We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Imagine spending a week cruising the idyllic waterways of France on board this luxury barge. Trade a week of the hustle of everyday life for the leisurely and gentle pace of barging. Cruising on these historic waterways allows for a deep exploration of the picturesque landscapes, historical gems, vineyards and more. You’ll be immersing yourself in French culture and history while savoring gourmet meals paired with exquisite wines and mouthwatering cheeses from each region.
Papillon, recently refurbished with every luxury for just four guests, cruises through France during the season, from beautiful Burgundy in the north to the captivating Camargue in the south. With a crew of three, including a private chef, to take care of every need, simply relax and unwind as you take in the sights and sounds of France as she should be seen, from the water.
Key Features
- Excellence class (4*)
- Five routes, exploring the Burgundy, Champagne, Provence and Camargue regions
- Charter bookings only
- Full board
- 4 guests / 2 suites
- Air conditioning and heating throughout
- Sun deck with dining area and loungers
The Classic Cruise — Papillon
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Chateau Thierry and Chalons en Champagne, Marne river and Canal Lateral a la Marne |
| Pick-up | Pick-up in Paris at 4pm |
| Dining | Classic cruise: All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners on board. 1 dinner at Michelin restaurant |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Discover Reims, its historic cathedral and royal coronations
- Explore Epernay, the champagne capital
- Visit the poignant battle fields at Belleau Wood
- Taste, savor and learn everything about Champagne
- Cruise, relax, walk and cycle through the delightful Marne valley
Alternative cruise options
Papillon offers 4 other cruises during the season:
Burgundy Nivernais
Burgundy Saone
Rhone Provence
Camargue
See ‘Rates’ for these sailing dates.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival at Chateau Thierry
Welcome to Château-Thierry! Step aboard your week’s floating home to a glass of champagne while you’re introduced to the crew. Relax and settle into your luxurious suite before enjoying your first gourmet dinner onboard, created by your personal chef.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Dormans | Excursion to Belleau Wood Memorial
We begin the day with a short cruise to Saint Père and a morning excursion to the American memorial at Belleau Wood. The Battle of Belleau Wood took place in June of 1918, during World War I and is still considered one of the most significant battles in U.S. Marine Corps history. It also marked the first major engagement of the US in WWI. To this day, the story of Belleau Wood continues to have a significant impact on military culture.
Return to Papillon for your first delicious lunch and a short cruise before an exquisite champagne tasting at Champagne Météyer Père et Fils. This charming vineyard began as just one hectare of vines in the 1860s and remains family-owned, managed by Franck Météyer, the great-grandson of winegrower Pierre Clément. The vineyard has a long and proud history of tradition and warm hospitality.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Epernay | Excursion to Boizel champagne house | Dine out at Michelin restaurant
This morning we cruise to Épernay, the capital city of the Champagne region. Located in the heart of the
vineyards, Épernay is alive with festivities and is home to many of the great Champagne houses.
This afternoon’s excursion includes a private tour of Champagne Boizel, for an educational and entertaining experience. There are hundreds of miles of cellars and approximately 200 million bottles of champagne stored underground here. Boizel is the last of the family champagne houses that remain open for visits, so you’ll enjoy an exclusive private tour and tasting.
Tonight, you’ll dine ashore at the Royal Champagne, Michelin Rosette restaurant in Champillon, with sweeping views of the Marne valley and Épernay town.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Mareuil-sur-Aÿ | Visit Hautvillers and enjoy Champagne chocolate tasting
This morning, we’ll head to the village of Hautvillers, the birthplace of champagne wine and the final resting place of the Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, at the Abbey Saint-Pierre. We’ll discover how he paved the way for the creation of champagne.
Return to Papillon to enjoy lunch on board before heading to Pierry, just south of Épernay, where
you’ll see and taste Xavier Thibaut’s bouchons de Champagne chocolates as they’re being made. A true dream for all chocolate lovers!
You’ll continue on your afternoon of indulgence with a tasting at Champagne Lenique, the supplier of the champagne onboard for over 25 years!
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Vraux | Excursion to Reims
After a short cruise to Vraux, we head to France’s city of kings, Reims, known for its unmissable cathedral and the chalky cellars of Veuve Cliquot. The stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 13th century, has hosted the coronation of 25 kings of France from the 13th to 19th centuries.
The ground beneath the streets of Reims has been mined for its chalk for hundreds of years. Now, those tunnels are home to cellars that house over 23 million bottles ofchampagne.
Before heading back to the barge, check out the busy Drouet d’Erlon, a pedestrian square — take time to take in the historic architecture of its buildings and refreshments in the art deco tea room at Pâtisserie Waïda.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Chalons-en-Champagne | Visit to Bouzy and champagne tasting
Relax on deck during our final cruise today to our mooring at Chalons. After lunch on board, we head to the village of Bouzy for a delicious tour and tasting at the vineyards of Herbert Beaufort; in business since the 17th centruy they’re still crafting their wines using the same pure traditions.
Return to Papillon to relax and prepare for the Captain’s farewell dinner and your final night on board. Share the best moments of the week whilst you savor more gourmet dishies and wines from the Champagne region.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Chalons-en-Champagne
After breakfast, we wave you off on your way back to Paris in our private minivan.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary may run in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 82ft (25m) x 12ft (4m)
- Bow cabin, 140 sq ft, ceiling height 7ft
- Port cabin, 120 sq ft, ceiling height 6ft 5″
- King size double bed or two twin beds in each suite
- Bathrooms have shower, hand basin and WC, toiletries, towels, bathrobes and hairdryer
- Both suites are individually heated air-conditioned
Other items on board
- Expert and professional English-speaking crew of 3
- Fully stocked open bar
- Library and music system
- Wifi with phone chargers (connectivity is limited in some places)
- 4 bicycles
- Air conditioned luxury mini-van for private transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
In the tradition of gourmet French cuisine, chef makes sure that dining on board is feast of the senses and supports local farmers and growers. The menus are created using the freshest ingredients available and based upon what’s in season, so you’ll be treated to an authentic culinary experience.
No meal in France would be complete without a tasting of 2-3 French wines and cheeses, and all dietary requirements are catered for, with sufficient notice.
Bon Appétit!
Sample Menu
- Mushrooms in a garlic & parsley butter with a parmesan crisp
- Seared Foie Gras & Caramelized Apple
- Lemon Sorbet
- Tournedos steak on a Swiss rosti, mangetout & a herb butter
- Cheeses: The Emperor & King of French Cheese (St Maure de Touraine & Epoisses)
- Chocolate Brownie, Rum Truffle and a pomegranate Jelly and panna cotta
- Wines: Chablis Grand Cru Le Clos, Guy Robin 2015, Gevrey Chambertin Jafflin 2015
You’ll be served a wide variety of regional wines on board and, having nurtured strong relationships with many French vineyards, there are always new winemakers and wines to add to the inventory.
You’ll taste wines from some of the most famous labels to the small, local producers – great wines from Northern Burgundy, the Côtes du Rhône, Provence and elsewhere, making a week on board a delicious masterclass in great French wines.
Photo Gallery
Hotel Barge Papillon cruise in four regions of France through the season.
– [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
6 nights accommodation
Return transfer from pick-up point
All meals and drinks as per cruise contract
Excursions as per cruise itinerary
Not included
Air fares and travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter only bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Full-board rate weeks (6 nights)
Burgundy Nivernais
Apr 16, 23, 30;
May 7, 14, 21, 28;
Jun 4, 11, 18, 25;
Jul 9, 16*
Champagne
Jul 30;
Aug 6, 13, 20
Burgundy Saone
Sep 3, 10, 17, 24;
Oct 1
Provence
Oct 8
Camargue
Oct 15, 22
Charter for 4 guests: 28,000 USD
Charter for 2 guests: 21,000 USD
* repositioning week – please call for itinerary and special rates.
2024
Charter only bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Full-board rate weeks (6 nights)
Burgundy Nivernais
Apr 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Jun 2, 9, 16, 23
Jul 7 Transition week to Champagne
Champagne
July 14, 21, 28
Aug 4 Cycling week to Burgundy
Burgundy Saone
Aug 11, 18, 25
Sep 1, 8, 15, 22
Provence
Sept 29
Camargue
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 2
Charter for 4 guests: 30,000 USD
Charter for 2 guests: 22,000 USD
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
