Three double cabins with marble ensuite bathrooms, an indoor lounge for dining, two seating lounges on the vessel’s top deck, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area – Coquelicot is no ordinary boat to explore the channels of France, but a luxury vessel which launches next May. Hospitality company Belmond will offer slow-paced sailings in Champagne, France, with the lavishly-designed craft taking guests on a personalised journey through the region’s canals.

Travellers will be able to explore the culinary highlights as well, treated to a private tasting lunch by Valérie Radou, Chef-In-Residence at Maison Ruinart and Coquelicot’s Head Chef. Maison Ruinart is the world’s oldest champagne house, founded in Reims in 1729, with visitors also able to join a private guided tour of the historic Taissy vineyard.

Collection of boats

Coquelicot has been designed by the French duo Humbert & Poyet to capture the essence of Champagne: local fabrics in earthy tones and raw materials that honour the region´s agricultural heritage. Travellers can adapt their itinerary by selecting activities – this could be an art-focused tour of Champagne or visits to Europe’s most secret wine producers, amongst others.

‘Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne’ is the full name of this travel offer, part of Les Bateaux Belmond, the brand’s collection of boats in France. Prices start from €82,000 (approximately £73,021); helicopter transfers from Paris are available upon request. Belmond, known for its Venice-Simplon Orient-Express, is part of the holding corporation LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).