Champagne has welcomed an all-new luxury barge, Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, and it’s unlike any other. In May, Coquelicot will take its maiden voyage gliding along the French region’s picturesque canals offering guests an unequalled experience and views from a unique vantage point.

Guests will sail in comfort, style and absolute opulence. Coquelicot features three glamorous and spacious cabins with luscious marble ensuites attached, an indoor salon, a well-stocked champagne bar curated with a selection of labels of your choosing, an indoor dining room, and, the jewel in the crown, a sprawling outdoor deck for soaking up the sun and dinners under the stars.

On nights where guests want to dine on board, a private chef will ensure you get a taste of regional produce and prepare sophisticated dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients provided by trusted local suppliers. The experience is highly personalised so whether you want to host an al fresco soirée on the top deck or dine off board at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you make the call and the crew members will take care of it for you.

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Taking the experience to the next level, Coquelicot has partnered with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house. Guests will be treated to exclusive access to Taissy vineyard and learn about Ruinart’s pioneering viti-forestry project in partnership with Reforest’Action and the University of Reims. The tour wouldn’t be complete without a private technical tasting of the champagne house’s cuvées, which is hosted by one of Ruinart’s Maison Ambassadors.

Following the vineyard tour, a private ‘four hands’ lunch will be hosted by Ruinart on board the Coquelicot. This will be a first in Maison Ruinart’s history as the Head Chef has never before cooked outside the champagne house’s premises. The dining experience will include five delicious courses paired with some of Ruinart’s finest bubbles, such as Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Dom Ruinart Rosé.

Beyond the Maison Ruinart experience, you determine what you want to do. Coquelicot provides guests with their very own Guest Experience Executive who will help you craft your own itinerary. Whether you want to delve into the region’s unique art scene or walk through the historic castles, the expert team will suggest unique activities to suit. The whole Coquelicot experience is curated to your liking and it’s going straight to the top of our bucket list.

Prices for this one-of-a-kind experience start from €82,000. Helicopter transfers from Paris are also available upon request. To find out more or book visit Belmond.

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