Barge Cruise: C'est La Vie
Cruise In France In Champagne and The Upper Loire Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge C'EST LA VIE
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger C'est la Vie invites you to join owners Olivier and Deb Megret, and crew, as it cruises in Champagne and in the Upper Loire. Starting life as a commercial barge in 1960 it transported goods across Holland, Belgium and France before being converted in Belgium to a very high standard in 2004. Olivier and Deborah purchased C'est La Vie after long and distinguished careers with other hotel barge companies. We have known Olivier and Deb since before they owned C'est la Vie and always enjoy our visits with them. We have stayed on board and thoroughly enjoyed their cuisine, wonderful wines and excursions and can attest to the fact that they always provide an outstanding barge cruise. We spent a week cruising aboard C'Est la Vie and enjoyed the warmth, humor and hospitality of Deb & Olivier and their wonderful crew as well as the spacious and stylish new decor in the salon and cabins. It was a real treat to experience, first hand, the exceptional cuisine, impressive wine selection and thoughtful, heartfelt service. Such is life, indeed!
This luxury hotel barge is fully equipped with all the modern amenities. On the upper deck the lounge and dining areas are air-conditioned and numerous windows give you a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The outside sun deck with teak floor and furniture is the perfect spot to dine alfresco or relax under the sun canopy which gives shade to all the deck or can be adjusted for those who like the warmth of the summer sun. The wheel house offers passengers the chance to visit the captain and enjoy the cruise from a different perspective.
The Cherrywood-panelled walls and ceiling edged in black Ironwood give the four spacious cabins a feeling of warmth, with three windows on each side, where light filters through at all times of the day. The cabins can be configured with either a king size bed or two twin beds and each has an ensuite bathroom with shower and marble-topped vanity.
Cest la Vie offers 6-night cruises from Sunday to Saturday as well as new 5-night cruises from Monday noon to Saturday, both of which include Paris transfers. The 5-night cruise is charter only with one less excursion and no restaurant meal and is available on any of their cruise routes.
From June to early August, C'est la Vie cruises in the Champagne region on the Marne River and Canal Lateral a la Marne through the Champagne vineyards. Highlights of the excursions include a visit to the Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte, a WWI battlefield, the Moet & Chandon champagne house and the Gothic Cathedral in Reims.
From April to May, and from August through October, C'est la Vie cruises on the Canal de Briare and Canal Lateral a La Loire. These canals in the Upper Loire region just west of Northern Burgundy are among the most beautiful in France. Your daily excursions will include a visit to the fortified town of Sancerre, where you will have a private wine tasting of this famous Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a visit to the Château of St Fargeau dating from the 10th century and the Château de la Bussiere, a prime example of a medieval fortress built in the 12th century.
Sit back and unwind as your cruise takes you into the peaceful and tranquil life that defines rural France. Walk, jog or bike on the various towpaths along the way or relax on the sun deck and soak up the rays and enjoy the ever-changing vistas. Explore the route on one of the bicycles provided on board as you breeze along the riverbank, or stroll through the picturesque villages along the towpath and meet up with the boat at the next lock.
Features
- Size of barge: 128 ft by 16 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Large windows in salon and dining area. Salon has comfortable couches, a beautiful wood bar, computer for passenger use.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Teak sundeck with awning for shade and teak dining table for 8
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Spacious cabins 220-236 sq ft with choice of king bed or twins, including large ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter air-conditioned minivan, 8 passenger seats.
- Accessibility: Metal gangplank with handrails, one step onto the deck, one 3-inch step into the interior, 11 steps with handrail from salon to cabins.
- Bicycles: 8 bicycles
- 5-day cruise: Available on request
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
C'Est La Vie's Deck Plan
| C'EST LA VIE 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 18 thru May 22 Jul 11 thru Aug 21 Oct 24 thru Nov 6 |
REGULAR May 23 thru Jul 10 Aug 22 thru Oct 23 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$6,995 |
$7,495 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$3,695 |
$4,995 |
| Charter for 6 |
$47,400 |
$52,200 |
| Charter for 7 |
$50,400 |
$55,300 |
| Charter for 8 |
$53,600 |
$58,400 |
| Five Night Charter for 6 |
$43,800 |
$43,800 |
| Five Night Charter for 7 |
$45,150 |
$45,100 |
| Five Night Charter for 8 |
$46,600 |
$46,600 |
| C'EST LA VIE 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 10 thru May 21 Oct 23 thru Nov 5 |
REGULAR May 22 thru Oct 22 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$6,995 |
$7,495 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$3,695 |
$4,995 |
| Charter for 6 |
$47,400 |
$52,200 |
| Charter for 7 |
$50,400 |
$55,300 |
| Charter for 8 |
$53,600 |
$58,400 |
| Five Night Charter for 6 |
$43,800 |
$43,800 |
| Five Night Charter for 7 |
$45,150 |
$45,100 |
| Five Night Charter for 8 |
$46,600 |
$46,600 |
What's Included
6-Night Cruises:
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via private minibus; Geneva transfers possible.
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one dinner at a local restaurant.
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles
5-Night Charters:
- 6 days and 5 nights on the barge in a cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via private minibus
- All meals on board beginning with lunch on Monday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
6-Night Cruises:
- Overseas air transportation to Paris or Geneva and return.
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
- Trip cancellation insurance
5-Night Charters:
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
C'est la Vie 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 18 | Ravieres-St. Florentin | Value |
| Apr 25 | St. Florentin-Ravieres | Value |
| May 2 | Ravieres-St. Florentin | Value |
| May 9 | St. Florentin-Ravieres | Value |
| May 16 | Ravieres-St. Florentin | Value |
| May 23 | St. Florentin-Meaux | Regular |
| May 30 | Chateau Thierry-Reims | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Reims-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Chateau Thierry-Reims | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Reims-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Chateau Thierry-Reims | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Reims-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Chateau Thierry-Reims | Value |
| Jul 18 | Reims-Chateau Thierry | Value |
| Jul 25 | Chateau Thierry-Reims | Value |
| Aug 1 | Reims-Chateau Thierry | Value |
| Aug 8 | Chateau Thierry-Montargis | Value |
| Aug 15 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Value |
| Aug 22 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Aug 29 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Oct 3 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Oct 10 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Oct 17 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Oct 24 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Value |
| Oct 31 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Value |
|
C'est la Vie 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 10 | St. Florentin-Ravieres | Value |
| Apr 17 | Ravieres-St. Florentin | Value |
| Apr 24 | St. Florentin-Ravieres | Value |
| May 1 | Ravieres-St. Florentin | Value |
| May 8 | St. Florentin-Ravieres | Value |
| May 15 | Ravieres-St. Florentin | Value |
| May 22 | St. Florentin-Meaux | Regular |
| May 29 | Charly-sur-Marne-Reims | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Reims-Charly-sur-Marne | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Charly-sur-Marne-Reims | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Reims-Charly-sur-Marne | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Charly-sur-Marne-Reims | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Reims-Charly-sur-Marne | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Charly-sur-Marne-Reims | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Reims-Charly-sur-Marne | Regular |
| Jul 24 | Charly-sur-Marne-Reims | Regular |
| Jul 31 | Reims-Charly-sur-Marne | Regular |
| Aug 7 | Charly-sur-Marne-Montargis | Regular |
| Aug 14 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Aug 21 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Aug 28 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Regular |
| Oct 16 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Regular |
| Oct 23 | Montargis-Les Fouchards | Value |
| Oct 30 | Les Fouchards-Montargis | Value |
*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.
C'EST LA VIE'S ITINERARIES
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Upper Loire: Canal de Briare, Canal Lateral à la Loire
Chatillon-sur-Loire to Montargis 2023
Upper Loire: Canal de Briare, Canal Lateral à la Loire
Chatillon-sur-Loire to Montargis 2023
Highlights: Sancerre winery; Pont Canal Briare;
Château St Fargeau; Faïencerie de Gien; Château La
Bussière; Montargis; "Auberge les Templiers" 1 star Michelin
Sancerre
Château de St. Fargeau
Château de la Bussière
Montargis
Sunday: Châtillon-sur-Loire
Welcome to the C’est la Vie moored in Châtillon-sur-Loire on the Canal latéral à la Loire.
Monday: Sightseeing: Sancerre. Cruise to Ouzouer sur Trézée.
On our way, this morning we cruise to the town of Ouzouer sur Trézée, crossing over the Loire River at Briare on the “Pont Canal.” This aqueduct was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and was built in 1890. After lunch we take a short drive through the vineyards to visit the fortified town of Sancerre. This hilltop medieval site gives you panoramic views over the Loire River and of the neighboring vineyards of Pouilly Fumé. Take a stroll around the town before you taste some of this exceptional wine, made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. We head back to the C’est La Vie for cocktails and dinner.
Tuesday: Sightseeing: Chateau of St Fargeau. Cruise to La Gazonne.
This morning’s cruise takes us from Ouzouer sur Trézée, and as we start to climb the hill to arrive at tonight’s mooring there is plenty of walking opportunities and when we arrive at La Gazonne we are moored in a nature reserve, so for bird and animal lovers it’s a perfect photo spot. The buffet lunch can be served on deck, weather permitting. Château St Fargeau is this afternoon’s destination. Dating from the 10th Century, it was built by the bishop of Auxerre and has undergone many additions and restorations over the years. Dinner aboard
Wednesday: Sightseeing Faïencerie de Gien. Cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
From La Gazonne, after breakfast we drive to the town of Gien, the world-famous center for French tableware. After a visit to the pottery, take a walk through this market town and discover its remarkable history, on the banks of the Loire River, where there has been a settlement since Roman times. Back on board for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the town of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses. There you will see 7 remarkable old locks (hence its name Sept Ecluses), dating back to the reign of Henry IV. It was a major feat of engineering for its time. Dinner aboard the C’est la Vie.
Thursday: Sightseeing: Château of La Bussière. Cruise to Montcresson.
If you haven’t already put on your walking shoes, now is the perfect time as we cruise to the village of Montcresson. After lunch you will be driven to the Château of La Bussiere, a prime example of a medieval fortress built in the 12th Century. Open to the public since 1962, when the Count Henri de Chasseval decided to exhibit his extensive collection of material and pieces of art from around the world about fishing. But it’s not all about fishing – there are the grounds to visit with its 18th Century vegetable garden and a pond with a 300-year-old Lebanon Cedar tree and much more. Dinner ashore at “Auberge Les Templiers.”
Friday: Sightseeing Montargis. Cruise to Montargis.
Meandering along the canal from Montcresson to Montargis which is our last port of call, with its 131 bridges, you can see why its nickname is "little Venice." After lunch, take a stroll around and discover the feudal castle, the church, the half-timbered buildings, shops, and cafes. Perhaps buy some Pralines for which Montargis is famous. The C’est La Vie awaits your return for the Captain's dinner, which ends your cruise in style.
Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to Paris for the end of the morning. We look forward to your company again on the "C’est la Vie"!
Please note that the route is run in reverse on alternate weeks and can be different due to local conditions.
Sancerre
Château de St. Fargeau
Château de la Bussière
Montargis
Welcome to the C’est la Vie moored in Châtillon-sur-Loire on the Canal latéral à la Loire.
Monday: Sightseeing: Sancerre. Cruise to Ouzouer sur Trézée.
On our way, this morning we cruise to the town of Ouzouer sur Trézée, crossing over the Loire River at Briare on the “Pont Canal.” This aqueduct was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and was built in 1890. After lunch we take a short drive through the vineyards to visit the fortified town of Sancerre. This hilltop medieval site gives you panoramic views over the Loire River and of the neighboring vineyards of Pouilly Fumé. Take a stroll around the town before you taste some of this exceptional wine, made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. We head back to the C’est La Vie for cocktails and dinner.
Tuesday: Sightseeing: Chateau of St Fargeau. Cruise to La Gazonne.
This morning’s cruise takes us from Ouzouer sur Trézée, and as we start to climb the hill to arrive at tonight’s mooring there is plenty of walking opportunities and when we arrive at La Gazonne we are moored in a nature reserve, so for bird and animal lovers it’s a perfect photo spot. The buffet lunch can be served on deck, weather permitting. Château St Fargeau is this afternoon’s destination. Dating from the 10th Century, it was built by the bishop of Auxerre and has undergone many additions and restorations over the years. Dinner aboard
Wednesday: Sightseeing Faïencerie de Gien. Cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
From La Gazonne, after breakfast we drive to the town of Gien, the world-famous center for French tableware. After a visit to the pottery, take a walk through this market town and discover its remarkable history, on the banks of the Loire River, where there has been a settlement since Roman times. Back on board for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the town of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses. There you will see 7 remarkable old locks (hence its name Sept Ecluses), dating back to the reign of Henry IV. It was a major feat of engineering for its time. Dinner aboard the C’est la Vie.
Thursday: Sightseeing: Château of La Bussière. Cruise to Montcresson.
If you haven’t already put on your walking shoes, now is the perfect time as we cruise to the village of Montcresson. After lunch you will be driven to the Château of La Bussiere, a prime example of a medieval fortress built in the 12th Century. Open to the public since 1962, when the Count Henri de Chasseval decided to exhibit his extensive collection of material and pieces of art from around the world about fishing. But it’s not all about fishing – there are the grounds to visit with its 18th Century vegetable garden and a pond with a 300-year-old Lebanon Cedar tree and much more. Dinner ashore at “Auberge Les Templiers.”
Friday: Sightseeing Montargis. Cruise to Montargis.
Meandering along the canal from Montcresson to Montargis which is our last port of call, with its 131 bridges, you can see why its nickname is "little Venice." After lunch, take a stroll around and discover the feudal castle, the church, the half-timbered buildings, shops, and cafes. Perhaps buy some Pralines for which Montargis is famous. The C’est La Vie awaits your return for the Captain's dinner, which ends your cruise in style.
Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to Paris for the end of the morning. We look forward to your company again on the "C’est la Vie"!
Please note that the route is run in reverse on alternate weeks and can be different due to local conditions.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Champagne: Marne River, Canal Lateral a La Marne
Reims to Chateau Thierry 2023
Champagne: Marne River, Canal Lateral a La Marne
Reims to Chateau Thierry 2023
Highlights : Champagne visit in small family run winery, (Ployez Jaquemart).
Reims and its Gothic Cathedral. Champagne visit to Moet & Chandon in Epernay.
Haultevilliers - village of monk Dom Perignon. La Chocolatier « Thibaut » in
Pierry, WW1 Battlefield and cemetery of Belleau-wood and the American monument.
Restaurant: Les Crayeres in Reims (2 Michelin Stars).
Reims Cathedral
Cemetery of Belleau Wood
Sunday - Paris to the C'est La Vie Moored in Reims. Welcome aboard
C'est la Vie
You will be met at 3:00pm in Paris. For charter groups in the lobby of one hotel mutually agreed upon by the group. Guests on individual cabin sailings will be picked up and returned to the Hotel Madison, 43 Boulevard St Germain,75006 Paris,Tel; +33 (0)1 40 51 60 00. After the traditional champagne welcome, there is time to unpack and take a stroll around town before enjoying the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Monday - Paris to Vaudemange - Sightseeing, Family run champagne winery. Ployez Jacquemart
Begin the day with our breakfast buffet featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven! While we cruise, relax on deck or put on your working shoes to take a stroll along the towpath. We will go through 7 locks and pass through a small tunnel on the way to our evening mooring, close to the village of Vaudemange. With weather permitting enjoy lunch alfresco, before being driven to a small private family run vineyard Ployez Jacquemart created in 1930 in the town of Ludes, a 1er cru village producing some fine Champagnes. This is the first of your 2 champagne tasting experiences. Returning to the C'est La Vie for cocktails and dinner.
Tuesday - Vaudemange to Mareuil-sur-Ay - Sightseeing, Reims with the Cathedral
This morning we leave Vaudemange heading towards Mareuil sur Ay, leaving the canal L'Aisne à la Marne to join the Canal Lateral à la Marne. Enjoy your breakfast while we cruise, taking in the surroundings as we meander along, including many vineyards covering the hillsides. There is time to walk or bicycle on the towpath exploring towns and villages along the way. After lunch, you will be driven into Reims, an important city dating from Roman times onwards. Visit the great Reims Cathedral, which is larger than Notre Dame in Paris and where many of the French kings were crowned. Visit the "Palais du Tau" the Archbishops place which has been turned into a museum and step back in time. Walk along the pedestrian streets in this vibrant city, or take a coffee in many of the side walk cafes and watch the world go by. Heading back to the C'est La Vie in Mareuil sur Ay, there is time to explore this small town before your gourmet dinner.
Wednesday - Mareuil-sur-Ay to Damery - Sightseeing, La Chocolatier "Thibaut" in Pierry - Dinner ashore at 'Les Crayeres'
Morning drive to visit the town of Pierry, where we will learn the art of Chocolate making and have the chance to make your own to take away with you. Time to walk through this pretty town before heading back to the C'est La Vie. Across the river from Damery take a look back and spy nestled in the hillside the magnificent chateau of Veuve Clicquot. This lady took over the running of her husband’s family business and made it her own. Cruising on the beautiful Marne river relax and prepare yourselves for your dinner ashore at the 2 Star Michelin restaurant "Les Crayeres" in Riems. Les Crayères is a mythical property in the heart of Reims; set in a seven hectare park, this former home of the de Polignac family with its "chateau style" gives an air of elegant sophistication.
Thursday - Damery to Jaulgonne - Sightseeing, Epernay, Moet & Chandon and Haultevilliers
After another delicious breakfast, we take a short drive to visit the famed champagne producer Moet & Chandon in Epernay. This elite company was founded in 1743 by Claude Moet and was characterized from the beginning by international markets and such high-level contacts as Madame Pompadour and Napoleon. Now it dominates Epernay with a complex of historic buildings and a billion bottles of bubbly stored in eighteen miles of tunnels! We’ll tour and then taste! Next visit Haultevillers, a pretty champagne village perched high over the vineyards. Tour the unassuming church of monk Dom Perignon, credited with inventing the champagne-producing process. We return to the C'est La Vie and start our cruise towards the village of Jaulgonne, with this breathtaking scenery; this is the Champagne region at its best. Cocktails and dinner aboard the C’est La Vie.
Friday - Jaulgonne to Chateau Thierry - Sightseeing
Today's morning cruise on the Marne River takes us to Chateau Thierry, this ancient town is associated with the Frankish King Charles Martel, whose castle here was built in the 8th century and Joan of Arc who entered through the town gates in 1421. Relax as the C'est La Vie passes through beautiful countryside, where village's perch on the side of the river. After lunch we drive up into the hills behind Chateau Thierry to Belleau Wood, which was the scene of the second battle of the Marne in spring 1918 and which ended the last German offensive of World War I. The cost was 8,000 American troops killed, missing or wounded. Overlooking Chateau Thierry is the massive French-American Friendship Monument, built in 1929 to commemorate the friendship between these 2 great nations, it's visible for miles around and then we will pay our respects at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. C'est La Vie awaits our return and the Captain's Dinner which will end your cruise in style!
Saturday - Return to Paris
After breakfast you will be chauffeured back to Paris. We hope to see you again on the C'est La Vie!
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the opposite direction.
Reims Cathedral
Cemetery of Belleau Wood
You will be met at 3:00pm in Paris. For charter groups in the lobby of one hotel mutually agreed upon by the group. Guests on individual cabin sailings will be picked up and returned to the Hotel Madison, 43 Boulevard St Germain,75006 Paris,Tel; +33 (0)1 40 51 60 00. After the traditional champagne welcome, there is time to unpack and take a stroll around town before enjoying the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Monday - Paris to Vaudemange - Sightseeing, Family run champagne winery. Ployez Jacquemart
Begin the day with our breakfast buffet featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven! While we cruise, relax on deck or put on your working shoes to take a stroll along the towpath. We will go through 7 locks and pass through a small tunnel on the way to our evening mooring, close to the village of Vaudemange. With weather permitting enjoy lunch alfresco, before being driven to a small private family run vineyard Ployez Jacquemart created in 1930 in the town of Ludes, a 1er cru village producing some fine Champagnes. This is the first of your 2 champagne tasting experiences. Returning to the C'est La Vie for cocktails and dinner.
Tuesday - Vaudemange to Mareuil-sur-Ay - Sightseeing, Reims with the Cathedral
This morning we leave Vaudemange heading towards Mareuil sur Ay, leaving the canal L'Aisne à la Marne to join the Canal Lateral à la Marne. Enjoy your breakfast while we cruise, taking in the surroundings as we meander along, including many vineyards covering the hillsides. There is time to walk or bicycle on the towpath exploring towns and villages along the way. After lunch, you will be driven into Reims, an important city dating from Roman times onwards. Visit the great Reims Cathedral, which is larger than Notre Dame in Paris and where many of the French kings were crowned. Visit the "Palais du Tau" the Archbishops place which has been turned into a museum and step back in time. Walk along the pedestrian streets in this vibrant city, or take a coffee in many of the side walk cafes and watch the world go by. Heading back to the C'est La Vie in Mareuil sur Ay, there is time to explore this small town before your gourmet dinner.
Wednesday - Mareuil-sur-Ay to Damery - Sightseeing, La Chocolatier "Thibaut" in Pierry - Dinner ashore at 'Les Crayeres'
Morning drive to visit the town of Pierry, where we will learn the art of Chocolate making and have the chance to make your own to take away with you. Time to walk through this pretty town before heading back to the C'est La Vie. Across the river from Damery take a look back and spy nestled in the hillside the magnificent chateau of Veuve Clicquot. This lady took over the running of her husband’s family business and made it her own. Cruising on the beautiful Marne river relax and prepare yourselves for your dinner ashore at the 2 Star Michelin restaurant "Les Crayeres" in Riems. Les Crayères is a mythical property in the heart of Reims; set in a seven hectare park, this former home of the de Polignac family with its "chateau style" gives an air of elegant sophistication.
Thursday - Damery to Jaulgonne - Sightseeing, Epernay, Moet & Chandon and Haultevilliers
After another delicious breakfast, we take a short drive to visit the famed champagne producer Moet & Chandon in Epernay. This elite company was founded in 1743 by Claude Moet and was characterized from the beginning by international markets and such high-level contacts as Madame Pompadour and Napoleon. Now it dominates Epernay with a complex of historic buildings and a billion bottles of bubbly stored in eighteen miles of tunnels! We’ll tour and then taste! Next visit Haultevillers, a pretty champagne village perched high over the vineyards. Tour the unassuming church of monk Dom Perignon, credited with inventing the champagne-producing process. We return to the C'est La Vie and start our cruise towards the village of Jaulgonne, with this breathtaking scenery; this is the Champagne region at its best. Cocktails and dinner aboard the C’est La Vie.
Friday - Jaulgonne to Chateau Thierry - Sightseeing
Today's morning cruise on the Marne River takes us to Chateau Thierry, this ancient town is associated with the Frankish King Charles Martel, whose castle here was built in the 8th century and Joan of Arc who entered through the town gates in 1421. Relax as the C'est La Vie passes through beautiful countryside, where village's perch on the side of the river. After lunch we drive up into the hills behind Chateau Thierry to Belleau Wood, which was the scene of the second battle of the Marne in spring 1918 and which ended the last German offensive of World War I. The cost was 8,000 American troops killed, missing or wounded. Overlooking Chateau Thierry is the massive French-American Friendship Monument, built in 1929 to commemorate the friendship between these 2 great nations, it's visible for miles around and then we will pay our respects at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. C'est La Vie awaits our return and the Captain's Dinner which will end your cruise in style!
Saturday - Return to Paris
After breakfast you will be chauffeured back to Paris. We hope to see you again on the C'est La Vie!
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the opposite direction.
Dining Aboard The C'est La Vie:
SAMPLE MENU
DINNER- White aparagus veloute with pan fried Girolles mushrooms
- Warm oysters in a champagne sauce
- Parcels of free range chicken breast stuffed with a truffle juice with white grape and wine sauce jus
- Salad of fresh black figs, buffalo mozzarella home smoked ham with a honey and garlic dressing
- Roasted fillet of mackerel served with celerian rosotto and tomato & basil sauce
- Courgette & tomato tart tatin
- Traditional beef bourguignon in red wine with dauphinoise potatoes and carrots
- Goats cheese souffle with a walnut crumble topping
- Roasted lobster & crunchy vegetables cooked with vanilla
- Creamy pots of burgundy snails cooked with garlic and chablis
- Slow cooked fillet of lamb served with creamy polenta, baby carrots &
beetroot
- Assorted cheese platter may include mont d'or, tomme de savoie,
brillant saverain, camembert, brebille-Papillon et le petit vougeot,
délice de pommard, la roche baron, époisses et beaufort
- Desserts may include crème brulee delicately flavored with orange flower water, zingy lemon tart with fruits of the forest coulis, warm chocolate pudding with fromage blanc ice cream, passion fruit and mango macaron cheesecake gateaux, warm polenta dessert with rhubarb and roasted oranges, rhubarb compote and vanilla ice cream
SAMPLE WINE MENU
Vin Blanc:
- Rully 1er cru 2013 (Burgundy)
- Puligny Montrachet 1er cru 2014 (Burgundy)
- Corton Charlemagne Grand cru 2013 (Burgundy)
- Nuits St Goerge 1er cru 2014 (Burgundy)
- Pernand Vergelesses 1er cru 2013 (Burgundy)
- Chablis Grand cru Grenouille 2014 (Burgundy)
- Pouilly Fuissé 2015 (Burgundy)
- St Véran 2016 (Burgundy)
- Château Marguerite rosé 2017 (Provence)
- Sancerre Les Baronnes; 2017 (Loire valley)
- Sancerre, la Bourgeoise 2014 (Loire valley)
- Château Princé 2015 (Loire valley)
Vin Rouge:
- Beaune 1 er cru 2012 (Burgundy)
- Corton Bressande Grand cru 2013 (Burgundy)
- Nuits st George 1er cru 2013 (Burgundy)
- Mercurey 1er Cru Prestige 2012 (Burgundy)
- Chambolls Musigny 1er cru 2013 (Burgundy)
- Pernand ile des Vergelesses 1er cru 2012 (Burgundy)
- Vougeot 1er cru les Cras 2013 (Burgundy)
- Irancy Palotte 2011 (Burgundy)
- Chinon 2014 (Loire valley)
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015 (Rhône valley)
- Clos Moleons 2014 Prestiges, Graves (Bordeaux)
- Château Dauzac, Margaux, Grand cru classé 2011, (Bordeau)
Champagne:
- Veuve Clicquot Rose Brut
- H. Goutorbe Cuvee Tradition Brut
- Ruinart Brut
Passenger Comments:
Beautiful scenery, great food and drink and outstanding service. The meals and wine were outstanding. We ate off the boat at a Michelin 2 star restaurant one evening and Max's cooking on the barge was just as good. Both wine and cheese selections were varied and superb. The high points were Fontainbleau, the Cathedral at Sens and all of the dinners.D & B. H., SC, USA
We had been on the C'est La Vie before. Since our last trip the interior had been completely revamped. The condition of the ship's interior and exterior was pristine. Even if I am pushed, I cannot think of anything I would change, correct or add. This is an exceptional barge with a wonderful crew, skipper and captain. Just great!
R.B. MA USA
I have been on and off boats my entire life and hold a 100 ton master mariner's license and can say with some authority that C'est La Vie is a magnificent vessel from its first-rate state of polish and maintenance to its fine compliment of machinery and systems. Quite truthfully, I was prepared to "rough it" a bit in the cabin and the head as my wife was apprehensive about those same issues. Our trip got off to a perfect start when she stepped aboard and noted that the main salon was lovely and then entered our cabin and realized the spacious cabin a large modern bath required no compromise for being on a boat. Happy wife: happy life.
M.B. NY USA
Best trip of my life--and I've traveled often. The meals and wines were unbelievable--couldn't have been better. The excursions were interesting and well researched and the cruise route [in Champagne] was beautiful.
L.P. MA USA
We were thrilled to be back on the C'est la Vie. The trip surpassed the first time we were on it two years ago. I believe the crew is better and more able to handle the tiniest details for each passenger. And they went out of their way to be sure we all got to where we needed to be on the day of our departure. The meals were extraordinary. Max is by far the best chef we have ever encountered.
A&C S. MA USA
LINKS to C'est La Vie Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023