Embark on a 7-day cruise aboard the Kir Royale through the heart of Champagne. Experience a blend of history, culture, and indulgence. Cruise the River Marne to Dormans, home to a chateau and war memorial, followed by a visit to La Maison Ayala for a private tasting at one of Champagne’s prestigious Grand Cru houses. Explore World War I battlefields at Belleau Wood and Chateau-Thierry, then relax as you cruise to Damery. Visit the boutique winery Frerejean Freres in the scenic Cotes des Blancs, with a stop at a vineyard for a champagne-growing lesson and a gourmet lunch at the family domain. Discover La Maison Boizel on the historic Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, tour its UNESCO-listed cellars, and enjoy an exclusive tasting. After exploring Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned, enjoy free time in the city before heading to Chalons-en-Champagne for a farewell dinner. This Champagne cruise offers an immersive experience of the region’s vineyards, historic landmarks, and renowned champagne houses, making it a journey of discovery and indulgence.
Highlights
Explore Chateau-Thierry, historic town known for its WWI significance
Cruise River Marne, scenic route lined with charming riverside villages
Visit Dormans, charming village featuring a chateau and war memorial
Discover Reims, magnificent cathedral where French kings were crowned
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 greeted in Paris in the early afternoon and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the hotel barge moored in the historic town of Chateau-Thierry. This picturesque town, perched above the river and surrounded by vineyards known for producing renowned sparkling wines, is also famous as the site of a pivotal World War I battle involving American Marines. Upon arrival, enjoy a champagne reception as the Captain introduces the crew, followed by a delightful dinner onboard.
Begin your journey along the winding River Marne, cruising toward the charming riverside town of Dormans, home to a beautiful chateau, a historic water mill, and a World War I memorial. After a leisurely lunch onboard, visit La Maison Ayala, a renowned champagne house in Ay—one of the 17 rare villages classified as Grand Cru in the Champagne region. Explore the historic cellars, learning about the rich heritage and unique philosophy behind Champagne Ayala, followed by a private tasting. Return to the barge for a delightful dinner onboard.
After breakfast, embark on a guided visit to pay your respects at the 42-acre battlefield and monument at Chateau-Thierry and the American cemetery at Belleau Wood, where US forces fought one of the bloodiest battles of WWI. After returning to the barge and lunch on board, enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise along the River Marne to your mooring at Damery—dinner on board.
After a leisurely breakfast, head off for a private champagne tour and tasting at the boutique Grand Cru winery of Frerejean Freres, located in the Cotes des Blancs village of Avize in the Champagne countryside. En route, stop at a picturesque hillside vineyard to learn some key attributes of champagne grape growing. Following the tasting, indulge in a gourmet, private lunch in the family domain salon. After lunch, rejoin the barge and set off on your afternoon cruise, leaving River Marne behind and making your way onto the peaceful Canal lateral a la Marne, to your mooring in Dizy—dinner on board.
This morning, visit La Maison Boizel, a prestigious champagne house on the iconic Avenue de Champagne. Explore the underground cellars, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes the “family treasure” featuring bottles dating back to 1834. Delve into the history and know-how 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 Musee du Champagne, dedicated to the history and art of champagne making. Return to the barge for lunch and continue your cruise along the canal to your pretty mooring at Tours-sur-Marne—dinner on board.
This morning, visit the magnificent 800-year-old Reims cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where the Kings of France were crowned. Before spending some free time, wander around this delightful city with its grand squares and elegant shopping arcades. After lunch on board, cruise to your final mooring at Chalons-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.
$9,0902-3 travelers
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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
Sarika FREY
1 week ago
Very efficient and responsive.
Patricia
1 week ago
I selected Adventure Travel as I was not satisfied with the responsiveness of the agent for the cruise I was trying to book and it had good recommendations. So far, I am quite happy with my agent, Betty, very responsive and accommodating.
