Slow Travel Reimagined

TOP-DECK LIFESTYLE, BESPOKE ITINERARIES AND AN EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WORLD’S OLDEST CHAMPAGNE HOUSE, MAISON RUINART, TAKE TRAVELLERS DEEPER INTO THE EFFERVESCENCE OF CHAMPAGNE

Belmond has been a pioneer of luxury travel for over 45 years with a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations. Since the acquisition of Venice's iconic Hotel Cipriani in in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel. This spring Belmond is launching a new luxury barge, part of its unmatched French collection: Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne. From May, Coquelicot will take guests on a cinematic and highly personalised journey of Champagne, as the boat glides along the region’s canals from Épernay to Sillery, unveiling exquisite views from a unique vantage point. Photography courtesy Belmond.

COQUELICOT. THE FRENCH WORD FOR “RED POPPY”

Designed by successful French duo, Monaco based Humbert & Poyet, to complement the ever-changing views and create an intimate sanctuary on the water, Coquelicot boasts an impressive outdoor deck, three double cabins with marble ensuite bathrooms, and an indoor lounge for dining and recharging. The boat’s Art Nouveau interior design inspiration captures the essence of Champagne, with nods to the region’s hues and character. Local fabrics in earthy tones and raw materials reflect Champagne’s agricultural heritage, while fluted walls, decadent interiors and pieces of art pay homage to the land’s glorious present. Coquelicot’s namesake, the red poppy, can be found in subtle references such as the hand-cut red marble side tables and the tone-on-tone hand-painted petals that line the hallway, while the lounge’s sensational skylight is a celebration of Champagne’s water mapping legacy.

The vessel’s top deck is the jewel in the crown: two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area offer a choice of spaces to unwind and laze around while meandering the calm waterways, framed by potted herbs and wildflowers that root the space in the locality.

As part of the collaboration between Belmond and Maison Ruinart, Coquelicot’s guests can enjoy unrivalled access to Taissy vineyard, referenced as early as 1733 in the Maison’s archives, while enjoying a technical tasting of iconic Maison Ruinart cuvées. Back on board Coquelicot Maison Ruinart’s Chef, Valérie Radou, and Coquelicot’s Head Chef will work hand in hand to prepare an exceptional five-course lunch on the boat’s cinematic top deck. A true lesson in French art de vivre, 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.

Framed by the idyllic landscape and in the comfort and privacy of their own luxury boat, guests will delve deep into the world of Maison Ruinart, as their ambassador reveals the story, characteristics and technical aspects of each bottle.

Guests of Coquelicot can craft their own itinerary by selecting unique activities –whether it’s an art-focused tour of Champagne, a historic voyage through the mighty castles, an active adventure on two wheels or a series of epicurean visits to Europe’s most celebrated and most secret wine producers, guests will have the liberty to design their own journey and marvel at the region’s treasures at their own pace. Bon-vivants are invited to embrace the conviviality which permeates the locale, and alternate an al fresco soirée on the top deck with an off board Michelinstarred restaurant experience or a less inhibited dinner in one of the quaint villages scattered across the region.

Top and Left: Roomy, indulgent cabins epitomise French style, creating a graceful sanctuary on the water. Local fabrics in earthy tones and raw materials reflect Champagne’s agricultural heritage.

Days of discoveries are followed by memorable nights aboard the new barge. After a refreshing aperitivo by the boat’s Champagne bar – stocked with a curated selection of the guests’ preferred labels –the private Chef will serve a menu of sophisticated dishes, prepared using the finest seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers.

When sleep beckons and nighttime slows down return to the intimate sanctuary of your bedroom, where the motion of the boat rocks you to sleep as it makes its way under the stars along the canals to the village of Sillery.

Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne is part of Les Bateaux Belmond, the brand’s unrivalled collection of boats in France. The fleet includes: Alouette, A Belmond Boat, Canal Du Midi; Pivoine, A Belmond Boat, Camargue; Napoléon, A Belmond Boat, Provence; Amaryllis, A Belmond Boat, Burgundy; Fleur De Lys, A Belmond Boat, Burgundy; Lilas, A Belmond Boat, Burgundy.