Who Knows Cruising in Champagne

Passengers: Up to 6	Your Hosts: Jason Ashcroft and Dawn Coles
Size: 94 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 2
Last Visited: 2012	Bicycles: 6
Rating: Charming Class	Air Conditioned: Yes

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, all meals from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, except three which will taken off the barge at your expense (a combination of restaurants for lunch and dinner will be arranged), all wines with lunches & dinners served on board, open bar on board, transportation to and from onshore restaurants, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, transportation to the cruise route (we will assist you with this), three meals off the barge at your expense (a combination of restaurants for lunch and dinner will be arranged), cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2014 Rates In Champagne

Three Quarter Board Rates	3 meals off the barge at the guests expense
2 Guests - $11,800	5 Guests - $17,000
3 Guests - $13,200	6 Guests - $20,600
4 Guests - $14,500

2014 dates in Champagne

July 6 - 12	August 3 - 9	August 31 - Sept 6	September 14 - 20
July 13 - 19	August 10 - 16	September 7 - 13	September 21 - 27
July 20 - 26	August 17 - 23	New Cell

It has long been Jason and Dawn’s dream to move Who Knows to a second route, one that will provide the best reason for satisfied guests to return. This dream becomes a reality in 2013 when Who Knows moves to the Champagne for the last half of the season, and will then remain in Champagne for the entire 2014 season. We have cruised in this area, which has some of the most gorgeous scenery imaginable (vineyards lining the canal in many places) and top sightseeing. Of course, there is Champagne tasting! But also think about the many World War I sites and the cathedral at Reims, where French kings were crowned. Jason is most interested in the history and personalities of World War I and has read extensively from the letters of soldiers who served and other interesting sources.

There will be two dinners and one lunch on shore, at the expense of the guests. Dinner venues feature locally-owned bistros in adorable villages while lunch will be taken right in Reims, perhaps in the neighborhood of the Cathedral.

Who Knows remains a fantastic choice for parties of four, five and six looking for high quality cruising at an affordable price.

Who Knows Itinerary

Champagne Barge Cruise

SILLERY TO JOULANGES
On the Canal de L’Aisne a la Marne and

Canal du Marne a la Saone

Sunday: Reims to Sillery
Welcome Aboard!
At approximately 4 pm Jason will meet you at the Reims train station. (Train transfers to and from Reims are not included in the cruise fare, but can be arranged and purchased before departure.)You will then be chauffeured to the Who Knows at Sillerey, a typical village just south of Reims. You will be welcomed with Champagne (of course!) and afterwards will enjoy the first of Dawn’s delicious dinners on board.

Monday: Sillery to Sept Saulx
Famous Battle Sites
After breakfast we set sail and gently cruise down the Canal de L’Aisne a la Marne towards the tiny village of Sept Saulx, with a view of the Grand Cru vineyards of the Montagne de Reims holding much promise to come during the week. We pass many areas and villages made famous for the hard fought battles during World War I. After lunch on board, drive to the Monument de la Ferme de Navarin, pictured at left, a monument to the 10,000 French soldiers buried nearby who died defending their beloved region in that war. At the base of the monument are listed the many international divisions who fought in Champagne, including four American divisions, one of whose officers was the future General MacArthur. Return to the barge in the afternoon with time to freshen up. Dinner tonight is in the village of Sept Saulx at the restaurant Chevel Blanc, where traditional regional dishes are met with friendly service and a wonderful wine list.

Tuesday: Sept Saul to Tours -sur- Marne
Champagne Tasting
This morning we cruise through the tunnel of Mont de Billy and then descend the 8 locks of the Echelle de Mont de Billy to join the Canal du Marne a la Soane, mooring up in the town of Tours-sur-Marne. After lunch we drive to the House of Ployez Jaquemart to taste some of the less well known Champagnes that nonetheless grace the tables of some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the world . Return to the barge and tonight dinner is in the fabulous restaurant overlooking the canal, the family-owned Touraine Champagnoise.


Wednesday: Tour sur Marne, Visit Reims
Historic Reims
We leave the barge this morning to head into the historic city of Reims, most notable for the famed Cathedral where the French kings were crowned. After lunch in Reims, we have arranged a special Champagne tasting at one of the top houses. We return to the barge where there is time to relax before Dawn serves a wonderful 5 course dinner accompanied by the finest wines France has to offer.

Thursday: Reims to Cumieres
Cruise Past Famous Champagne Vineyards
After breakfast we set sail for Cumieres on the River Marne. Passing by hill covered vineyards, see below, owned by many famous champagne houses like Bilcart-Salmon, Mumm and Moët & Chandon. After lunch we head to the historic town of Hautvillier the home of Dom Perrignon the founding father of Champagne. This evening Dawn prepares another sumptuous meal to delight your taste buds.

Friday: Cumieres to Joulanges
Floating, Relaxing, Bicycling, Walking!
Today is all about the joy of barge cruising. We set sail and cruise through the Marne Valley, gently meandering through the Marne valley covered in vineyards, history and wonderful French countryside, mooring up to enjoy a leisurely lunch before we carry on cruising through the afternoon to the village of Joulanges. Gala dinner on board the barge where Dawn wows you with more delights from her kitchen.


Saturday: Return to Reims
A Sad Farewell
Saturday After breakfast Jason will drive you back to Reims train station for your onward journey, estimated arrival time is 10:30 am. Please make all onward travel plans on the basis of this timing. We wish you bon voyage and we hope you leave with wonderful memories of the Who Knows.

Please note: The cruise is run in reverse on alternative weeks and excursion days and moorings will therefore change. Cruise itineraries may be subject to change. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Champagne on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Who Knows

Guest Book

"This trip was a wonderful way to see France.  Jason and Dawn accommodated every need or want - even before we knew we had a need or want."
-Laurie and Bob Fugate, 2010

"It was like a dream trip, floating through idyllic countryside, with just enough information and sightseeing to enrich our views of the landscape.  We were blessed with beautiful late summer weather.  Jason and Dawn were ideal hosts - thoughtful, courteous, funny and utterly competent.  The food was a delight and Dawn gracefully accommodated my dietary needs so that I didn't feel I was missing anything.  We thoroughly enjoyed the wine and learning more about why the Burgundy vintages are so highly regarded.  I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing!"
-Paula and Frank Jamison, 2010

"Our cruise exceeded our expectations.  The description on the website is just a snippet of what is truly a lovely experience.  We were delighted!  Jason's tours were informative and provided just enough structure to our free time aboard the Who Knows.  We loved it all!"
- Julie Roper, 2010

"What put our week on the WHO KNOWS into contention for "best trip ever" was how wonderfully attentive Dawn and Jason were to our requests and preferences."
-Robert and Warren Moe, 2009

"Jason and Dawn of the WHO KNOWS provided us with an exceptional level of care and concern.  They were so attentive but not intrusive.  This was one of the best valued experiences of our traveling."
-David and Janice Garvis, 2009

"Everything about the WHO KNOWS was awesome.  The ability to relax while enjoying the picturesque countryside, the great meals and fine wine.  Jason and Dawn were the perfect pair to enhance all aspects of the barge experience."
-Anne Madow, 2009

Who Knows Floor Plan

94 Feet long
One cabin at 166 sq feet
-One double bed
-Ensuite bathroom with shower
Two cabins at 71 sq feet
-Two twin beds
-Ensuite bathroom with shower
In the Public Areas
-The kitchen-dining room was gutted and entirely re-built for the 2010 Season, and it looks gorgeous!
-Sundeck with large chairs and canopy
-Salon and dining area with large windows
6 Bicycles
Four single speed bikes, two men’s and two women’s. Equipped with brakes, a light and a bell: easy to use and perfect for the towpath! Also: One women’s 21- speed mountain bike and one men’s 18-speed mountain bike.