We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Top deck lifestyle, bespoke itineraries and an exclusive partnership with Maison Ruinart take travelers deeper into the effervescence of Champagne.
Featuring three glamorous cabins with ensuite facilities, an indoor saloon with an exceptional champagne bar designed in partnership with Maison Ruinart, and an extensive outdoor deck for relaxing pursuits, sensational dining and sparkling conversations, Coquelicot sets a new standard of sophistication for those champagne moments and slow-paced sailing in France.
Key Features
- Supreme class (6*)
- River Marne and Canal Lateral a la Marne
- Charter bookings only, 6 nights, 7 days, May to October
- 6 guests / 3 generous suites
- Air conditioning and heating throughout
- Full board, table d’hôte dining
- Top deck opulence with two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area
The Classic Cruise — Coquelicot (Poppy)
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Sillery and Epernay, April - August. Between Epernay and Reims Sept & October. Marne river and canal, Champagne region |
| Pick-up | Paris, for private luxury transfer |
| Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners on board. One lunch at Le Jarding bistro; one Maison Ruinart lunch on board |
Classic Cruise Highlights
Discover picturesque villages and acclaimed vineyards as you cruise along the Marne river and canal.
- Visit the historic city of Reims, its gothic cathedral and Musee-des-Beaux-Arts
- Wine tastings at world-renowned Champagne houses, and less well-known ones too!
- The uniquely curated Maison Ruinart experience and five course lunch
- Market day in Chalons-sur-Saone
- Walk and cycle the towpaths, relax on deck and enjoy the unfolding French countryside
With the help of Belmond’s Guest Experience Executive, guests of Coquelicot gain access to famous and lesser-known wine producers in Champagne as they wind through the tapestry of vineyards that flourish on the chalky soils.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Sillery
After a private chauffeured transfer from Paris, board beautiful Coquelicot in Sillery, and prepare to float into a fresh vision of Champagne excellence. Your effervescent cruise begins with a champagne reception, the perfect chance to meet your dedicated captain and crew. As you unpack and explore your elegant sanctuary, Chef is preparing your first gourmet dinner of the week.
Day 2 — Monday
Morning cruise | Excursion to Veuve Cliquot
Enjoy a picturesque morning cruise, relaxing to the rhythm of the water as you absorb the tranquil scenery from on deck. After lunch on board, alight for a thrilling visit to Veuve Clicquot. One of the most celebrated champagne houses in the world, it was named after the widow (“veuve”) who took over her husband’s wine business at the tender age of 27 and rescued it from the brink of failure. She was to become one of the world’s first international businesswomen.
Plunge into the atmospheric underground cellars that stretch deep into the crayères, or chalk pits, for over 24km and glean fascinating facts about this most hallowed of marques. Return to the barge for dinner.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Conde-sur-Marne | Discover the historic city of Reims | Lunch at the Brasserie du Jardin
Linger over breakfast as Coquelicot heads towards the serene village of Condé-sur-Marne, tonight’s mooring. Alight for lunch at the elegant Brasserie Le Jardin bistro, where Chef Philippe Mille’s renowned cuisine is inspired by the seasons and the Champagne region. Afterwards, continue to Reims (pronounced “ranse”), famous as a centre of champagne production but equally renowned for its soaring Gothic cathedral. It was here that, between 816 and 1825, some 34 French sovereigns were crowned. Immaculate, leafy boulevards, Roman remains and art deco cafés await exploration. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is a further fascinating highlight. Dinner tonight is served on board.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Explore Chalons-en-Champagne
The day starts with a tour of Châlons-en-Champagne, whose rich heritage is evident in beautiful timber-framed buildings and splendid churches. Saint-Etienne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, houses stunning stained-glass windows while the Cloister of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux is remarkable for its statuary.
Head to the colourful market with your chef, who will talk you through the luscious produce. Choose some ingredients that catch your eye and Chef will transform them into a feast back on board. Continue cruising along the River Marne and admire the picturesque scenery before disembarking for an enchanting champagne tasting at a small local producer.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Mareuil-sur-Ay | The Ruinart Experience and 5 course lunch
This morning brings a unique highlight. Visit Taissy, the home of Ruinart champagne, for a rare, one-off experience curated between Belmond and Ruinart. The oldest established champagne house, dating from 1729, Ruinart embodies the French spirit of savoir faire and art de vivre.
Accompanied by your guide, enjoy an exclusive tour of the vineyard and sample some exquisite champagnes. Then return to the barge for a spectacular five-course lunch created by Ruinart’s private chef and paired with specially selected vintages. Continue cruising to our evening mooring at Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Dinner is served on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Epernay | Excursion to Hautvilliers Abbey and the Champagne houses of Epernay
Today, as we sail towards Épernay, take advantage of the sedate pace to alight from the barge and stroll or cycle along the towpath. Disembark for a wondrous visit to Hautvillers Abbey. It was here that the monk Dom Pérignon accidentally discovered how to make champagne through the process of secondary fermentation. His tomb can be seen in the abbey, which also boasts spellbinding views over the vineyards. Enjoy a private tasting at a local champagne house, before exploring Épernay, the jewel of Champagne. Discover its elegant avenue, stretching nearly a kilometre and lined on both sides with magnificent mansions and prestigious champagne houses. Return to the barge and unwind over an aperitif before sitting down to a sumptuous farewell gala dinner.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Chalons-en-Champagne
Please check out this morning by 09:00.
After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note: this itinerary is subject to availability, runs in the reverse direction on alternate weeks and is for guidance only
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 128ft (39m) x 16.6ft (5m)
- 3 spacious and glamourous suites, the master-suite being slighter larger with bath tub
- Marble bathrooms with twin basins and walk-in showers
- King size or twin-bed configurations
- individual air-conditioning and heating
Other items on board:
- Expert and professional English-speaking crew of 5
- Selection of books and board games
- Music system and CDs
- WIFI (limited in some local areas)
- 6 bicycles
- Air conditioned executive mini-bus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
An exclusive partnership with Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house, allows for a deeper journey into the region’s liquid gold. Visit the Ruinart vineyards for a behind-the-curtain tour, replete with decadent moments and artistic surprises.
Following the tour, return to the barge for an exclusive alfresco lunch on the barge’s outdoor deck, created by Maison Ruinart’s Chef and Coquelicot’s Head Chef. Framed by the idyllic landscape of Champagne, savour a seasonal tasting menu with carefully selected champagne pairings as you plunge further into the region’s famed art de vivre. All in the comfort and privacy of your own luxury boat.
Days of discoveries are followed by marvellous
nights aboard the new barge. After a refreshing
aperitivo at the boat’s Champagne bar – stocked
with guests’ preferred labels – the private Chef
will prepare a sophisticated dinner using the finest
seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers.
Photo Gallery
Hotel barge Coqulicot cruises in the Champagne region
– [below] In the region: Paris, Reims, Epernay, La Ferte-sous-Jouarre, Meaux, the Marne –
Reims ©Cezar Suceveanu | Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included
6 nights, 7 days accommodation
Return transfers from Paris
All meals and drinks on board
Guided excursions, fees and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5 – 10% suggested)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday, May to end of October
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand. Contact us for availability information.
Peak rate: 99,220 EUR
High rate: 90,200 EUR
Value rate: 82,000 EUR
Low rate: 75,072 EUR
2024
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday, April to end of October
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand. Contact us for availability information.
Peak rate: 109,150 EUR
High rate: 90,200 EUR
Value rate: 82,000 EUR
Hotel Barge Enquiry
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
