Belmond has launched a new luxury barge, part of its French collection: Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne. From May 2023, Coquelicot will take guests on a personalized journey of Champagne, as the boat travels through the region’s canals. Designed by Humbert & Poyet, the river vessel will include an outdoor deck, three double cabins with marble en-suite bathrooms and an indoor lounge for dining. The vessel’s top deck will have two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area with ample space for relaxation.
To elevate the guest journey, Coquelicot will partner with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house, founded in Reims in 1729. As part of the collaboration, guests will enjoy access to Taissy vineyard, referenced as early as 1733 in the Maison’s archives. They will also learn about Maison Ruinart’s "viti-forestry" project in partnership with Reforest’Action and the University of Reims, while they admire “Habitats,” the work of landscape artist Nils Udo. A technical tasting of iconic Maison Ruinart cuvées, led by a Maison Ambassador, will conclude the morning experience in the vineyard.
Following the tour, guests will head back to Coquelicot where Maison Ruinart’s chef, Valérie Radou, and Coquelicot’s head chef will prepare a five-course lunch on the boat’s top deck. The dining experience includes five seasonal dishes inspired by regional cuisine and paired with cuvées such as Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Dom Ruinart Rosé. Guests will delve deep into the world of Maison Ruinart, as their ambassador reveals the story, characteristics and technical aspects of each bottle.
With the help of a dedicated Guest Experience Executive, passengers will craft their own itinerary by selecting activities from a host of experiences suggested specifically for them by the Belmond team. Whether it’s an art-focused tour of Champagne, a historic voyage through the castles, an active adventure on two wheels or a series of epicurean visits to Europe’s wine producers, guests can design their own journey and marvel at the region’s treasures at their own pace.
Days of discoveries are followed by memorable nights aboard the new barge. After an aperitivo by the boat’s Champagne bar—stocked by Coquelicot’s crew with a curated selection of guests’ preferred labels—the private chef will serve a menu of dishes, prepared using the finest seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers. Guests can also enjoy an al fresco soirée on the top deck with an off board Michelin-starred restaurant experience or a less inhibited dinner in one of the quaint villages scattered across the region.
Helicopter transfers from Paris are available upon request.
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