Kir Royale luxury barge cruises

One of the very few barges operating in the Champagne region, Kir Royale takes you on a wonderful adventure cruising through the stunning vineyards of this beautiful region, much favoured by the Romans who bequeathed small vineyards to their retired war veterans in the knowledge that they would protect them valiantly. This cruise takes you to the world-famous vineyards of Epernay, home of Moet et Chandon, to the mighty cathedral of Reims dating from the 13th century,  the American Memorial and the cellars of Moët & Chandon, Frèrejean Frères and Maison Pannier.

A fabulous cruise awaits you, savouring the wines, history and culture of this delightful region.

Sunday: From Paris to Chateau-Thierry

When guests arrive in Paris early in the afternoon, they are taken to the hotel barge by a chauffeured minibus that is anchored in Château-Thierry, an old village with a river view and surrounding vineyards that produce some of the area's well-known sparkling wine. In addition, during World War One, a well-known American Marine battle took place in the town. Enjoy a Bubbly welcome from the crew as they introduce you to your captain.
Dinner on board.

Monday: Chateau-Thierry to Dormans

After a hearty breakfast, we head to La Maison Pannier for a private tasting and tour. This reputed champagne house boasts a labyrinth of underground medieval cellars.
After lunch, the hotel barge sets sail on her inaugural voyage down the meandering Marne River, arriving at the quaint riverbank village of Dormans, which is the location of a chateau, a water mill, and a memorial dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in World War One.
Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Dormans to Damery

The magnificent Château de Condé with its sumptuous 18th-century interiors, the American cemetery at Belleau Wood, the World War One battlefield and monument at Château-Thierry, and the site of one of the bloodiest engagements by US forces are just a few of the places to explore after breakfast. We have a leisurely afternoon cruise along the Marne to our mooring at Damery, returning to the Kir Royale for lunch.
Dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Damery to Dizy

Following breakfast, we head to Frerejean Frères, a boutique Grand Cru winery, for a private champagne tasting and tour. We make a stop at a hillside vineyard along the way to discover some of the key elements of champagne grape cultivation. After the tasting, we have a private fine dining lunch in the salon of the family Domaine. We return to the barge to continue our journey along the Marne to Dizy.

Dinner is served aboard.

Thursday: Dizy to Tours-sur-Marne
Today, bubbles are everything! Are you familiar with Champagne's past?
This morning, we go to Moët & Chandon, one of the most well-known Champagne houses globally, which was established in 1743. They take us on a tour of their vast underground cellars, the biggest in the region, which were excavated from the chalk to give the wine the perfect humidity and temperature as it ages. Subsequently, in an elegant private salon, a knowledgeable cellar master conducts a tasting of some of the most renowned vintages of Moët. Upon returning to the barge after lunch, we sail to Tours-sur-Marne, where we moor and connect to the Canal Lateral à la Marne.

Dinner is served aboard.

Friday: Tours-sur-Marne to Chalons-en-Champagne

The stunning 800-year-old Reims cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where the French monarchs were crowned, is where we begin the day. We might have some free time after that to explore this quaint city with its large squares and lavish shopping arcades. We set sail for Châlons-en-Champagne, our final mooring, after lunch on board.
Dinner on board for the captain's farewell.

Saturday: Chalons-en-Champagne
Following breakfast, visitors are driven to our Paris drop-off site in a private, chauffeured minivan. Bon Voyage! ETA 12.30 pm

Please note: This is a sample itinerary, which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.