Cruise In France On The Canal Lateral a la Marne and the Marne River In Champagne Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge HIRONDELLE

BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger Hirondelle has four beautifully appointed cabins, three with twin beds and one with a queen bed, and each with their own private en-suite bathroom with shower. Each has large windows that open well above the waterline. There is a spacious living room/dining salon, sun deck with lounge chairs and sheltering umbrellas, stereo, games, writing desk and reading material. The Hirondelle provides bicycles for cycling along the towpath and into villages, and has a minibus for excursions to local landmarks.

The Hirondelle is one of the few barges to cruise in the glorious Champagne region, between the picturesque towns of Chateau Thierry and Chalons-en-Champagne. The barge cruises along the splendid River Marne and the Canal Lateral a la Marne through lush vineyards, ancient villages and tragic battlefields. Your tour takes you to Epernay, home to some of the most famous Champagne houses such as Moet & Chandon, the city of Reims, where many of France's sovereigns were coronated in its towering gothic cathedral and to one of World War I's most hallowed grounds, the battlefield at Belleau Wood.

The large windows and the sundeck make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery. One day you may decide to bicycle through the countryside to visit Roman ruins or travel in our own air-conditioned mini bus to an out of the way vineyard or you may choose to soar over the countryside in a hot air balloon. At the end of a glorious day, you will return to your floating 'country home', where your personal Chef has been preparing an evening feast. An elegant five course gourmet dinner will include many fine wines and cheese that are unknown outside of France. A sense of comradery seems to prevail as you share the day's adventures with new and old friends, reliving memories that will carry on in your conversations for years to come.

We enjoyed cruising on the Hirondelle in May 2019, found the champagne emphasis and special visits to be stunning, particularly enjoyed the company of marvelous crew and passengers, and were very impressed with its new look, especially the elegant new bedding in the cabins.

Features

Size of barge: 129 ft by 16.5 ft

Number of Passengers: 8

Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4

Crew: 5

Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes

Salon: Salon with comfortable sofas and chairs, stereo system, books/games library, dining area, skylight, picture windows, guest computer with internet access and BOSE ipod docking station.

Bar: Open bar

Deck: Teak sundeck with dining table and chairs, canopy

Spa Tub: No

Cabin Features: Cabin 1 is 135 sq ft with queen bed, three cabins are 123 sq ft: two with twin beds or queen bed, one with fixed twin beds, all including ensuite bathroom with shower

Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned minibus (8-seater plus driver)

Accessibility: 5 steps from deck to salon, no steps from salon to cabins

Bicycles: Yes

Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas

Hirondelle's Deck Plan

HIRONDELLE 2022 SEASON PRICES in EUROS
TYPE	LOW Apr 3 thru Apr 30	VALUE Jul 3 thru Sep 3	HIGH May 1 thru Jul 2 Sep 4 thru Oct 22
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)	€5,616	€5,616	€5,616
Single Occupancy Supplement	€3,370	€3,370	€3,370
Charter for 4	€23,032	€27,904	€36,331
Charter for 5	€25,032	€29,904	€38,331
Charter for 6	€27,032	€31,904	€40,331
Charter for 7	€29,032	€33,904	€42,331
Charter for 8	€31,032	€35,904	€44,331

HIRONDELLE 2023 SEASON PRICES in EUROS
TYPE

Please visit our ...
Special Offers Page
... to see potential discounts for this barge or many others.

NOTE: Rates subject to change at any time. Please contact us for current prices.

What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including two meals on shore.
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air balloon at extra cost )
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent Euros
- Trip cancellation insurance

Hirondelle 2022 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week	Route (Or Reverse)	Season
Apr 3	Epernay-Couvrot	Low
Apr 10	Couvrot-Epernay	Low
Apr 17	Epernay-Couvrot	Low
Apr 24	Couvrot-Epernay	Low
May 1	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	High
May 8	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	High
May 15	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	High
May 22	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	High
May 29	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	High
Jun 5	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	High
Jun 12	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	High
Jun 19	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	High
Jun 26	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	High
Jul 3	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	Value
Jul 10	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	Value
Jul 17	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	Value
Jul 24	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	Value
Jul 31	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	Value
Aug 7	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	Value
Aug 14	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	Value
Aug 21	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	Value
Aug 28	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	Value
Sep 4	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	High
Sep 11	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	High
Sep 18	Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne	High
Sep 25	Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry	High
Oct 2	Epernay-Courtrai	High
Oct 9	Couvrot-Epernay	High
Oct 16	Epernay-Courtrai	High

2023 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week	Route (Or Reverse)	Season

*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.

Western Champagne Eastern Champagne

HIRONDELLE'S ITINERARIES

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Champagne: Marne River & Canal Lateral a La Marne
Château-Thierry to Châlons-en-Champagne 2022/2023

Cemetery of Belleau Wood

Champagne Vineyards

Epernay Moet et Chandon Cave

Epernay Moet et Chandon Cave

Reims Cathedral

Sunday - Château-Thierry
Board the barge in Château-Thierry, where you're welcomed aboard with an effervescent champagne reception, including a tasting session, and the chance to meet your captain and crew. Meanwhile, your chef is preparing your first gourmet dinner of the week.

Monday - Château-Thierry to Courcelles
Start the morning with a leisurely breakfast on board, admiring the picturesque scenery as we drift along the canal. After lunch, alight with your guide for a visit to Belleau Wood, the site of a famous battle during World War I, when American troops halted the progression of the German army. Continue to the Aisne-Marne cemetery, containing the graves of 2,288 American soldiers. Return to the barge for an afternoon cocktail on deck.

Tuesday - Courcelles to Damery
Relax on board as the barge winds its way past the glorious vineyards of this celebrated region. After lunch, leave the barge for a scenic drive to the house of Champagne J de Telmont, where you spend a fascinating afternoon participating in their unique oenological workshop. On the way back, your guide will take you for a brief visit to the abbey in Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon's tomb lies. Admire the spectacular views overlooking the vineyards before returning to the boat for dinner.

Wednesday - Damery to Mareuil-sur-Ay
Enjoy a morning visit to Epernay, the jewel of Champagne. Wander down the Avenue de Champagne, an elegant street lined with prestigious champagne houses and swish courtyards and stop for a private tasting at Moët & Chandon. Return to Hirondelle for lunch and unwind as we cruise towards Mareuil-sur-Ay, our mooring for the night. Later, enjoy dinner at the celebrated La Briqueterie restaurant.

Thursday - Mareuil-sur-Ay to Vraux
Take advantage of the slow pace and wide towpaths to alight for a walk or a cycle ride alongside the barge. Alight mid-morning with your guide for a trip to the city of Reims, not just an important centre of champagne production but the place where some 34 French sovereigns were crowned. Savour lunch at a local bistro before exploring the beautiful gothic cathedral, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the bountiful shops. Return to the barge for dinner.

Friday - Vraux to Châlons-en-Champagne
After breakfast another treat awaits: a tasting at a local family-run champagne house. The final leg of our journey brings us to the charming town of Châlons-en-Champagne. After lunch, leave the barge to explore attractions including the gothic Saint-Etienne Cathedral, the Cloister Museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux with its remarkable statuary, and three glorious public gardens. Back on board, Chef is busy preparing a farewell gala dinner.

Saturday - Châlons-en-Champagne
After breakfast, the crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.

Note: The route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances. The cruise runs in reverse on alternate weeks.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Champagne: Canal Lateral a La Marne
Couvrot to Epernay 2022/2023

Reims Cathedral

Trenches of WWI

Notre-Dame-en-Vaux

Champagne Vineyards

Village of Epernay

Sunday - Couvrot
Board the barge in Couvrot, where you're welcomed aboard with an effervescent champagne reception, including a tasting session, and the chance to meet your captain and crew. Meanwhile, your chef is preparing your first gourmet dinner of the week.

Monday - Couvrot to Pogny
Relax over a leisurely breakfast and a morning cruise along the picturesque canal. After Lunch on board, your guide will accompany you on a tour of the splendid city of Reims, not just an important centre of champagne production, but where some 34 French sovereigns were crowned. Explore the beautiful gothic cathedral, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the bountiful shops. Later, return to the barge for refreshing cocktails and a sumptuous dinner.

Tuesday - Pogny to Châlons-en-Champagne
This morning we continue our gentle journey along the canal. Take advantage of the unhurried pace to alight from the barge and stroll or cycle along the towpath. Today, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on shore before your guide accompanies you on a visit to La Mains de Massiges, an important World War I site. Explore the chalk-filled trenches, built in wavy lines to thwart gunfire, and the nearby cemetery. Return to the barge for dinner.

Wednesday - Châlons-en-Champagne to Vraux
Following breakfast, set off on a guided tour of Châlons-en-Champagne, whose numerous attractions include the gothic Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the Cloister Museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, with its remarkable statuary, and three glorious gardens. You then return to the barge and set sail, admiring the beautiful scenery as you linger over a delicious lunch. Enjoy an afternoon relaxing on board, followed by dinner.

Thursday - Vraux to Mareuil-sur-Ay
Spend a leisurely morning drifting along the canal. After lunch on board, enjoy a scenic drive to the picturesque abbey in Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon's tomb lies and from where you gain spectacular views over the vineyards. Continue to the house of Champagne J de Telmont to spend a fascinating afternoon participating in their unique oenological workshop. Tonight you dine at the celebrated La Briqueterie restaurant.

Friday - Marseuil-sur-Ay to Épernay
Today, after a relaxing morning and lunch on the barge, alight to visit Épernay, the jewel of Champagne. Wander down the Avenue de Champagne, an elegant street lined with prestigious champagne houses and swish courtyards. Stop at Moët & Chandon for an exclusive tasting before returning to the boat, where your chef has been preparing a fabulous gala dinner.

Saturday - Épernay
After breakfast, the crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.

Note: The route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances. The cruise runs in reverse on alternate weeks.

Dining Aboard The Hirondelle:
SAMPLE MENU

Below is a sample as menus change daily and ingredients chosen are based on seasonal ingredients and guest preferences.

A taste of the gourmet cuisine served aboard the
Hirondelle.

A taste of the gourmet cuisine served aboard the
Hirondelle.

BREAKFAST

Local Pastries: Croissants, Pain au Raison, Pain au Chocolat and Brioche
Fresh Baguettes: Cereal Bread, Wholemeal Bread and Walnut Bread with Butters, Jams and Honey
Yogurts: Plain and Fruit
Fresh & Dried Fruits: Apricots, Prunes, Dates and Figs

LUNCH

Curried Chicken salad and Tomato tart filled with sautéed shallots and garlic
Tri coloured pasta salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes
Greek salad with feta and roasted peppers with Fancy green leaf salad with raspberry vinaigrette
Brie du Meux with grapes and celery with cheese biscuits and fresh baguette
Coffee and tea with Cookies or cake

DINNER

Marinated confit of duck orange and grape salad
Crispy salmon
Hazelnut & Coriander sticky rice
Shellfish and lemongrass butter
3 cheeses
Apple tart tatin, vanilla pod ice-cream

SAMPLE WINE LIST
Champagne - Laurent Perrier Champagne
White Wines - Saint Romain; Saint Veran; Montagny 1^er Cru; Pouilly Fuisse; Sancerre; Meursault; Puligny Montrachet; Chassagne Montrachet 1^er Cru; St Aubin 1^er Cru; Chablis Grand Cru
Rose Wines - Marsannay Rose
Red Wines - Gevrey Chambertin Village; Gevrey Chambertin 1^er Cru; Nuits St George; Morey St Denis; Chorey les Beaune; St Aubin 1^er Cru; Beaune 1^er Cru; Volnay; Chateauneuf de Papa
Bar Wines - Bourgogne Chardonnay; Bourgogne Pinot Noir

Please note this is a sample list of the usual wines served on board. We will of course try and accommodate any specific requests from clients for particular wines and spirits where possible.

Passenger Comments:

The barge trip was excellent in all respects. The service was "Over the top." We were looked after very well at all times. The meals and wines were Superlative. Congratulations to Lorne and his colleagues.
J.C., TX, USA

The barge cruise was wonderful, one of the best vacations I've taken. The staff was exceptional. The guide, Sara, was very informative and responsive to our requests. The food was great - 3 star Michelin for every meal. The route was very interesting with beautiful landscapes.
M.S., VA, USA

It was fantastic! The crew were all very welcoming and helpful. They were an important part of making the trip so wonderful. They looked after us superbly and when it was possible catered to our wishes with food, wine and sightseeing. The food was delicious and the wine complimented the food and the region we were in. Our sightseeing trips were very informative and interactive. We were able to participate if we wanted to, or just stay on board and relax. The service was exceptional in all aspects.
D.B., Australia

Our cabin accommodations were lovely, light and bright, and main quarters were nice and comfortable (not too formal) furniture. The deck was excellent, with full sun if desired or an umbrella for shade. We had a twin bed room which was just fine. Meals were excellent, far exceeding my expectations. They were creative, beautiful and delicious. Portion sizes were perfect at dinner and not too large. Wines paired well with the meals and were good quality. We felt the excursions were all excellent and engaging, not too far to drive, and there was flexibility offered for those who may or may not have wanted to participate. We loved the barge route in the Upper Loire, it was pastoral, with a bit of variation, especially at the end when the canal was more forested and curving. Two canal bridges were a real surprise and fascinating engineering to see.
C & P M., NH, USA

Hirondelle was FABULOUS. Our service from the captain, deck hand, housekeeper and food server, chef and guide was impeccable. Our wines were far superior to anything we have had on a cruise before. The chef was fabulous! I thought our guide's choice of excursions showed she had listened to our different interests, the excursions were varied and fun.
C & A S., MA, USA

LINKS to Hirondelle Information

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