TAKE A BARGE CRUISE IN SEPTEMBER 2021
Mornings spent cruising along the peaceful canal, afternoon visits to vineyards, charming villages or historic cities and of course, plenty of champagne – what’s not to love about a barge cruise through France’s beautiful Champagne region?
A barge cruise is a very special way to explore the smaller canals and rivers, that larger river boats simply can’t reach. And whilst this may be small ship cruising, at 128ft (39m) long there’s plenty of space on board, with a large open plan lounge dining area inside and a sun deck with dining area, comfortable seating and even a jacuzzi.
Read more: Discover the barge
And September is a great time to cruise, it’s late summer with moderate temperatures and during the weeks of the grape harvest you can watch and even get involved in the action as they pick and press the grapes.
Book a cabin......
If you’re travelling as a couple, solo or with a friend, we offer individually bookable cabins on 6 night cruises.
With only three cabins on board, you’ll be sharing the barge with a maximum of four other guests.
Departure dates
15th September (6 nights) – 1 cabin avail. – click for itinerary
22nd September (6 nights) – 3 cabins avail. – click for itinerary
6th October (6 nights) – 3 cabins avail. – click for itinerary
€2,950 per person for 6 night cruise
What’s included: Double or twin cabin, breakfast and lunch aboard each day, all dinners (either aboard or at restaurants), all beers, wine and soft drinks aboard, daily excursion with one of the crew as your guide, vehicle for excursions and transfers, Pick up & drop off in Reims (easily accessible by train from Paris), use of onboard amenities including hot tub and wi-fi, all taxes, fuel and mooring fees.
.....or charter the whole barge
Organise a trip with friends or family and have exclusive use of the barge for your group.
We’ll create a completely bespoke itinerary of excursions to give you your perfect holiday.
Departure dates
22nd September – click here for example itinerary
6th October – click here for example itinerary
from €2,500 per person for 6 night cruise
Price depends on number of guests – click here for prices 5 people or less
Shorter duration cruises available – click here to download prices
What’s included: Exclusive use of the barge for your group, breakfast and lunch aboard each day, all dinners (either aboard or at restaurants), all beers, wine and soft drinks aboard, daily excursion with one of the crew as your guide, vehicle for excursions and transfers, Pick up & drop off in Reims (easily accessible by train from Paris), use of onboard amenities including hot tub and wi-fi, all taxes, fuel and mooring fees.
Relax and unwind
A barge cruise is a very special way to explore the smaller canals and rivers, that larger river boats simply can’t reach. We typically spend 3 to 5 hours cruising each morning through the varied landscape of the French countryside, passing vineyards, châteaux, woodland and charming villages.
As the barge travels at only around 3 miles per hour (6 kilometres per hour), there’s time to look around and take in the beautiful tranquility of the countryside sliding past.
While we’re travelling the crew are here to look after you – relax on deck and soak in the scenery, take a dip in the jacuzzi or join Captain Claire in the wheelhouse, you can even try steering the barge!
Serenity halts frequently at locks which raise or lower the canal to match the contours of the landscape. With the tarmac towpath alongside you can hop on and off the barge at the locks to take a stroll along the water or go and explore a pretty village we’re passing.
Book with complete confidence
100% vaccinated
All your crew and fellow passengers will be fully vaccinated.
Avoid the crowds
All our excursions are either private tours, quiet outdoor locations or hidden gems, meaning that you won’t be in crowded tourist hotspots
Flexible re-scheduling
If all of your group can’t travel due to border restrictions, transfer your payment to any available 2022 cruise date, up to 14 days before your cruise.
€500pp deposit
To secure your booking pay a deposit of $500 per person, with the balance due 30 days before your cruise
Discover the stunning Champagne region
Our cruise route takes us through the heart of the Champagne region, along both the historic canal with it’s small locks and the Marne river which lazily winds it’s way through a valley covered in vineyards.
In the afternoon you’ll enjoy an excursion accompanied by a member of the crew. While some visits are just a short walk from our mooring, most days we’ll use our comfortable 9-seater van to explore a bit further afield.
Having lived in the Champagne region for several years now we’ve done the ‘hard work’ for you and found amazing visits that showcase some of the best of the area’s culture, history, wine and landscapes.
These are just some of the types of excursions you can enjoy on your barge cruise:
- cellar visits and tasting at iconic names and small producers
- vineyard visits
- walking tours of historic cities and charming villages
- visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites – Reims Cathedral and the Palais du Tau
- château visits
- soft adventure activities – eg. E-bike tour or riding a segway through the vineyards
- foodie activities – chocolate making workshop and cooking class
- WW1 and WW2 history tours
- hot air ballooning (additional costs for this excursion)
Fabulous food and wine
From relaxed BBQs to fine dining at Michelin starred restaurants, with Serenity Barge all-inclusive cruising doesn’t mean only eating aboard.
Each morning starts with a feast of croissants and gorgeous pastries from the best local bakery together with yoghurts, fresh fruit and cereals.
Lunch is your opportunity to try the pâtes, charcuterie, cheeses and quiches that France is famous for, all accompanied by a selection of tasty salads. And if you have still got room, there’s a light dessert to follow.
Served aboard while the barge is cruising, lunch is typically a relaxed affair at the top deck table, accompanied by a selection of wines, sourced directly from small independent vineyards. During your cruise you’ll have the chance to try famous Grand Cru wines and hidden gems you’ll never taste outside France.
Most evenings you’ll enjoy a meal at one of our favourite restaurants which offer excellent quality and a variety of dining experiences. As our cruises are all-inclusive, when eating off board the 3 course set menu if covered in your cruise price. Normally you will have the choice of several dishes for each course, or if something on the a-la-carte menu catches your eye instead, we will pay the equivalent value towards your meal.
