Sunday, Day One: Château-Thierry
Board the barge in Château-Thierry, where you’re welcomed aboard with an effervescent champagne reception, including a tasting session, and the chance to meet your captain and crew. Meanwhile, your chef is preparing your first gourmet dinner of the week.
Monday, Day Two: Courcelles
Start the morning with a leisurely breakfast on board, admiring the picturesque scenery as we drift along the canal. After lunch, alight with your guide for a visit to Belleau Wood, the site of a famous battle during World War I, when American troops halted the progression of the German army. Continue to the Aisne-Marne cemetery, containing the graves of 2,288 American soldiers. Return to the barge for an afternoon cocktail on deck.
Tuesday, Day Three: Damery
Relax on board as the barge winds its way past the glorious vineyards of this celebrated region. After lunch, leave the barge for a scenic drive to the house of Champagne J de Telmont, where you spend a fascinating afternoon participating in their unique oenological workshop. On the way back, your guide will take you for a brief visit to the abbey in Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon’s tomb lies. Admire the spectacular views overlooking the vineyards before returning to the boat for dinner.
Wednesday, Day Four: Mareuil-sur-Ay
Enjoy a morning visit to Epernay, the jewel of Champagne. Wander down the Avenue de Champagne, an elegant street lined with prestigious champagne houses and swish courtyards and stop for a private tasting at Moët & Chandon. Return to Hirondelle for lunch and unwind as we cruise towards Mareuil-sur-Ay, our mooring for the night. Later, enjoy dinner at the celebrated La Briquette restaurant.
Thursday, Day Five: Vraux
Take advantage of the slow pace and wide towpaths to alight for a walk or a cycle ride alongside the barge. Alight mid-morning with your guide for a trip to the city of Reims, not just an important centre of champagne production but the place where some 34 French sovereigns were crowned. Savour lunch at a local bistro before exploring the beautiful gothic cathedral, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the bountiful shops. Return to the barge for dinner.
Friday, Day Six: Châlons-en-Champagne
After breakfast another treat awaits: a tasting at a local family-run champagne house. The final leg of our journey brings us to the charming town of Châlons-en-Champagne. After lunch, leave the barge to explore attractions including the gothic Saint-Etienne Cathedral, the Cloister Museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux with its remarkable statuary, and three glorious public gardens. Back on board, Chef is busy preparing a farewell gala dinner.
Saturday, Day Seven: Disembark
After breakfast, the crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
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