The Newest Belmond Boat Will Have a Champagne Bar and Cruise to Vineyards in the French Countryside

Belmond, the luxury travel company behind the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, is adding yet another one-of-a-kind luxury offering to its portfolio. In May 2023, the company will launch a luxury barge that will take travelers on week-long private river cruises in France’s Champagne region.

Dubbed Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne, the vessel will accommodate six guests with three ensuite double cabins. Designed by French duo Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet (who are also working on the upcoming Mandarin Oriental, Vienna), there's a spacious indoor lounge and a Champagne bar that, before each trip, will be stocked with a curated selection of the travelers’ preferred bottles of bubbly. The new Belmond boat will join the fleet of six Les Bateaux Belmond cruising French rivers (all only available for private charter).

But the crown jewel of the boat is the main deck which features two elegant, alfresco lounges, an open kitchen, a shaded dining area, and potted plants such as local herbs and wildflowers.

Belmond will also partner with France's oldest Champagne house, Maison Ruinart, to offer guests a private tour of its vineyard in Taissy alongside a tasting of its legendary cuvées. Back on the boat, Maison Ruinart’s chef Valérie Radou will treat guests to a five-course meal.

The week-long itineraries along the beautiful River Marne can be completely customized to reflect guests’ interests and preferences — from art- and history-focused tours to visiting under-the-radar wineries in the area.

Rates to charter Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne start from €82,000 (approximately $79,500) and can accommodate up to six people. The rate includes all meals on board, beverages, all planned excursions with a private guide, and a transfer from Paris to the boat in Champagne. Learn more and book your voyage here or by calling +44 (0)20 7921 4000.