you to the crew. Dinner on board.
Monday, Châlons-en-Champagne to Tours-sur-Marne
This morning we cruise from Châlons-en-Champagne along the Canal Lateral à la Marne to our pretty mooring at Tours-sur-Marne. After lunch on board, we visit the magnificent 800-year-old Reims cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where the Kings of France were crowned, before some free time perhaps to wander around this delightful city with its grand squares and elegant shopping arcades. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Tours-sur-Marne to Dizy
This morning we visit one of the best known champagne houses in the world, Moët & Chandon, founded in 1743, where we are guided through their vast underground cellars, the largest in the region, which were carved out of the chalk to offer the maturing wine the perfect temperature and humidity. This is followed by a tasting of some of Moët’s renowned vintages in an elegant private salon, hosted by an experienced cellar master. Later we return to the barge for lunch and continue our cruise along the canal, with the opportunity to explore on foot or bicycle en route, and moor at Dizy, near Epernay. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Dizy to Damery
After a leisurely breakfast, we head off for a private champagne tasting and tour at the boutique Grand Cru winery of Frerejean Frères with a stop en route at a hillside vineyard to learn some of the key attributes of champagne grape growing. After the tasting we enjoy a gourmet private lunch in the salon of the family domaine. Return to the barge to continue our cruise along the Marne to Damery. Dinner onboard.
Thursday, Damery to Dormans
Today the hotel barge continues her cruise along the meandering Marne to moor at the pretty riverside town of Dormans, the site of a château, water mill and World War One memorial. In the afternoon, we visit the 42-acre World War I American cemetery at Belleau Wood, it was here that US forces fought one of their bloodiest battles during World War One. Dinner on board.
Friday, Dormans to Château-Thierry
This morning, we visit La Maison Pannier, a select champagne house with a labyrinth of medieval underground cellars, for a tour and a private tasting. After lunch on board, we cruise to our final mooring at Château-Thierry, an historic, strategically-situated town overlooking the river, surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the region’s famous sparkling wine. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Château-Thierry After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris**.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction. **other locations available for private Charter bookings.
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
Shows in English in Paris: Paris offers a wide variety of shows accessible to English-speakers. One-man shows, classic & modern theatre, musicals, cabarets and more are all performed in the city every night. You can get the full programme of shows in Paris to fit your city break dates by emailing [email protected]
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