Standard Classic Barge Cruise Itinerary

The 8-passenger French Hotel Barge Kir Royale offers their standard classic cruise itinerary as both private charters and cabin cruises in the Champagne region of France.

Map – Kir Royale’s Champagne Itinerary

Sunday, Day 1 – Château-Thierry

Guests are met early afternoon in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to hotel barge Kir Royale moored in Château-Thierry. This is a historic, strategically situated town overlooking the river, surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the region’s famous sparkling wine. The town is also the site of an iconic battle for American Marines in World War One. Enjoy a champagne welcome while your Captain introduces you to the crew. Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 – Château-Thierry to Dormans

After breakfast, we embark on a guided visit to pay our respects at the 42-acre battlefield and monument at Château-Thierry and the American cemetery at Belleau Wood, where US forces fought one of the bloodiest battles of World War One.

We return to the barge and have lunch on board. After lunch, we set off on our first cruise of the week along the River Marne to our mooring at the pretty riverside town of Dormans. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Dormans to Damery

This morning, enjoy a relaxing cruise to Damery.

After lunch onboard, we visit La Maison Ayala in Aÿ, one of the region’s 17 rare grand cru villages. Before our private tasting, we tour the historic cellars to explore the history and philosophy of Champagne Ayala. Return to the barge in the late afternoon. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 – Damery to Dizy

After a leisurely breakfast, we head off for a private champagne tour and tasting at the boutique, grand cru winery of Frerejean Frères. The winery is located in the Côtes des Blancs village of Avize, in the middle of the Champagne countryside. En route, we make a stop at a picturesque hillside vineyard to learn some of the key attributes of champagne grape growing.

Following the tasting, we indulge in a gourmet, private lunch in the salon of the family domaine. After lunch, we rejoin the barge and set off on our afternoon cruise. We leave the River Marne behind and make our way onto the peaceful Canal Latéral à la Marne, to our mooring in Dizy. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 – Dizy to Tours-sur-Marne

This morning, we visit the magnificent 800-year-old Reims cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where the Kings of France were crowned. Here, you’ll discover the cathedral’s remarkable history and admire its intricate architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Then we have some free time to perhaps wander around this delightful city with its grand squares and elegant shopping arcades.

After lunch on board, we cruise to our pretty mooring at Tours-sur-Marne. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 – Tours-sur-Marne to Châlons-en-Champagne

We visit the immersive Pressoria museum, where you’ll discover the heritage and craftsmanship behind Champagne, finishing with a guided tasting that highlights the region’s signature styles. Afterwards, take a stroll along the world-famous Avenue de Champagne in Epernay – a grand boulevard lined with elegant mansions and the historic cellars of the most celebrated Champagne houses.

Afternoon cruise to our mooring at Chalon-en-Champagne. Captains Farewell dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 – Châlons-en-Champagne

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.

NOTES:

• On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
• This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

KIR ROYALE > Standard classic itinerary

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