Belmond Pivoine: from La Ferté-Sous-Jouarrt to Châlons-en-Champagne

Before the cruise begins, a private chauffeur takes guests on a tour of the magnificent Baroque residence Château Vaux-le-Vicomte. The palace was built in 1656-61 for Nicolas Fouquet, a high state official, from 1653 the superintendent of finances of King Louis XIV. Charles Le Bruna, Louis Le Vau and André Le Nôtre - who later built Versailles - collaborated on its design and construction. It is considered the first work built in the classicizing Baroque style, known as the Louis XIV style. It is an example of an assumption entre cour et jardin. Next to Versailles, it is the most outstanding 17th-century park and palace complex in France. After returning, the barge captain and the crew welcome the guests with champagne. After boarding, the private chef treats guests to a sumptuous dinner.

Guests can relax while the barge sails the winding waters of the Marne to the charming village of Château-Thierry. After lunch, they will visit Belleau Wood, the site of the famous battle between United States Marine Corps soldiers and German divisions during World War I, and the Aisne-Marne War Cemetery, where the graves of 2288 American soldiers who died at Belleau Wood and Château-Thierry during the Allied war are located. offensive of 1918. Before returning on board, they will go to the medieval town of Chézy-sur-Marne to taste the famous Brie de Meaux cheese at a local producer. Finally, on board Pivoine, we invite you to a champagne tasting while the chef prepares dinner.

After a lazy morning, guests will go ashore and go to a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant. Hostellerie La Briqueteriena. Here, guests will eat a delicious dinner that day. Then they will visit a champagne producer Champagne J. de Telmont, continuing the family tradition that was started in 1912 by the great-great-grandfather of the current owners, Henry Lhopital. Here, guests will spend a fascinating afternoon taking part in unique, exclusive oenological workshops. On the way back, the guide will invite guests for a short visit to the Benedictine abbey in Hautvillers, founded in 650, where Dom Pérignon's tomb is located.

Guests will welcome the day by accompanying the chef to Épernay's bustling covered market, choosing ingredients for dinner with him. Once the chef is back on board, guests have time to explore this charming town - which, bearing the name Sparnacum – belonged to the archbishops of Reims between the 5th and 10th centuries, after which it fell into the possession of Champagne. The most interesting place is the Champagne Avenue - Champagne Avenue – where many of the most important champagne producers are located. Then we invite guests for a private tasting Moêt & Chandon. Before they return to the barge for dinner, we will invite them to a tasting and a demonstration of sabrage - opening a bottle of champagne using a saber - at a family winery producing champagnes. Ployez-Jacquemartfounded in 1930 by Marcel Ployez and his wife Yvonne Jacquemart.

As the barge leaves the River Marne entering the canal Canal Lateral de Marne guests can take advantage of the leisurely pace of sailing to, either on foot or by bike, accompany the barge along the barge towing path.

After lunch, the guide will invite guests to visit Reims, currently the center of champagne production. In Roman times, there was a Gallic settlement of Durocortorum here, which was the capital of the Remian country, and later of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica. During the Merovingian rule, it was one of the first centers of Christianity. Here, in 496, Clovis, the king of the Franks, was baptized. In later centuries, Reims grew significantly. In 1211, the construction of the cathedral began. Coronations of French kings took place here. Souvenirs from these celebrations are carefully kept in the Palais du Tau located next to it. In total, 34 French rulers were crowned. Guests will visit, among others: cathedral and Musée des Beaux-Arts. For dinner, the guests return to the barge.

The final stretch of sailing leads to the charming town of Châlons-en-Champagne. Together with their guide, guests will visit the Gothic Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the museum of the Notre-Dame-en-Vaux monastery and three magnificent gardens. After dinner, guests have free time while the chef prepares a special farewell dinner.

In the morning, after the last breakfast on board, the crew of the exclusive barge Belmod Pivoine says goodbye to the guests.