Embark on a 7-day cruise from Chateau-Thierry to Chalons-en-Champagne aboard the Kir Royale. Cruise through the heart of Champagne featuring guided visits to key World War I sites at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood, exclusive tours and tastings at grand cru and boutique champagne houses including Ayala, Frerejean Freres, and Boizel, and a stop at the historic Reims Cathedral. Enjoy private lunches, vineyard insights, and daily cruising along the River Marne and Canal lateral a la Marne, with moorings at Dormans, Damery, Dizy, Tours-sur-Marne, and Chalons-en-Champagne. Aboard, guests experience gourmet dining, expert-led excursions, and refined barge cruising.
Highlights
Visit Chateau-Thierry battlefield and honor American WWI history
Explore Belleau Wood cemetery and reflect on U.S. Marine bravery
Tour Ay's grand cru champagne house and enjoy private tastings
Discover Avize vineyards and savor a gourmet lunch in the domaine
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Guests are met in Paris in the early afternoon and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the hotel barge moored in Château-Thierry—a historic town overlooking the river and surrounded by vineyards known for producing renowned sparkling wines. The town also holds significance as the site of a major World War I battle involving American Marines. Upon arrival, enjoy a champagne welcome as the Captain introduces the crew. Dinner is served on board.
Following breakfast, take a guided excursion to the 42-acre battlefield and memorial at Château-Thierry, as well as the American cemetery at Belleau Wood—site of one of the fiercest battles fought by U.S. forces in World War I. After returning to the barge for lunch, begin the first cruise of the week along the River Marne, arriving at the charming riverside town of Dormans. Dinner is served on board.
This morning, enjoy a relaxing cruise to Damery. After lunch on board, enjoy a visit to La Maison Ayala, a renowned champagne house situated in Aÿ, one of the 17 rare villages classified as grand cru in the Champagne region. Take a tour of the historic cellars to learn about the house’s history and understand the philosophy behind Champagne Ayala, before a private tasting. Return to the barge in the late afternoon. Dinner on board.
After a leisurely breakfast, head off for a private champagne tour and tasting at the boutique grand cru winery of Frerejean Frères, located in the Côtes des Blancs village of Avize, in the middle of the Champagne countryside. En route, make a stop at a picturesque hillside vineyard to learn some of the key attributes of champagne grape growing. Following the tasting, indulge in a gourmet, private lunch in the salon of the family domaine. After lunch, rejoin the barge and set off on your afternoon cruise, leaving the River Marne behind and making your way onto the peaceful Canal lateral à la Marne to your mooring in Dizy. Dinner on board.
This morning, visit the magnificent 800-year-old Reims Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where the Kings of France were crowned. Here, discover the cathedral’s remarkable history and admire its intricate architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows before some free time to perhaps wander around this delightful city with its grand squares and elegant shopping arcades. After lunch on board, cruise to your pretty mooring at Tours-sur-Marne. Dinner on board.
This morning, visit La Maison Boizel, a prestigious champagne house situated on the iconic Avenue de Champagne. Explore the underground cellars, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which feature the “family treasure,” including bottles dating back to 1834. Delve into the history and know-how that has been passed down through six generations to when the house was built in 1834. After, enjoy a private tasting of two exclusive Boizel champagnes. On the way back, there’s an optional visit to the Musée du Champagne, dedicated to the history and art of champagne making. Return to the barge for lunch and continue your cruise to your final mooring at Châlons-en-Champagne. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7: Chalons-en-Champagne | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,090
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Suite
200 sq ft in area with ultra-modern en suite bathrooms, his and hers sinks, and a luxurious oversized rainforest shower.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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