Hotel Barge Kir Royale: Then & Now
Enjoy a barge cruise in Champagne aboard the 128-foot Kir Royale
Cruise the lush, green landscapes of the Champagne region of France as you cruise in extraordinary luxury aboard French Hotel Barge Kir Royale. With this floating vacation home guiding you gently along the waterways of the River Marne and the Canal Latéral à la Marne, you can sit back and enjoy the service as you sip a glass of champagne, enjoy the spa pool, and polish off a plate of gourmet cuisine; all while watching the vineyards roll past at a leisurely pace.
A Brief History of Kir Royale
Kir Royale has a colorful history that began with her construction in 1928. She was built at the Praet et Verschuren de Boom shipyard in Belgium and started life as a 36-meter (118 feet) freight barge named "Maria". Originally designed for the transport of goods, the vessel's role took a dramatic turn during World War Two.
With changing times came a changing purpose. As World War Two dragged into the 1940s, Kir Royale was modified to facilitate navigation to enemy-occupied France. Her bow was straightened for direct transport to the Normandy beaches, where she carried troops and supplies during the D-Day landings.
Disaster struck when Maria hit an underwater mine and sunk to the seabed. However, once the war was over, she was rescued from her watery grave and salvaged. Fitted with a new bow, she was lovingly refurbished and returned to service as a transport vessel.
Lemavi-X
By the 1960s, the barge had been renamed the "Lemavi-X" and was operating on the waterways of northern Europe in Wallonia, Belgium. When the time came for retirement, Lemavi-X narrowly escaped the scrapyard. Instead, she was taken to the Netherlands, and transformed into a trendy hotel barge, set to cruise the waterways of Europe.
The boat was once again renamed in 1976 as the "Wirramina" and she became one of the pioneers of luxury European hotel barging. For decades, she offered unforgettable experiences to guests on the rivers and canals of Holland and Belgium.
Kir Royale entered another chapter of her life in 1989 and was renamed again. She was given the start-studded name, "Étoile de Champagne", and put to work on the waterways of north-central France. After more than 15 years of service delighting guests in Champagne and the Marne, Étoile de Champagne changed hands again.
Savoir Faire
In 2005, she was renamed "Savoir Faire" and continued to cruise as a luxury hotel barge on the picturesque waterways of France and Holland. Another renaming followed in 2020, when she became "Adagio" but then came Covid which was not a good time to repurpose to a new beginning.
Move ahead to the summer of 2023 when Adagio changed hands once more. Following an extensive refit and modernization in the Netherlands, she was christened "Kir Royale" after the famed French cocktail. In 2024, she embarked on her first luxurious cruise through the Champagne region. This impressive barge blends her storied history with the offer of contemporary comforts for travelers who seek a unique and memorable journey.
French Hotel Barge Kir Royale Today
If you're thinking of a visit to the French vineyards of Champagne, then our Ultra Deluxe barge, Kir Royale, provides the best six-night stay for passengers seeking a life of ultimate luxury. Relax into the spa pool, experience the sights of rolling hills, and taste the sparkling wines of this spectacular region of Northern France.
Kir Royale
With a maximum of eight passengers on your cruise, you'll have plenty of room to spend your vacation time in the way you prefer. If you would like a delightful flute of Kir Royale or an espresso, for example, simply call on one of the five dedicated crew members, and they'll be glad to assist.
Kir Royale Cruising the River Marne & the Canal Latéral à la Marne
The River Marne in northeastern France, passes through the picturesque Champagne region. The waterway serves as an artery to the region's vineyards, playing a vital role in the area's viticulture. Running parallel to the River Marne is the Canal Latéral à la Marne, which provides transport for vessels navigating the area and connecting towns along the route. Learn more about this area.
Itinerary highlights
Enjoy a barge cruise between Château-Thierry and Châlons-en-Champagne aboard French Hotel Barge Kir Royale, and explore the varied landscapes and charming towns throughout the region of Champagne. Sit back and relax as you're chauffeured to some of the best hand-picked destinations along the Canal Latéral à la Marne.
- Private tour and tasting at Maison Boizel on the iconic Avenue de Champagne
- Tour the majestic cathedral in Reims, where the Kings of France were crowned
- Visit the boutique champagne house of Frerejean Frères and enjoy lunch in the family domaine
- Enjoy a private winery tour and tasting at La Maison Ayala, a renowned champagne house situated in Aÿ, one of the 17 rare villages classified as Grand Cru in the Champagne region.
- Cruise the beautiful and historic River Marne past waterside vineyards
- Visit Château-Thierry, the scene of fierce battles in World War One, and Belleau Wood
Ready to Cruise Aboard Kir Royale?
View Kir Royale's online brochure where you can find more detailed information such as facts & amenities, cuisine, itinerary, rates, availability calendars, photos, and video. Pop us an email and together we can start planning your barge cruise.
HOME > About Kir Royale: Then & Now