Champagne Wednesdays aboard La Belle Epoque

Luxury Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque currently spends her time cruising through the diverse and scenic wine country of Northern Burgundy, and as we’re partial to a drop of grape juice ourselves, we’ve decided to bolster her itinerary with a weekly trip to a unique section of the Champagne region.

Les Riceys Sunrise

A Private Tasting at a Champagne Institution

Found on the sun drenched slopes of central Côte des Bar, in the South of Champagne, is Les Riceys, an area renowned for some 2,086 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines and famed for being the only region in the world with three Appellations d’Origine contrôlée (controlled designations of origin).

Wine Harvest Alexandre Bonnet

Following breakfast aboard the barge, guests will be driven to the charming Maison Alexandre Bonnet for a private champagne tasting; lauded for its exceptional Blanc de Noirs and iconic Rosé des Riceys the Alexandre Bonnet Champagne House sits on a quiet, picturesque street at the heart of the town.

Alexandre Bonnet Champagne

Lunch with the Aristocracy

Next there is a short drive to Château de Ricey- Bas; with its 12th century vaulted cellars and thousand year history it’s the ideal location to appreciate the rolling vineyards and enjoy a glimpse of family life in a rural château. Here, the guests will be greeted for a Champagne aperitif and a gourmet lunch with the Baroness herself, which we will take in either a private salon or the atmospheric vaulted 13th century kitchen. We will spend the remainder of the afternoon strolling the beautiful gardens or exploring the regal chateau interiors; an Insider Experience if there ever was one!

Château de Ricey-Bas - private dining experiences

Upon returning to La Belle Epoque, she will begin her cruise to Ancy-le-Franc, with plenty of opportunity to walk or cycle along the towpath… or sit on deck with another glass of bubbly! See the full itinerary.

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