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.

• 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