FRANCE
Barge & Bubbles
World-class wineries, fantastic fromageries and enchanting medieval towns. Glide in style through France’s iconic Champagne region to discover what the fizz is about. Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy a journey of peerless comfort aboard one of the French wine country’s most elegant and comfortable peniche hotels (aka barge).
Itinerary
DAY 1 - CHALONS-EN-CHAMPAGNE
Our crew welcome you aboard at Chalons-en-Champagne. Your journey begins in sparkling style with a champagne tasting session. Meet your captain and crew as you settle into your luxurious surrounds. Tonight, Chef serves a gourmet feast to celebrate your first evening on board.
DAY 2 - CHALONS-EN-CHAMPAGNE
Rise this morning for a delicious breakfast. After lunch, set off to Chalons-en-Champagne with your guide. You’ll uncover the town’s architectural heritage with a visit to Saint-Etienne Cathedral and the museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux Cloister. Return to the barge to set sail along the canal. Later, head to a family-run champagne house for a tasting. Dinner tonight is a gastronomic sensation freshly prepared by Chef.
DAY 3 - REIMS
After breakfast, join your guide on a tour of the city or Reims. Famous for its royal connection, 34 of France’s sovereigns were crowned here. Explore the impressive gothic cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. You’ll have free time to wander among the many boutiques before you stop for an exquisite lunch at a nearby restaurant. Return to the barge this afternoon for a relaxing cruise along the pretty Marne River.
DAY 4 - COURCELLES
This morning you’ll visit the jewel of the Champagne region, Epernay. Stroll along the Avenue de Champagne. Founded in 1743, Moet & Chandon is one of the region’s oldest and finest champagne houses. Step through the hallowed courtyard to enjoy an exclusive tasting session before you return to the barge for lunch. This afternoon enjoy your time at leisure as we cruise to Courcelles for a delicious dinner at the celebrated La Briquette restaurant.
DAY 5 - HAUTVILLERS
Enjoy life at a gentle pace this morning as we continue along the canal. Step from the barge onto the towpath for a stroll or cycle. Alternatively, sink into a deckchair and soak-up the sun. After lunch, your guide leads you on a scenic drive to the abbey at Hautvillers. Here lies the tomb of Dom Pérignon overlooking breathtaking views of the vineyards. After, head to the house of Champagne J de Telmont. Their unique oenological workshop promises a merry introduction to the champagne making process. Tonight, we berth in Mareuil-le-Port where Chef prepares a sumptuous dinner on board.
DAY 6 - CHATEAU-THIERRY
Spend a relaxing morning on board. The riverside presents a stunning picture of life in rural France surrounded by beautiful landscapes. After lunch, take a scenic drive to Belleau Wood. It was here during World War I that American troops halted the progression of the German Army. Next, follow your guide to the Aisne-Marne cemetery nearby, where 2,288 American soldiers were buried. Back on board, Chef prepares a farewell feast for your final evening on board.
DAY 7 - CHATEAU-THIERRY
Awake to enjoy an indulgent breakfast. After, the crew bids you a fond farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements.
