In fine, sunny weather last April, I experienced a delightful six-night barge cruise on France’s Marne Canal from Paris to Epernay with NTA-member CroisiEurope.
The Raymonde accommodates only 22 guests and is perfect for group charters. Its cabins are compact but quite comfortable once you settle in and discover all the storage spaces.
Our food (continental breakfast buffet, multi-course set menus for lunch and dinner) was very good and service was excellent. This is an all-inclusive program except for crew gratuities, so there is no extra charge for shore excursions. Pricing also includes an open bar throughout, plus numerous French wines and cheeses are served with meals.
The countryside is absolutely beautiful. Picturesque homes, villages, vineyards, farms and fields of golden rapeseed line the canal along the way, and there are numerous small locks and several historical tunnels to transit. The primary difference between French canal cruises and typical European river excursions is that on the latter, the locks and waterways are much larger, thus so are the cruise vessels. And there is far more commercial traffic on the rivers.
After a guided tour of Paris featuring the city’s unique covered walkways, the cruise’s itinerary highlights included lovely Lagny-sur-Marne, the handsome city and cathedral of Meaux, plus an opportunity to learn about and sample the outstanding “King of Cheeses,” Brie de Meaux.
Next were a falconry show and sightseeing in Château Thierry, and from Dormans, home of a magnificent World War I memorial, we toured the ancient hilltop village of Châtillon-sur-Marne and saw countless vineyards extending far into the distance. We also visited Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne, where Dom Perignon himself is buried.
Finally, in Epernay, we toured the cellars of a major Champagne house, one of hundreds of wineries we passed on the famed Champagne Route and on other area roads. We embarked on an excursion to Reims for a tour of the historical city and its storied cathedral, where French kings were traditionally crowned.
On the morning of our seventh day, a return transfer was provided to Paris, where groups should plan to include a multi-night hotel stay to explore one of the world’s greatest cities.
For more information, contact CroisiEurope’s John McGlade or visit croisieuroperivercruises.com.
Top photo by Bob Hoelscher
