Belmond to launch new luxury barge in Champagne

Belmond has announced plans to launch a new luxury barge in Champagne in May 2023.

The brand said Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne will take guests on “a cinematic and highly personalised journey of Champagne” and “set new standards for incomparable water journeys”.

Coquelicot has been designed by French design duo Humbert & Poyet and will feature three double cabins with marble ensuite facilities, an indoor lounge with a champagne bar and a large outdoor deck for relaxing and dining.

The vessel’s top deck will be the “jewel in the crown”, according to Belmond, boasting two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area adorned with potted herbs and wildflowers.

Interiors and exteriors will reportedly “capture the essence of Champagne” using local fabrics in earth tones, fluted walls and pieces of art. Coquelicot’s namesake, the red poppy, will be found in reference around the ship, such as the hand-cut red marble side tables and the hand-painted petals that line the hallway.

Belmond said the boat would offer exclusive experiences thanks to a partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house, founded in Reims in 1729.

Guests will enjoy a private tasting lunch by Maison Ruinart’s chef in residence Valérie Radou and Coquelicot head chef on board the new barge - marking the first time Maison Ruinart’s chef will be cooking a private lunch outside of Maison Ruinart.

As part of the collaboration, Coquelicot guests will also discover the brand’s latest sustainability initiatives during private guided tours of the historic Taissy vineyard.

Belmond said all itineraries on board Coquelicot would be tailored to each guest, with the vessel’s guest experience executive helping to select unique activities such as an art-focused tour of Champagne, an active adventure on two wheels or a series of epicurean visits to some of Europe’s most celebrated wine producers.

Coquelicot will mark the seventh vessel in Les Bateaux Belmond, the brand’s 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.

Prices for Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Chamapagne start from €82,000 (approximately £73,021). Helicopter transfers from Paris are also available upon request.