Barging in France
You’ve tried ocean; you’ve tried river … what about barging? And what better place to start than the beautiful region of Champagne in Central France.
European waterways Panache cruises through the heart of this region from mid-June to mid-July, between Château-Thierry and Châlons-en-Champagne - perfect timing as this is just before the start of the grape harvest. The 6-night, all-inclusive cruises offer an immersive voyage into the history of this very special, sparkling wine and a chance to visit the famous houses which still produce it.
The world-renowned house of Moët & Chandon is found in Épernay and it still maintains arguably the largest vineyard in the region. Your cruise includes a guided tour of its vast underground cellar, carved into the white chalk under L’Avenue de Champagne, and an opportunity to taste some of Moët’s vintages in a private salon with the cellar master.
On another day, enjoy an excursion to the Domaine of Champagne Henriot which includes a stop at its famous vineyard, where a viticulture expert explains the grape selection process. An ‘added’ bonus is a private tour of the Château Les Aulnois, which includes a tasting of the various Henriot champagnes, followed by a gastronomic lunch in the chateau’s dining room.
Panache will also visit the 800-year-old Reims Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and now a UNESCO World Heritage site where the coronation of the kings of France once took place. A visit to Château-Thierry is included, the area which witnessed many fierce battles in WW1 and where American Expeditionary Forces first saw action. Added to this is a visit the American cemetery at Belleau Wood, where the combined military forces of America, France and the United Kingdom fought against the Germans.
Having recently driven through this beautiful part of France, I can highly recommend a visit to the area made famous by the pioneering efforts of the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon who, back in the 17th century, invented the process which lead to the drink enjoyed worldwide today as Champagne.