Unlimited bubbly, waterside vineyards, and gourmet cuisine: this new European river cruise is a champagne lover’s dream.
French Waterways has just unveiled its newly refurbished barge, which will launch on May 19 and take passengers on a week-long private river cruise through France’s Champagne region. Dub Ker Royal, the vessel can accommodate eight guests in four cabins each with en-suite bathrooms. The latter plays his and her drowning and lavish rain showers. In addition, the barge itself is outfitted with two sundecks (one with a heated spa pool), a bar, a salon, and a separate dining area.
“Cur Ruel is about experiencing Champagne in its home region and celebrating everything its vineyards have to offer,” James Newcomb, cofounder of French Waterways, said in a statement. “Besides enjoying the bubbles, the Champagne countryside is stunning, dotted with vineyards and dotted with ornate châteaus and churches.”
The newly renovated Kir Royale has four cabin suites.
Courtesy of French Waterways
The seven-day, six-night journey begins in Paris, where you will be transferred from the Hotel Westminster to Châlons-en-Champagne. Passengers on board the eight-person barge will be greeted with a glass of bubbly and treated to a seasonally inspired dinner. The next day, the boat will sail down the Marne Valley with stops at Maison Pannier for a tour and private tasting.
Day 3 begins with an excursion to the World War II battlefields of Chateau-Thierry and the Belleau Wood Memorial. Afterwards, you will enjoy lunch and dinner on board until arriving at your mooring at the Ker Royale Damre. The next morning, depart for a private champagne tasting and tour of a boutique grand cru winery by Frigian Friars, followed by lunch at the salon. When the boat arrives at Daisy, your group will visit the world-famous Moët & Chandon. The festivities continue with a guided tour of Moët & Chandon’s underground cellars and a tasting hosted by the cellar master. On the final day, you will visit the historic, 800-year-old Reims Cathedral.
“The barge season runs from May, when the grapes are growing, through harvest in September and through October when the leaves drop and regeneration begins,” Newcomb explained. “But no matter what time of year you go, the experience will be fantastic.”
A week-long itinerary through France’s Champagne region starts at $8,550 per person for bi-cabin bookings. Kir Royale can also be chartered for up to six guests with prices starting at $58,700. This rate includes transfers to and from Paris, all meals and wine (ship and shore), daily excursions, and a dedicated staff.
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