Debuting in May 2023, Coquelicot will take travelers on a cinematic journey of Champagne in partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house.
New standard of sophistication
Featuring three spacious cabins with ensuite facilities, an indoor salon with a Champagne bar and an extensive outdoor deck, Coquelicot is touted as setting a new standard of sophistication for slow-paced sailing in France.
The barge is available for week-long private charters starting at €82,000/approximately $79,500.
Three double cabins
Designed by the French duo Humbert & Poyet, Coquelicot will offer three double cabins with marble ensuite bathrooms and an indoor lounge with a Champagne bar stocked with a selection of passengers' preferred labels.
The vessel’s top deck will be the social center. Framed by potted local herbs and indigenous wildflowers, the deck features two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area with a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.
Interiors capture the essence of the region
The barge’s interiors and exteriors are designed to capture the essence of Champagne, with nods to the region’s hues and character. Local fabrics in earthy tones and raw materials will honor Champagne’s agricultural heritage, while fluted walls, decadent interiors and art will pay homage to the present.
Coquelicot’s namesake, the red poppy, will be found in subtle references such as the hand-cut red marble side tables and the hand-painted petals that line the hallway, while the lounge’s skylight reflects Champagne’s water mapping legacy.
Maison Ruinart experience and viti-forestry project
Belmond partnered with Maison Ruinart to offer exclusive access to the first established House of Champagne with a private tasting lunch by Chef In Residence Valérie Radou and guided tours of the historic Taissy vineyard focused on sustainability initiatives.
Maison Ruinart, teaming with Reforest’Action and the University of Reims, launched a pioneering viti-forestry project in 2021 to preserve and regenerate forests in order to restore biodiversity.
Also dotting the grounds is a new art installation by Nils-Udo, a pioneer of land art. A technical tasting of Maison Ruinart cuvées, led by a Maison ambassador, will conclude the morning experience.
Back aboard, travelers will have a private five-course tasting lunch by Valérie Radou. It will be the first time Maison Ruinart’s chef cooks a private ‘four hands’ lunch outside of Maison Ruinart. This dining experience includes five seasonal dishes inspired by regional cuisine and paired with prestigious cuvées such as Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Dom Ruinart Rosé.
Customized itineraries
Personal guest experience executives will help craft customized itineraries depending on guest preferences. Whether an art-focused tour of Champagne, a historic voyage featuring castles, an active adventure on two wheels or epicurean visits, passengers will be able to design their own journey, at their own pace.
The all-inclusive journeys include table d’hóte meals, beverages, all planned excursions escorted by a private guide and transfer from Paris to the barge. Helicopter transfers from Paris are also available.
Six other Belmond vessels
Coquelicot is part of Les Bateaux Belmond, whose fleet includes Alouette on Canal Du Midi, Pivoine in Camargue, Napoléon in Provence, and Amaryllis, Fleur De Lys and Lilas in Burgundy.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.  |
