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Champagne Cruises

Explore forests, vineyards, and rolling cornfields while sipping the sparkling wine we all know and love on a luxury cruise in 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.

Hotel Barge Cruises through the Champagne Region of France

  • 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

Taking a river cruise of the Champagne region of France is best done in the warmer summer months. In May & June, you can take advantage of the stunning weather and welcoming atmosphere to explore the region. From rich history to gastronomic wonders, you’ll find what you are looking for here. Our luxury hotel barges have all of the amenities and more to make your journey an unforgettable one.

In May and June, hotel barge Panache will take you on a delightful tour of Champagne. With room for up to 12 guests, you can enjoy gourmet meals and fine wine on board. The generously-sized junior suites and spacious sun deck with a heated spa pool will give you the perfect place to relax after exploring the area. Visit the boutique champagne house of Frerejean Frères and enjoy lunch in the family domaine, sample Brie cheese with your friends, or take a tour of the Cathedral of Reims.

La Nouvelle Etoile combines traditional elegance and modern-day facilities to give you the most luxurious experience on a hotel barge. Your journey on board will include a visit to the magnificent Chateaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte, Château-Thierry, the scene of fierce battles in World War I, and Belleau Wood. You’ll also get a private wine-tasting visit in the cellars of Moet et Chandon.

Sip Champagne and Enjoy Culinary Delights

The Champagne region of France is best known for the production of sparkling white wine that shares its name with the area. With vineyards spread across the region, you can sample some of the finest wines in the world. Epernay is at the centre of the region and hosts the Avenue de Champagne, with names including Moët et Chandon, Perrier Jouët, and Pol Roger.

A trip to Meaux will give you the chance to sample some of the other gastronomic products the area is known for, including creamy cheese and sharp mustard. Coulommiers cheese is one of the most popular, and the region is world-famous for its Brie and its local variety of mustard.

Photo Gallery

Our Hotel Barges in Champagne

Ultra Deluxe 8 Passengers 5 Crew Cruise Rates
Hotel barge Kir Royale cruising Champagne

Kir Royale is an ultra deluxe, 8 passenger vessel that cruises the renowned Champagne region of France

Deluxe 12 Passengers 6 Crew Cruise Rates
Panache - Cruising - Alsace - September 2023 (7) 250

Panache is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that cruises in the Champagne region between Château-Thierry and Châlons-en-Champagne from mid-June to mid-July

Ultra Deluxe 8 Passengers 5 Crew Cruise Rates

La Nouvelle Etoile is an ultra-deluxe, 8 passenger hotel barge that cruises the Champagne region between Paris and Epernay from mid-July to mid-August

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.

Why Book a Champagne Region Cruise?

The Champagne area of France is a popular holiday destination, offering you stunning vineyards, rolling hills, and some of the finest wine and cheese in the world. With a rich history to explore and delightful food and drink to enjoy, Champagne gives you the best of France to explore. Your Champagne cruise will take you off the beaten path and onto the water, where you’ll be expertly guided along the riverways to see what the area has to offer. If you are looking for a holiday with a difference, this is it.

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