Banner

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

Deluxe 12 Passengers 6 Crew Cruise Rates

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.

CONTACT US ABOUT THIS CRUISE

I confirm that I have read and agree to European Waterways Privacy Policy.

FROM THE LOCK-KEEPER BLOG

All about Reims, France: The Unofficial Capital of the Champagne Region

Reims is a name we most often associate with the back of a Champagne bottle… and if that was all the city was famous for, it would be quite enough!... Read More

Discover the Charm, Character and Champagne of Reims

Planning a luxury cruise in Champagne? These amazing attractions are the jewels of the Champagne capital! Read More

Cruise from Paris to Champagne on this Spectacular Annual Voyage

Paris to Champagne aboard a luxury boutique vessel, discover the best in French cuisine, wine, history and architecture as part of this once a year cruise Read More

Are These the World’s Best Champagne Houses?

When you're in the home of the bubbly stuff there are a few Champagne houses you simply have to visit, they might just be the best in the world. Read More

3 Reasons to Visit Reims

What is there to do and see in Reims? With architectural genius, art galleries galore and champagne tasting on every street this French gem has something to entice everyone Read More

The Top Things to do in Champagne

Take 5 minutes and get the low down on just what to do in this sparkling French region, there's certainly something to suit all tastes Read More

The Secrets of the River Marne

514 Kilometres and 8 Centuries of fascinating, beautiful history along Champagne's River Marne Read More

Taste Möet on One of Our Barge Holidays in France

One of the many highlights of the Champagne Region is this visit to one of its finest Champagne Houses - Moët & Chandon Read More

Explore the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial

A historic stop aboard Panache's Champagne route and a striking piece of architecture Read More

Know Your Champagne Etiquette

Champagne, the lifeblood of special occasions & magnificent parties - but do you know how to open and serve it correctly? Read More

Champagne Wednesdays aboard La Belle Epoque

Enjoy a midweek visit to a boutique champagne house on a hotel barge cruise through Burgundy with La Belle Epoque Read More

Champagne Cruises- More Bubbly for your Buck

Champagne Cruises for 2018, a unique way to see the effervescent heart of France Read More

X