Restaurant: Les Crayeres in Reims (2 Michelin Stars).

Sunday:  Welcome to C’est la Vie!

You’ll be met at 3:00pm in the lobby of your Paris hotel and chauffeured to the C’est La Vie

Guests on individual cabin sailings will be picked up  and returned TBD   

After the traditional champagne welcome from the crew, there is time to unpack and take a stroll, before enjoying the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Chataeu-Thierry is nestled into the champagne-producing slopes; this ancient town is associated with the Frankish king Charles Martel whose castle here was built in the 8th century and with Joan of Arc who entered through the town gates in 1421.

Monday:  WW1 Battlefield and Cementary of Belleau-Wood and the American Monument -
Cruise to Joulgonne

Begin the day with our breakfast buffet, featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven! Then relax on deck while cruising on the River Marne as C’est La Vie floats toward the village of Dormans, through heavily-wooded countryside. Adorable villages hug the shore and patient fisherman wave as we pass.

After lunch (served on deck weather permitting) we’ll visit the French-American Friendship monument, built in 1929 it overlooks Chateau Thierry and the Marne valley, then we take a short drive to the WW1 battlefield and cemetery of Belleau-wood which was the scene of the second battle of the Marne in the spring of 1918, this battle ended the last German offensive of World War I. The cost was 8,000 American troops killed, missing or wounded. We will then pay our respects at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery.

Return to the C’est La Vie for dinner aboard

Tuesday:  Sightseeing, Epernay, Boizel, Haultvilliers - Cruise to Damery

After another delicious breakfast, cruise to Damery, a town on the banks of the Marne River, through a gorgeous landscape of villages, vineyards, pastures, and forests. After lunch take a short drive to visit the famed champagne producer Boizel in Epernay. Founded in 1834 by Auguste Boizel and Julie Martin, a young married couple, they joined forces to create their own Champagne House. Originally pastry chefs, born and bred in the Côte des Blancs, they shared the same strong entrepreneurial spirit. Julie’s ancestors were winegrowers in Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay.

They chose Epernay as the home for their new venture, and both lent their names to the House: ‘Boizel-Martin, After a tasting and visit to their cellars we will take a short drive to 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.

Back on board for your gourmet dinner.

Wednesay:  Sightseeing, Chocolaterie “THIBAUD"- Cruise to Mareuil sur Ay

Dinner at 2 star Michelin restaurant Les Crayeres

After breakfast we take a short drive to the town on Pierry, where we will learn the art of Chocolate making and have the chance to make your own to take away with you.

Returning to the C’est La Vie for lunch and an relaxing afternoon cruise to Mareuil sur Ay, through scenery that could have been painted by the Impressionists, we will leave the river Marne for the canal Lateral a la Marne, perfect time to put your working shoes on or ride a bicycle along the tow path and catch the C’est la Vie at the next lock.

There's plenty of time to prepare for your dinner on shore at the 2-star restaurant Les Crayeres.

Thursday:  Family Champagne Estate Ployez-Jacquemart - Cruise to Isse

Begin the day at a relaxed pace as C’est La Vie continues her journey through the quiet canals of the Champagne countryside. This morning offers another opportunity to walk or cycle along the towpath, following routes once used by horse-drawn barges that carried wine, timber, and grain through the region. The gentle rhythm of the water and the surrounding vineyard scenery invite you to slow down and savour the landscape before lunch on board.

In the afternoon, travel through rolling hills blanketed in vineyards to the village of Ludes, located in the Montagne de Reims. Here, visit Ployez-Jacquemart, a family-run Champagne house with deep roots in the region. During your private tasting, learn about traditional Champagne-making methods passed down through generations, and gain insight into how terroir, craftsmanship, and patience shape each cuvée

Return to C’est La Vie, moored in Isse, for pre-dinner drinks and a leisurely evening on board, surrounded by the quiet charm of the Champagne canals.

Friday: Sightseeing in Reims and Cathedral - Cruise to Reims

This morning, C’est La Vie continues her gentle cruise toward Sillery, winding through peaceful canals and passing beneath a picturesque tunnel — a reminder of the region’s long history as a vital inland trade route. There is time to walk or cycle along the towpath before lunch, enjoying the serene rhythm of life on the water

In the afternoon, travel to the historic city of Reims, a place of profound importance in French history since Roman times. Visit the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the coronation site of French kings for over eight centuries. Marvel at its soaring nave, intricate stonework, and luminous stained glass, including modern windows by Marc Chagall. Continue to the former Archbishop’s Palace, now a museum, where you’ll gain insight into the religious and political power once centred in Reims.

Enjoy free time to stroll the elegant pedestrian streets or relax at a café before returning to the barge for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, a celebratory evening marking the elegant conclusion of your Champagne cruise.

Saturday:  Return to Paris

Departure time is 9:30AM after breakfast. You’ll then be chauffeured back to Paris for the end of the morning.

We hope to see you again on the C’est la Vie!

Please note that the cruise itinerary alternates direction each week.

 

 

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