La Nouvelle Etoile

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of La Nouvelle Etoile at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the heart of Paris. After a champagne welcome, cruise through the center of Paris, past Notre Dame, to moor for the night near the Latin Quarter. The first of many gourmet dinners is served aboard.

A morning cruise presents the perfect opportunity to relax on deck with a cup of coffee or tea, perhaps while lazing in the hot tub and watching the beautiful scenery slip by. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte. Spanning nearly 500 hectares (1,235 acres), the Vaux le Vicomte estate forms a unique ensemble, and stands today as a living testament to France’s "Grand Siècle", the 17th century. Return to La Nouvelle Etoile where cocktail hour precedes another gourmet dinner.

The day begins with a placid cruise. Admire the pastoral countryside from La Nouvelle Etoile's deck, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to the village of Coulomniers, where the most luscious of Brie cheeses are made. Coulommiers has kept its authentic atmosphere and charm, while its old stones harbor memories of the past. Here, visit a master cheesemaker for a tasting of the various Bries, paired with wines from his private cellar. Back onboard, Chef is putting the finishing touches on dinner.

This morning, uncork the best of the region's signature wine. Your Tour Guide accompanies you to a small family vineyard for a tasting of their wonderful champagnes. Bottoms up! Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise, and relax on deck or laze in the hot tub. Upon mooring, a visit to the World War I Belleau Wood memorial site is a must for those interested in military history. Cocktails, canapes, and a gourmet meal await onboard to culminate the day.

Explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll as the barge gradually makes her way along the canal this morning. This afternoon, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to the quaint village of Hautvillers where monk Dom Perignon first invented the famous drink! Then its onto the cellars at the estate of Moet et Chandon. Established in 1743, it remains one of the world's largest champagne producers and champagne houses. Back onboard, take a dip in the hot tub before tonight's gourmet dinner is served.

During the final cruise this morning, relax on deck and soak in the passing scenery, or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide escorts you the city of Reims, where a visit to the magnificent Cathedral reveals the famous stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. The discovery continues at the Eisenhower War Rooms, an important yet little-known museum where the first treaty to end the World War II was signed. Tonight, your cruise ends in style with a celebratory cocktail hour and Captain's Dinner.

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.