THE SLOW JOURNEY OF THE GRANDS CRUS, BETWEEN ENCHANTED WATERS AND DREAMS OF WINE: YOU DON'T CHASE TIME: YOU LISTEN TO IT AND LIVE IN IT.
Among legendary vineyards, hidden castles and the scent of lavender, Les Bateaux Belmond takes you to the most secret heart of France, where every wave tells a story and every glass is an invitation to wonder.
It was never about speed, but about taking your time.
This could be the perfect way to sum up the spirit that animates every Belmond Boat voyage: a way to experience the most authentic France, transforming every cruise into a slow, sophisticated, and timeless ritual. Among centuries-old vineyards, hidden castles, and villages
Enchanted, the Les Bateaux Belmond fleet offers a unique travel experience, where luxury meets culture and the French art of living is expressed at its finest.
THE CRUISE OF THE GRAND CRUS: CHAMPAGNE, BURGUNDY, PROVENCE There's something profoundly romantic about sailing along France's tranquil waterways: the sun filtering through the weeping willows, the light caressing the golden stone cellars, and the waves lulling your thoughts. Aboard Belmond vessels, this enchantment becomes a reality. The Grands Crus cruise, designed for lovers of wine and beauty, takes you through 33 Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy, discovering extraordinary terroirs, legendary labels, and stories that are only told between glasses. Imagine sipping a glass of Côte de Nuits while an expert winemaker shares the secrets of his most prized vintages, amidst aromas of earth, dark fruit, and noble wood. By day, you'll visit private cellars and châteaux that open their doors exclusively to Belmond guests. By evening, you'll settle into your floating villa on the upper deck, while the air is scented with lavender and the sky fills with stars.
COQUELICOT, NAPOLEON, AMARYLLIS, FLEUR DE LYS: FOUR DIFFERENT WAYS TO LIVE THE DREAM Each vessel in the Les Bateaux Belmond fleet is a microcosm of elegance and refinement. Coquelicot, departing from Châlons-en-Champagne to Jaulgonne, is a veritable villa on the water, intimate and sophisticated, accommodating up to six guests. Period furnishings, hand-embroidered fabrics, marble bathrooms, and a Ruinart Champagne bar make every moment on board memorable. Its lounge, with oak ceilings and an open kitchen, invites conversation between travelers and chefs, in an interactive culinary experience where the flavors of the region blend with the rhythm of the voyage. Napoléon, meanwhile, welcomes you to the wonders of Provence, from Sète to Avignon, aboard the largest barge in the fleet. At the bow, a heated pool is perfect for relaxing at sunset. At the stern, dishes featuring Grignan truffles and glasses of Côtes de Provence rosé accompany stories told by local artisans and producers. Amaryllis, on the route from St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Pontailler-sur-Saône, is a tribute to Burgundy's winemaking tradition: every day a new cellar to discover, every night a table laden with deep and complex flavors, among the most refined in French gastronomy.
Finally, Fleur de Lys—named after the lily of the valley, the region's symbol—enchants with its refined silhouette and the charm of the historic castles between Dijon and the ports of southern France. This is where slowness becomes luxury, with picnics in the vineyards, cultural excursions, and a private collection of antiques on board that speaks of bygone eras and timeless passions. And then there are the voyages of the Pivoine, the Lilas, and the Alouette, other unique experiences to dream about and indulge in.
TAILORED LUXURY, SERVICE ON ANOTHER LEVEL Every Belmond journey begins well before boarding: a Guest Experience Manager will oversee every detail of your itinerary, tailoring it to your preferences. Private transfers from Paris (CDG or Orly) are part of the experience, as is the dedicated service of a personal crew and a private chef on board. Every meal features carefully selected local ingredients, with new interpretations of regional cuisine every day: from a gourmet dinner inspired by Burgundy's peasant tradition to a Michelin-starred tasting on the banks of the Marne.
A CULTURAL, FOOD AND WINE JOURNEY WITH A DEEPLY HUMAN SENSE But what sets Belmond apart isn't just aesthetic excellence or impeccable service. It's the encounter. With places, yes, but above all with stories and people. Every stop is an opportunity to discover a fragment of French identity: the craftsman who has worked copper by hand for generations, the winemaker who has renounced the global market to remain faithful to a family vineyard, the small, off-the-beaten-path museum that preserves centuries-old memories. And then the markets, the spices, the perfumes. The accents that change from village to village. Time slows down.
AUTHENTICITY RE-EMERGES. THE INVITATION TO LET GO. Belmond offers more than just cruises, it offers soulful journeys. Aboard these vessels, true luxury is freedom: to choose the pace of the day, to savor every detail, to reconnect with nature, with others, with oneself.
Let the water guide you. Time here isn't measured in minutes, but in emotions. And every moment aboard Les Bateaux Belmond is an invitation to discover France's most secret corners—slowly, beautifully, and unforgettably.
