FRENCH CHATEAUX AND CHAMPAGNES ITINERARY - extensive cruising from the Château of Fontainebleau via Paris to Champagne


DAY ONE—Board your yacht in Fontainebleau, and leave the world behind with a glass of champagne as you become familiar with the amenities aboard. After settling into your cabin, there is ample time for a stroll around this beautiful Chateau town before returning the first of what will be a series of memorable dinners. Perhaps end the day in the spa pool before retiring to your stateroom.

DAY TWO—Breakfast, and, if you wish, a visit to the Chateau of Fontainebleau, or directly underway for a cruise to Paris, a voyage of some sixty kilometers. Lunch will be whilst you cruise, and mooring for the night will be in the heart of Paris, near La Bastille. The attractions of this city are legendary; and having one’s yacht moored here is a unique experience.

DAY THREE—Breakfast as we cruise through the Paris to Meaux, renowned for its gastronomy, its Brie cheese and its mustard. Meaux was made famous by Maurice Chevalier and its pretty streets were the inspiration for the impressionists Monet, Renoir, and Sisley. Lunch in a shore side restaurant, and dinner aboard.

DAY FOUR—Cruise the quiet River Marne to Chateau Thierry, stopping along the way for lunch on deck or a picnic ashore. After arrival, visit the chateau, which has some fine examples of sixteenth century furniture and objets d’art. Dinner aboard and a quiet night

DAY FIVE—A somewhat long cruise to Epernay, through the beautiful countryside of the Champagne district. There will be ample opportunities to sample the smaller producers, and we will end the day in Epernay, where if desired we may visit the caves of Moet and Chandon. A balloon trip over the countryside is always a possibility, either before or after dinner aboard.

DAY SIX—Cruise to Reims, passing through more of the verdant, vineyard-quilted countryside of Champagne. In Reims, we may visit more champagne producers and learn more about this delicate sparkling wine, and its qualities, which differ so much from district to district. Naturally the Cathedral of Reims, perhaps the most beautiful in the world, is always an option. Perhaps a visit to the monastery where Dom Perignon discovered “la methode Champenoise”.

DAY SEVEN—A leisurely breakfast, perhaps on deck, and time to visit anything missed yesterday before being returned by limousine to your point of origin.