5. The Ultimate Champagne Experience: Onboard Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne
Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, invites hedonists and gourmands on a sparkling five-night voyage through the Champagne region, celebrating the world’s most acclaimed champagne houses with exclusive tastings and behind-the-scenes access.
A visit to Veuve Clicquot’s underground cellars, stretching 24 km into the medieval UNESCO-listed Crayères in Reims, is followed by exclusive access to the historic Taissy vineyard, noted in Maison Ruinart’s archives since 1733.
Guests will experience an exclusive five-course dinner crafted by Maison Ruinart’s Chef, Valérie Radou, on the boat’s scenic top deck, all amidst the idyllic landscape and luxurious comfort of their own private vessel—a true lesson in French art de vivre.
HOW: Coquelicot Grand Champagne Voyage itinerary departs on 14 September 2025, from Chalons en Champagne to Jaulgonne, with rates starting at
€150,000.
Les Bateaux Belmond, France
Les Bateaux Belmond are a collection of seven intimate boats operating from April to October across France’s most tranquil waterways. Offering personalised experiences on water, the boats take guests to the heart of rural France, into Burgundy (Fleur De Lys; Lilas; Amaryllis), Provence (Napoléon), Champagne (Coquelicot), Camargue (Pivoine) and Canal du Midi (Alouette).
Each boat accommodates between 4 to 12 passengers, with a close to equal crew-to-guest ratio for the higheststandard of service, offering regional specialities and seasonal delicacies unique to the cruising area.
This is the most luxurious fleet on the French waterways, each presenting as a Villa on the water with their own unique lavish design: a playful palette, a nautical feel and a stylish expansive deck — and four with their very own plunge pools. All boats are available for weekly private hire only, except Napoléon, in Provence, which is also available to be booked on a cabin-basis.
Guests can unwind in stylish comfort and dine on sensational French cuisine as they drift along picturesque riverbanks, then moor for tailor-made excursions – including private visits to vineyards, historic landmarks, food markets – or explore the local area independently on the complimentary bikes. (*)
