Coquelicot
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Coquelicot - Prestigious floating villa from Chalons-en-Champagne
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Coquelicot
Coquelicot
Coquelicot
Epernay
France

Coquelicot - Prestigious floating villa from Chalons-en-Champagne (Tour code: 14932)

Starts and Ends
Chalons-en-Champagne to
Jaulgonne
Travel Periods
05 Apr 26 - 18 Oct 26
Experience
Travel Style
Cruise
Drift into Champagne’s essence aboard Coquelicot, a refined floating villa celebrating local heritage with exclusive, behind-the-scenes champagne house experiences.

Highlights

Explore Veuve Clicquot’s vast chalk cellars and uncover the story of the widow who shaped a global icon, followed by an exclusive tasting

Discover where Dom Pérignon’s accidental breakthrough led to the first champagne, then enjoy an intimate tasting at a boutique local producer

Savour a five-course dining experience at Maison Ruinart, where animated projections bring the champagne house’s legacy to life

7 days
From
NZD 156,113
per charter
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Set sail aboard Coquelicot, a luxurious floating retreat through Champagne, in partnership with Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house. This elegant barge offers an immersive experience, featuring a spacious upper lounge with panoramic views, gourmet cuisine from an open kitchen and three beautifully designed cabins with en-suite marble bathrooms. As night falls, unwind with fine Ruinart Champagne in the salon and bar. Journey from Châlons-en-Champagne to Jaulgonne, savouring exquisite meals and France’s finest wines on this unforgettable river cruise.

Kindly note: The Coquelicot is exclusively available for private charter for up tp 6 guests & available in the reverse direction. 

Inclusions

6 nights onboard the Coquelicot in your own private sanctuary - with a capacity to welcome up to six guests
Table d’hote meals and complimentary beverages, daily breakfast and French fine dining experience served onboard
All excursions including exclusive use of the onboard bicycles alongside the river
Dedicated Host service
A dedicated tour guide and an itinerary tailored to your preferences
Roundtrip transfers to/from the luxury barge within France & Geneva

Facilities onboard Coquelicot

Welcome onboard!

The crown jewel of Coquelicot, venture to the top deck at dawn to catch a golden sunrise with your morning coffee and pastries. Get closer to your chef and crew as you lunch alfresco, admiring the backdrop of passing vineyards and watercolour chateaux. At night, gather your loved ones for a sparkling evening beneath an open canopy of stars.

Designed with tranquility in mind, this luxury floating villa ensures a supremely relaxing cruise. On the upper deck, unwind, connect and indulge: the spacious lounge is perfect for social relaxation, allowing you to soak up the panoramic views of Champagne behind the oversized picture window. Sit back under oak-panelled ceilings on plush furnishings, pen the day’s highlights from your writing desk, or engage with your chef as they prepare seasonal cuisine with local ingredients, from the comfort of the open kitchen. 

Below deck, three spacious cabins – and their ensuite marble bathrooms – adjoin an indoor dining area, ideal for intimate moments with your loved ones. As the evening unfolds, make your way to the salon and Champagne bar, and savour fine Champagne by Ruinart under the stars.

Coquelicot
Deck plans

Day 1 & 2 Châlons-en-Champagne Vraux

In Châlons-en-Champagne, prepare to see the Champagne region from a fresh perspective. Your effervescent cruise begins with a champagne reception, a chance to meet your dedicated captain and crew. As you unpack and explore Coquelicot, your elegant sanctuary, the chef onboard prepares your first gourmet dinner of the week.

On the morning of the second day, peacefully explore Châlons-en-Champagne. The elegant town’s rich heritage is evident in beautiful timber-framed buildings and splendid churches. Back on the boat, start your picturesque cruise, relaxing to the rhythm of the water as you absorb the tranquil scenery from on deck. After lunch, a thrilling visit to Veuve Clicquot awaits. One of the most celebrated champagne houses in the world, it was named after the widow (“veuve”) who took over her husband’s wine business at the tender age of 27. Plunge into the atmospheric underground cellars that stretch deep into the crayères, or chalk pits, for over 24km and glean fascinating facts about the renowned label. Return to the boat for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Châlons-en-Champagne → Vraux
Veuve Clicquot

Day 3 & 4 Mareuil-sur-Ay Damery

Linger over breakfast as Coquelicot glides towards the serene village of Mareuil-sur-Äy, tonight’s mooring. Today, stop in Hautvillers Abbey to pay homage to Dom Pérignon and visit the place where the monk accidentally discovered how to make champagne through the process of secondary fermentation. Dinner tonight is served on board.

On the fourth day, head to Vertus to browse in the local farmer’s market. After lunch, your guide takes you to Reims, the French city known for its local champagne production. Immaculate, leafy boulevards, Roman remains and art deco cafés await exploration. Return to the barge for an aperitif and get ready for this evening’s dining experience in a beautiful restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mareuil-sur-Ay→ Damery
Reims

Day 5 Vandières

On the fifth day, stop in Reims for a historic tour of Ruinart, the oldest established champagne house, founded in 1729. Upon arrival, a warm reception awaits in the lounge, with refreshments and an engaging introduction to the storied legacy of Ruinart. Follow your private guide 40 meters underground into the iconic Crayères, the Maison's historic chalk cellars – the perfect environment for aging champagne due to their consistent temperature and humidity.

In the Oenothèque, an exclusive space within the Crayères, savour a curated aperitif featuring a distinguished Ruinart cuvée paired with perfectly matched delicacies. In the evening, dine at "Petit R," an intimate dining room within Maison Ruinart.

Then, complete the experience with an exclusive visit to the “Secret Cellar” in the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion. This sleek building, painstakingly redesigned by the acclaimed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto was inspired by the delicate nature of champagne bubbles. Savour vintages aged for 20 years, including a Millésimé from Ruinart’s exclusive collection. This is an unparalleled opportunity to taste and acquire these exceptional cuvées, available only at the Maison.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Jaulgonne

Today, sail towards Jaulgonne. Enjoy a private tasting at Leclerc Briant, a local winery renowned for its pioneering biodynamic champagnes, before exploring Épernay, the jewel of Champagne. Discover its elegant avenue, stretching nearly a kilometre and lined on both sides with magnificent mansions and prestigious champagne houses. Return to the barge and unwind over an aperitif before sitting down to a sumptuous farewell gala dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Disembark in Châlons-en-Champagne

Your check-out time is scheduled for 09:00am. After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.

Breakfast

Additional information

Official language
French
Local currency
EUR
  • This itinerary may be subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Supplier Booking Conditions Apply

Due to the boutique nature and limited capacity of this travel experience, under our Bookings Conditions this package classifies as “Booking Type 2 – Travel Experience where we act as agent only”. Your contract for the delivery of travel arrangements will be with the principal supplier and will be subject to their Booking Conditions. We will advise you prior to confirming your booking the full details and Booking Conditions of the principal supplier. Our responsibility to you where we sell travel arrangements as agent for the supplier is specified in the ‘Responsibility’ section of our Booking Conditions.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Drinks from the premium list, or drinks ordered during excursions
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

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Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

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In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
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  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
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Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

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For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

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How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

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For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

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Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
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