Barging (barge cruising) France : Champagne vineyards,River Marne

St. Remy’s Basilica, Reims

Vitry-le-François was built by Francis 1^st in the 16^th Century and is now an attractive market town, largely rebuilt after wholesale destruction during the second world war. We arrive at the barge in time for a leisurely stroll before dinner on board. The cruise follows the valley of the River Marne on the Canal Latéral à la Marne towards Châlons en Champagne, mooring for the night beside a small village. Arriving in Châlons en Champagne there is time to explore this important town. Of particular interest is the 13^th Century Cathedral of St.Etienne. From Châlons we continue to follow the course of the Marne to Condé-sur-Marne, where we join the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne. We climb through a flight of eight interlinked locks to pass through the 2.3km long tunnel beneath the Mont-de-Billy. Once through the tunnel we start our descent towards the River Aisne. Towards the west we see the wooded heights of the Montagne de Reims where, in the gullies and south facing slopes numerous champagne vineyards flourish.We arrive in Reims in time to explore this magnificent city. Reims is the cultural and economic capital of Champagne and boasts a long and celebrated history. Here, amid the splendours of the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Tau Palace, you will find reminders of the coronation of French kings from Clovis in 498AD to Charles X in 1825. The Basilica of St. Remy (12^th C stained glass windows) is also worth a visit. As befits a regional capital, the ambience of the centre is appealing with excellent shops, lively bars and plenty of the cosmopolitan chic one associates with champagne.