Sunday, Day One: Épernay
Board the barge in Épernay, 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: Mareuil-sur-Ay
Relax over a leisurely breakfast and a morning cruise along the picturesque canal. After lunch, alight with your guide to visit Épernay, 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. Before dinner on the barge, another treat awaits: a tasting at a local, family-run champagne house.
Tuesday, Day Three: Vraux
Spend a relaxing morning on the water as the barge winds its way past the glorious vineyards of this celebrated region. Lunch is served on board, after which you alight for a scenic drive to the house of Champagne J de Telmont. 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: Châlons-en-Champagne
The next stage of the journey brings us to the attractive town of Châlons-en-Champagne, whose numerous attractions include the gothic Saint-Etienne Cathedral, the Cloister Museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, with its remarkable statuary, and three glorious public gardens. Alight after lunch for a guided tour and time to explore at your leisure. Dinner is served back on board.
Thursday, Day Five: Pogny
Take advantage of the unhurried pace and wide towpaths to alight for a walk or a cycle ride alongside the barge. Today you enjoy lunch on shore at a local restaurant before your guide accompanies you on a visit to La Mains de Massiges, an important World War I site. Explore the chalk-filled trenches, built in wavy lines to thwart gunfire, and the nearby cemetery. Return to the barge for dinner.
Friday, Day Six: Couvrot
After breakfast, in the company of your guide, visit the city of Reims, not just an important centre of champagne production but the place where some 34 French sovereigns were crowned. Explore the beautiful gothic cathedral, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the bountiful shops. Return to the barge for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise. Meanwhile your chef is busy preparing a fabulous 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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