JOHANNA - CHAMPAGNE, a 6-passenger charming class barge, cruises in Champagne, France
JOHANNA - CHAMPAGNE Cruise Stops
JOHANNA is a lovely barge furnished in a simple, contemporary style with large windows to create a bright and airy atmosphere. The three queen or twin bedded cabins are immaculate and comfortable with ensuite bathrooms, nice size shower and excellent storage. Owner and cook Patsie considers herself a "hobby cook" and loves creating fresh and healthy meals with local ingredients in the open kitchen where guests can watch meal preparation. Captain Kris loves his old fashioned engine which propels their floating home gently along scenic waterways. Guests should be aware there are 2 cats on board who are restricted from the guest cabins.
This cruise is for clients looking for an affordable barging experience in the company of casual and capable hosts. We, Beth and Jack, had the pleasure of spending a night on board in 2015 and enjoyed the atmosphere, delicious creative dinner and caring attention given to us by our friendly hosts. Kris and Patsie are off to a good start, and we look forward to working with them.
Cruise Highlights
- Visit the incredible Cathedral at Reims, where French kings were crowned
- Taste Champagne in private cellars
- Tour a local escargot (snail) farm and taste these French delicacies
- Visit some of the famous World War I battlefields and monuments of the region
- Tour the village of Hautvillers, the home of Dom Perignon, the founding father of Champagne
- Pass through the tunnel of Mont de Billy and descend the 8 locks of the Echelle de Mont de Billy
- Ample time to relax on board as you wind through the beautiful countryside
Cruise Features

Number of Passengers: 6
Category: Charming Class
Cabin Bookings: Yes (3/4 Board only with 2 dinners on shore)
Charter Bookings: Yes, with a choice of full board, 3/4 board, half board or B&B
Cruising Region: Champagne Region, France
Length of Cruise: 6 nights - Sunday to Saturday
Cruising Season: July - September
Theme Cruises: Custom
Meeting Location: Designated location in Reims
Floorplan

Cruise Rates 2020 - Charter only
Sunday to Saturday (6 nights) |
|
All Season Departures |
|
Charter Rates |
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1-3 passengers | $13,800 |
4 passengers | $16,600 |
5 passengers |
$20,000 |
6 passengers |
$23,700 |
Included in Cruise Price
- Transportation between designated meeting point in Paris and the barge
- Six nights accommodation in private cabin with ensuite bath
- All meals
- All wines with lunches and dinners served on board, open bar
- Guided tours with entrance fees. Excursions are by air-conditioned vehicle
- All barge amenities including bicycles, music system, library, etc.
Not Included in Cruise Price
- Air or other transportation to the meeting location
- Trip cancellation or medical insurance (available when booking)
- Personal expenses
- A discretionary gratuity for the crew (suggested minimum is 5% of the cruise price)
JOHANNA Features
Passengers: 6 Category: Charming Class Crew: 3 Barge Size: 106 ft long Cabins: 3 Cabin Size: 110 sq. ft. Accommodations: Queen or twin beds Heat & Air: Central heat and air conditioning Amenities
Theme CruisesCustom |
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Cruising on JOHANNA in Champagne
Canal de L'Aisne a la Marne/Marne River
Reims to Château-Thierry (or reverse)
Sunday - Transfer to Barge in Reims
Guests are met at a designated meeting point in Reims and
chauffeured to the barge. Aboard, you will be welcomed with a regional Champagne
followed by the first of Patsies' delicious dinners on board. Evening visit to Reims' illuminated cathedral.
Monday - Reims to Sillery
After a morning visit to the city of Reims, we sail to the nearby port of Sillery. You can even explore the region by bike on a small tour from Reims to Sillery via the villages of Rilly-la-Montagne, Mailly-Champagne and Verzenay.
Tuesday - Sillery to Condé-sur-Marne
We continue our journey on the Aisne-Marne canal, passing through the tunnel of Mont de Billy. After descending the 8 locks of the Echelle de Mont de Billy, we arrive at our destination for the evening at Condé sur Marne. Cyclists can follow the towpath or enjoy the vineyards passing through the villages of Verzy, Trépail, and Vaudemange. Return to the barge for some free time.
Wednesday - Condé-sur-Marne to Epernay
Today, we cruise to Epernay, capital city of the Champagne region where the big companies have their cellars. Don’t forget to visit Hautvillers where Dom Perignon invented the bubbly drink. Many small champagne houses welcome you for a personal tasting in a family environment, presenting you very special wines, standing out from the big mass production houses.
Thursday - Epernay to Dormans
Our cruise today finds us entering the peaceful Marne River, with the lush, expansive vineyards visible on the hills around us. Cycling above the river and crossing the quiet villages of Villers-sous-Châtillon, Châtillon-sur-Marne, Verneuil or Vincelles, you might even spot the Johanna on her journey to the village of Dormans for our nights' mooring.
Friday - Dormans to Château Thierry
This mornings' cruise takes us into the Picardie region as we follow the meandering Marne to our final destination at Château Thierry. 3km to the West and high on a hill above town is the sobering WWI American Monument, commemorating Americans' role in helping her allies push back the German advance on Paris. Some 12km NW is the Belleau Wood memorial site. From Dormans to Château Thierry, there is a nice cycling route along the north side of the river. At the south side, the champagne route makes a small detour to Conde-en-Brie with it’s historic castle, halles, church and old washing facilities. Certainly worth a visit.
Saturday - Transfer to Reims
After breakfast, you will be transferred to a central drop-off point in Reims.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks
Barge Cruise Reviews for Johanna
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