In a world that often rushes by, there’s a quiet revolution brewing in the heart of France – a gentle reminder that travel should be savoured, not simply consumed.
Imagine a world where the pace slows to a leisurely glide, where every turn of the river reveals a new masterpiece, and where luxury is not just a concept, but a feeling woven into the very fabric of your journey.
Introducing Les Bateaux Belmond, a collection of exquisite boats designed to transport its guests through the breathtaking landscapes of France, all while indulging your senses and nourishing your soul.
Belmond understands that true beauty reveals itself at a gentle tempo, like a blossoming flower. Their philosophy is simple: slow down, take it all in, and appreciate the finer things life has to offer. And what finer way to do that than by cruising through the natural artistry of French rivers aboard a vessel that is utterly luxurious?
With a fleet of seven unique boats, Les Bateaux Belmond offers a bespoke experience tailored to your wanderlust. Picture yourself aboard the Coquelicot, gracefully winding through the historic Champagne region, where bubbles aren’t just in your glass, but in the very air. Or perhaps the Fleur de Lys or Lilas will beckon you to the verdant canals of Burgundy. The Alouette promises an adventure through Midi and Bordeaux, while the Amaryllis glides along the tranquil Canal du Centre. For those yearning for the sun-drenched landscapes of the south, the Napoléon awaits in Provence, and the Pivoine explores the wild beauty of Camargue.
Each of these floating havens showcases the exceptional design and optimal comfort offered by Belmond. The accommodations are generously sized, offering ample space to unwind and breathe. The cabin is adorned with thoughtful touches, from plush furnishings to high-quality private bathrooms and state-of-the-art technology – everything one would need for a truly indulgent stay.
What truly sets Les Bateaux Belmond apart is the intimate nature of the experience. These aren’t bustling cruise ships; they typically carry between 4 to 12 passengers and are exclusively available for private charter. This ensures a highly personalised journey, where your every whim is catered to, and the focus remains solely on you and your companions. It’s like having a floating country estate, all to yourselves.
Coquelicot
Let’s take a closer look upon the Coquelicot, the crown jewel of the fleet and Belmond’s signature villa. Nestled in the very heart of Champagne, this boat is said to be the most prestigious floating villa in the region.
Stepping aboard Coquelicot is akin to entering a serene, luxurious embrace. This elegant barge isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s your exclusive passport to exploring France’s renowned Champagne region. Imagine savouring gourmet meals, meticulously prepared, with an ever-changing tapestry of vineyards and charming villages as your backdrop. Each bite is complemented by the visual feast outside, a perfect pairing of culinary and scenic delights.
The Coquelicot is designed with tranquility as its guiding principle. Up on the top deck, a spacious lounge invites you to unwind and soak it all in – the view, the warm sun, everything. Oversized picture windows act as living canvases, framing panoramic views of the Champagne region as it gracefully glides by – it’s absolutely stunning, like a moving painting unfolding before your very eyes. The vibe up there is incredibly cosy, with warm oak-paneled ceilings and plush furniture that simply beckons guests to relax. You can kick back with a good book, jot down your travel memories at the writing desk, or even chat with the chef right in the open kitchen as they skillfully whip up amazing meals using the freshest local ingredients.
Downstairs, however, is where you’ll find a lush private sanctuary. Three spacious cabins, each with its own beautiful en-suite marble bathroom. There’s also an indoor dining area, perfect for those more intimate moments with family or friends, where laughter and conversation flow freely.
And as the day gently winds down, you’ll find yourself drawn to the salon and Champagne bar. Picture yourself sipping on exquisite Ruinart Champagne under a canopy of stars, with the gentle lapping of water against the hull providing the perfect naturalistic soundtrack. Yes, you read that right: Ruinart, the oldest champagne house, has teamed up with Coquelicot to create an unparalleled “multisensory journey” into the heart of Champagne.
Guests aboard the Coquelicot are treated to an exclusive “behind-the-curtain” tour of Ruinart’s historic chalk cellars, known as crayères. These underground marvels, with their consistent temperature and humidity, are absolutely perfect for aging champagne – a truly cool and unforgettable experience.
Then, prepare for an incredible evening of dining at “Petit R,” Ruinart’s super intimate dining room at Maison Ruinart. The culinary adventure begins with a special Ruinart aperitif, followed by a fantastic dinner that allows you to savour vintages aged for an astounding 20 years, including some from Ruinart’s highly exclusive collection. This is a truly unique chance to taste (and even buy!) these exceptional champagnes that you can only acquire right there at the Maison. To top it all off, you’ll get an exclusive peek into the “Secret Cellar” at the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, a building masterfully redesigned by the famous Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, whose inspiration for the structure came from the very essence of champagne bubbles.
Of course, the dining offerings on board the Coquelicot are nothing short of spectacular. One of the absolute best parts is the complimentary pairing of fine French wines and champagnes with every lunch and dinner. Imagine enjoying a laid-back lunch or an incredible evening feast right there on the boat, with those amazing views outside, and not having to worry about a single drink! But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can always step off Coquelicot and discover all sorts of regional specialties and fresh produce. The chef is truly passionate about using these local treasures to create truly original and unforgettable dishes.
Book your next journey here.
