C’est la Vie – Champagne
Chateau Thierry to Chalon-en-Champagne
Available July through August
Champagne, renowned for its sparkling wines, captivates all who indulge in its effervescent offerings. This picturesque region, nestled in northeastern France, is celebrated not only for its world-class vineyards but also for its rich history and charming towns. The city of Reims, with its stunning Gothic cathedral, has long been a center of French royalty, hosting the coronation of numerous kings. Meanwhile, Épernay, often referred to as the capital of Champagne, boasts the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, lined with legendary champagne houses that invite visitors to sample their exquisite creations.
The rolling vineyards, where the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes thrive, create a stunning landscape that beckons wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The tradition of méthode champenoise, the meticulous process of producing champagne, adds a layer of artistry and dedication to each bottle. Pairing the region’s sparkling wines with local delicacies like foie gras and artisanal cheeses elevates the culinary experience, making Champagne a destination that beautifully blends history, culture, and gastronomic delight. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring a glass, Champagne enchants with its elegance and allure.
Day 1: SUNDAY
CHATEAU THIERRY
After the traditional champagne welcome from the crew, there is time to unpack and take a stroll, before enjoying the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Chateau-Thierry is nestled into the champagne-producing slopes; this ancient town is associated with the Frankish king Charles Martel whose castle here was built in the 8th century and with Joan of Arc who entered through the town gates in 1421.
DAY 2: MONDAY
DORMANS
Begin the day with our breakfast buffet, featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven! Then relax on deck while cruising on the river Marne as C’est La Vie floats toward the village of Dormans, through heavily wooded countryside. Adorable villages hug the shore and patient fisherman wave as we pass. After lunch (served on deck weather permitting) we’ll visit the French American Friendship monument, built in 1929 it overlooks Chateau Thierry and the Marne valley, then we take a short drive to the WW1 battlefield, which was the scene of the second battle of the Marne in the spring of 1918, this battle ended the last German offensive of World War I. The cost was 8,000 American troops killed, missing, or wounded. We will then pay our respects at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery.
Return to the C’est La Vie for dinner aboard.
DAY 3: TUESDAY
DAMERY
After another delicious breakfast, cruise to Damery, a town on the banks of the Marne River, through a gorgeous landscape of villages, vineyards, pastures, and forests. After lunch take a short drive to visit the Champagne house of Boizel in Epernay. Founded in 1834 by a Champagne family passionate about the wines of its region, the Boizel House was established in Epernay, heart of the Champagne region. The cellars in the Avenue de Champagne, have been a UNESCO World heritage site since 2015. We’ll tour and then taste!
Next visit Haultevillers, a champagne village perched high over the vineyards. Tour the unassuming church of monk Dom Perignon, credited with inventing the champagne-producing process.
Back on board for your gourmet dinner.
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY
MAREUIL SUR AY
After breakfast we take a short drive to the town of Pierry, where we will learn the art of chocolate making and have the chance to make your own to take away with you. Returning to the C’est La Vie for lunch and a relaxing afternoon cruise to Mareuil sur Ay, through scenery that could have been painted by the Impressionists, we will leave the river Marne for the canal Lateral à la Marne, perfect time to put your working shoes on or ride a bicycle along the tow path.
There’s plenty of time to prepare for your dinner ashore at the 2-star Michelin restaurant “Les Crayeres” in Riems.
DAY 5: THURSDAY
CONDE SUR MARNE
After breakfast we cruise to Conde sur Marne. There is time to walk or bicycle on the towpath as C’est La Vie winds its way along the canal.
After lunch we drive to Reims, an important city from Roman times onwards. Visit the great Reims Cathedral, which is even larger than Notre Dame in Paris and where many of the French kings were crowned. Visit the Archbishops place which has been turned into a museum and step back in time.
Walk along the pedestrian streets in this vibrant city or take a coffee in many of the sidewalk cafes and watch the world go by.
Returning for dinner aboard the C’est La Vie moored in Conde sur Marne.
DAY 6, FRIDAY
CHALON EN CHAPAGNE
A morning visit to the small town of Ludes, where you will pay a visit to a small family run vineyard, Ployez Jacquemart, for the 2nd of your champagne tasting experiences. This family run business started in 1930 is now run by the granddaughter. Returning to the C’est La Vie for lunch and an afternoon cruise, time to relax or put on your walking shoes or ride a bicycle along the tow path and catch the C’est la Vie at the next lock. We cruise on the canal, Lateral à la Marne arriving in the city of Chalon en Champagne. There is time to take a stroll around this city and visit the town center, with its 3 churches, before the Captains dinner which ends your cruise in style!
DAY 7: SATURDAY
CHALON EN CHAMPAGNE
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to Paris. We hope to see you again on the C’est La Vie!
| C'est la Vie - 2025 | ||
| US Pricing | ||
| Value | Regular | |
| Stateroom Per Person | $ 7,900 | $ 8,500 |
| Single Supplement | $ 4,000 | $ 5,000 |
| Charter for 6 passengers | $ 54,000 | $ 59,400 |
| Charter for 7 passengers | $ 58,100 | $ 62,300 |
| Charter for 8 passengers | $ 61,600 | $ 66,000 |
| *Value Season is April 6 - April 26, Oct 19 - Nov 1 |
| C'est la Vie - 2026 | ||
| US Pricing | ||
| Value | Regular | |
| Stateroom Per Person | $ 7,900 | $ 8,500 |
| Single Supplement | $ 4,000 | $ 5,000 |
| Charter for 6 passengers | $ 54,000 | $ 59,400 |
| Charter for 7 passengers | $ 58,100 | $ 62,300 |
| Charter for 8 passengers | $ 61,600 | $ 66,000 |
| *Value Season is April 5-25, Oct 18-31 |
Price includes:
- 6 nights all inclusive charter cruise starts in Paris with a private mini bus pick up at a hotel of your choice. (At one hotel mutually agreed upon by the group). You are driven to the C’est La Vie, where a warm welcome awaits you.
- The package includes all meals from Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast, wines and other beverages, (alcoholic and non alcoholic).
- – Breakfast: Buffet style consists of cereals, bread and pastries, cold meats, cheese, fresh fruit, yoghurts, tea/coffee and juices.
– Lunch: Also buffet style consists of a variety of salads, a hot dish and a selection of cheeses: fruit, coffee and biscuits.
– Dinner: A four course meal starts with an entrée, followed by the main course, a selection of cheeses and then dessert and coffee. - Both lunch and dinner are served with white and red wines from the best wine producing regions of France.
- The guided visits and restaurants indicated in the cruise itinerary are included.
- Limited laundry service available.
Not included:
- Airfares to and from France, tips and balloon flights.
