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Chalons-en-Champagne to Chateau Thierry on the Canal Lateral a la Marne and River Marne
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Panache at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the town of Chalons-en-Champagne. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard. Take a dip in the hot tub to end the day!
As Panache gently begins her first cruise, laze on deck and admire the passing scenery, or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. This afternoon, your Tour Guide introduces Reims Cathedral, the magnificent church where the Kings of France were crowned. Marc Chagall designed the stained glass installed in 1974 in the axis of the apse. Afterwards, stroll the streets of the pedestrian area, or enjoy a coffee in the town square. Back onboard, canapes and cocktails precede yet another gourmet dinner.
This morning, visit one of the best known champagne houses in the world, Moët & Chandon. Founded in 1743, their vast underground cellars, the largest in the region, which were carved out of the chalk to offer the maturing wine the perfect temperature and humidity. This is followed by a tasting of some of Moët’s renowned vintages in an elegant private salon, hosted by an experienced cellar master. Return to the barge for a lazy afternoon cruise. Chef presents tonight's dinner onboard.
After a leisurely breakfast, a private champagne tasting and tour at the boutique Grand Cru winery of Frerejean Frères awaits, Discover the secrets of growing the region's pampered grapes. After a gourmet private lunch ashore in the salon of the family domaine, return to the barge for a leisurely afternoon cruise. Enjoy appetizers and aperitifs before this evening's delicious dinner onboard.
This morning's cruise drifts through a gorgeous landscape of vineyards, villages, and forests. Enjoy a cup of coffee on deck, visit your Captain in his wheelhouse, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. This afternoon's excursion is to the nearby Belleau Wood, the scene of the second battle of the Marne in spring 1918, which ended the last German offensive of WWI. Your Tour Guide returns you to the Panache where cocktail hour precedes tonight's candlelit dinner.
This morning, discover La Maison Pannier, a select champagne house with a labyrinth of medieval underground cellars, for a tour and a private tasting. Your Tour Guide returns you to barge for an afternoon cruise to the final mooring at Château-Thierry, an historic, strategically-situated town overlooking the river, surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the region’s famous sparkling wine. Tonight, celebrate your week in Champagne at the Farewell Feast onboard.
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.
“The barge itself is gorgeous, and the crew was very friendly, capable, and accommodating. A sink-in leather sectional sofa offered plenty of seating in the salon. The sundeck was a great place to relax and see the sights. Cabins were spacious with good storage. Highly recommended!”
– Jack and Beth H, Panache
Are you ready to sample the signature wine
found only in Champagne?
