Overview
Kir Royale, the most recent addition to our fleet, has a fascinating history. Originally converted to a beach landing craft in World War Two, she was sunk but later refloated and transformed into a hotel barge. Currently, she cruises the stunning region of Champagne, known for its countless vineyards that stretch across the rolling hillsides as far as the eye can see. Guests will have ample opportunities to taste the renowned sparkling wine for which the region is famous, with private tastings at well-known champagne houses.
The saloon is spacious and bright, recently refurbished with custom-made furniture, a bar, piano, and separate dining area. The four generously sized suites, each individually decorated and over 200 sq ft in size, have also been updated. They feature modern en suite bathrooms with his and hers sinks, as well as luxurious oversized rainforest showers.
On the exterior, guests can enjoy a small forward sun deck for observing the barge's progress, a large and sheltered aft sun deck with a covered dining area, sun loungers, and a heated spa pool. Additionally, there is an upper observation deck with a panoramic view. With its blend of style and elegance, Kir Royale is an excellent choice for exploring Champagne - be it cruising past the vineyards or embarking on a private tour to experience the wines, history, and culture of this renowned region.
© European Waterways
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge Kir Royale
Ultra Deluxe | 8 Passengers | 5 Crew
- 127 Feet Long
- 4 Twin/Double Suites (190-230sq ft incl. en suite)
- Air-Conditioned / Centrally Heated
- Spa Pool
- Semi Open Gallery
- TV / DVD Player in Saloon
- Piano
Day 1 Paris Château-Thierry
Guests are met early afternoon in Paris** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the hotel barge moored in Château-Thierry – an historic, strategically situated town overlooking the river, surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the region’s famous sparkling wine. The town is also the site of an iconic battle for American Marines in World War One. Enjoy a champagne welcome while your Captain introduces you to the crew. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Kir Royale in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 2 Château-Thierry Dormans
Set off on our first voyage along the meandering River Marne and cruise to the pretty riverside town of Dormans, the site of a chateau, water mill and World War One memorial.
After lunch on board, enjoy a visit to La Maison Ayala, a renowned champagne house situated in Aÿ, one of the 17 rare villages classified as Grand Cru in the Champagne region. You will take a tour of the historic cellars to learn about the house’s history and understand the philosophy behind Champagne Ayala before a private tasting. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Kir Royale in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 3 Dormans Damery
After breakfast, embark on a guided visit to pay our respects at the 42-acre battlefield and monument at Château-Thierry and the American cemetery at Belleau Wood, where US forces fought one of the bloodiest battles of World War One. After returning to the barge and lunch on board, enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise along the River Marne to our mooring at Damery. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Kir Royale in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 4 Damery Dizy
After a leisurely breakfast, head off for a private champagne tour and tasting at the boutique grand cru winery of Frerejean Frères, located in the Côtes des Blancs village of Avize, in the middle of the Champagne countryside. En route, make a stop at a picturesque hillside vineyard to learn some of the key attributes of champagne grape growing.
Following the tasting, indulge in a gourmet, private lunch in the salon of the family domaine. After lunch, you will rejoin the barge and set off on our afternoon cruise, leaving River Marne behind and making our way onto the peaceful Canal lateral à la Marne, to your mooring in Dizy. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Kir Royale in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5 Dizy Tours-sur-Marne
This morning, you will visit La Maison Boizel, a prestigious champagne house situated on the iconic Avenue de Champagne. Explore the underground cellars, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes the “family treasure” featuring bottles dating back to 1834. Dwelve into the history and know-how that has been passed down through six generations to when the house was built in 1834.
After, enjoy a private tasting of two exclusive Boizel champagnes. On the way back there’s an optional visit to the Musée du Champagne, dedicated to the history and art of champagne making. Return to the barge for lunch and continue your cruise along the canal to our pretty mooring at Tours-sur-Marne. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Kir Royale in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 6 Tours-sur-Marne Châlons-en-Champagne
This morning, you will visit the magnificent 800-year-old Reims cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where the Kings of France were crowned, before some free time perhaps to wander around this delightful city with its grand squares and elegant shopping arcades. After lunch on board, cruise to our final mooring at Châlons-en-Champagne. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Kir Royale in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 7 Châlons-en-Champagne Paris
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.
