Barging in France: Champagne
Between Paris (Château Thierry) & Châlons en Champagne
Enjoy a barge cruise in the Champagne region of France aboard the Hotel Barge Aurora with many interesting excursions on your barge trip between Château Thierry and Châlons-en-Champagne. Go barging on the River Marne and the Canal Latéral à la Marne and soak up the French countryside of Champagne. This is a sample itinerary. Each day will be a mixture of relaxation and exploration with a range of excursions tailored to your interests.
Sunday, Day 1 - Paris to mooring at Château Thierry
You are met at the airport or your hotel in Paris and travel by private minibus to Château Thierry, known for the scene of an important WWI American battle. Welcome reception by your Chef & Captain Steve and the crew, with champagne & petits fours. Possible afternoon visit of Belleau Memorial, attend a spectacular show of birds of prey from eagles to tiny owls at the Château, or stroll around the town. Dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Cruise to Dormans
Cruise through the picturesque Champagne vineyards. Possible excursions:
- Early morning visit to the local baker. Discover the art of breadmaking and assist in the making of traditional French baguettes and croissants.
- Excursion to the Château of Condé, a privately-owned historical monument, famous for its interior decors from the 17th & 18th centuries. Frescoes and "trompe l'oeil" painted by Watteau, Servandoni and other prestigious painters.
- Discover the Museum of L'Escargot de Champagne in Try-sur-Dormans. Followed by our first culinary stop for a tasting of Terrine d'Escargot accompanied by a flute of Champagne.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Cruise to Cumières
Today's possible excursions:
- Visit the village of Hautvillers where the famous monk Dom Perignon invented the Champagne method of fermentation in 1693. Followed by a trip to Oeuilly, a village out of time, to La Maison Champenoise, a traditional vintner's house which depicts life in the 18th century.
- Visit Reims, city of coronation with its magnificent Cathedral where the French kings were crowned. Visit one of the most famous Champagne Cellars of Taittinger, Pomery, or Veuve Clicquot.
- Our culinary visit brings us to the famous cheese specialist in Reims, Maison Charlet, with 300 variety of cheese; then to the biscuit factory of Fossier, dating from 1756, famous for the “Biscuit Rose de Reims”.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Cruise to Mareuil-sur-Ay
Possible excursions for today:
- Visit the Market of St Martin d'Ablois with the Chef.
- Excursion to Epernay and visit the Dom Perignon cellars at Moët & Chandon.
- On the "Route des Blancs" in Oger, discover the "Museum of Traditions, Love and Champagne" with an amazing collection of traditional wedding accessories, bridal crowns, wedding dresses, etc…
- Participate in the preparation of "Paté en croûte de Jambon" by a local traiteur.
Thursday, Day 5 - Cruise to Condé sur Marne
Today's possible excursions:
- Airfield Museum of Vraux recalling the activities at the airfield during WWII.
- Visit a chocolate factory in Pierry and sample their delicious bonbons.
- After a short stop in the amazing Forest of Verzy, visit a unique Whisky distillery in Louvois.
Friday, Day 6 - Cruise to Châlons-en-Champagne, jewel of Roman & Gothic architecture
Possible excursions for today:
- Visit the magnificent Renaissance Château de Montmort, with its draw bridge that crosses over a moat, and its vegetable garden.
- Afternoon visit of a traditional Champenoise Farm in the beautiful village of St Amand sur Fion, followed by a visit to a goat cheese farm in La Chaussee-sur-Marne
We return to Aurora in time for cocktails before the Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Saturday, Day 7 - Châlons-en-Champagne & Return to Paris
After your final gourmet breakfast, return to Paris by private minibus (about 1h45).
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary. Excursions are tailor-made to suit your interests.
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