There are many reasons why luxury barge tours in the picturesque Champagne region of France are so well-known, but none of them are more well-known than the opportunity to sample the delicious sparkling vintages since this region is famed for them. Reims is widely recognized as the capital of the area, and if the title of “Capital of the Region” were to be bestowed upon the town that had the greatest number of Champagne houses, then it would be unsurprising that Reims would be the recipient of that honor. This wine lover’s joy will, thankfully, be on the menu of any of the luxury barge tours that are offered in the heartland of France, which is known for its wine producing. Despite the fact that there are a great number of residences from which to choose, we have compiled a list of our top priorities. Clicquot from Veuve Clicquot You may be excused for assuming that this location would be on the touristic side since it is responsible for producing a beverage that is very well-known all over the globe. However, despite the fact that it might be rather crowded, it does not take away from the wonder that is contained inside the walls. Additionally, the subterranean basements have been designated as World Heritage sites, making them the most exciting part of the journey. Since the year 1772, the winemakers have been manufacturing their bottles. In 1909, they took the decision to acquire the subterranean quarries and transform them into storage cellars for the fermentation vats. The location is replete with historical significance, and the tour is not only informative but also personal and really engaging. Taittinger While you are making your way up to the imposing gates of this traditional Champagne mansion, you will find that you are unable to resist pausing for a photograph. At the beginning of the tour, there is a movie that provides information on the history of the producers and the specific winemaking method that they use. Before taking a trip through the ruins of Saint Nicaise Abbey, one may take a journey through the chalk mines, which date back to the fourth century and have also just been designated as a World Heritage Center. From this vantage point, you will descend 18 meters into the caverns that have been dug into the chalk and are used to keep the wine. Before it is made available for purchase, this liquid gold is aged for a considerable amount of time. Pommery This Elizabethan-styled home was constructed in the nineteenth century and was a relatively recent addition. Jeanne Pommery was the architect who oversaw the development of this estate. The Champagne was also produced by the lady of the house, who was also the one who suggested it. The vats are stored in chalk basements that are located deep down, and if you would want to visit, you will just need to descend 116 stairs to get there. This is a real regional style. The tasting is especially noteworthy at this location, as it is savored in exquisite art nouveau tasting rooms throughout. Celliers Ruinart The bottle of Champagne from Ruinart is a piece of art, with a form that is both classically exquisite and virtually exposes just how it should feel to sip any of these great sparkling vintages. A visit to the vaults, an instructive lecture on the history of the Ruinart Champagne, and, of course, a sampling of two different cuvées—Domain Ruinart and one Millesime—are all included in a guided tour (rose or blanc de blanc). If you are a fan of history, art, architecture, and wine, then this area (and the Champagne house tour) is the perfect place for you to go if you are thinking about going on any of the luxury barge cruises that are offered in France. In addition to being home to the city’s deepest vaults, this mansion provides a fascinating experience that can be completed in around two hours. We feel that Champagne is the icing on the cake when it comes to selecting an area for luxury barge vacations in France. Wine and barge sailing are the ideal compliment to each other, and we believe that Champagne serves as the perfect complement to each other. You will be in for a real treat if you make your reservation with a company that is intimately familiar with the area. Publisher’s Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive at European Waterways, which is widely regarded as the country’s most reputable supplier of luxury barge vacations in France that include all meals and beverages. In addition to being a member of a group of knowledgeable barge enthusiasts, Paul is the first person to recommend the advantages of a leisurely barge cruise to anybody who is searching for a vacation experience that is really one of a kind.