New itineraries from Les Bateaux Belmond feature curating excursions from leading Michelin-starred restaurants and European vineyards.
Belmond’s fleet of luxurious riverboats will offer even more immersive culinary adventures in rural France in 2025 with an exciting series of itineraries created by newly appointed culinary curator chef Dominique Crenn, recognised as one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in the world. Her culinary artistry is deeply rooted in her personal journey, drawing inspiration from her French upbringing, particularly summers spent in Brittany, where Crenn developed a profound connection to water. As part of her role, Crenn will curate two signature menus for the boats in the Burgundy, Champagne and South of France regions, each featuring a specially crafted starter, main course and dessert. Chef Crenn’s menus will highlight seasonal ingredients that celebrate the heritage and culture of these regions.
New Itineraries to Bordeaux
Alouette, one of Les Bateaux Belmond’s seven luxurious floating villas will launch a new voyage through the renowned winemaking waterways of Bordeaux. Perfect for a tranquil South of France summer or a romantic holiday, Alouette has two cabins – one twin and one double – with ensuite shower rooms and L’Occitane toiletries. The floating villa’s new itinerary offers immersive epicurean experiences to explore vineyards, indulge in wine-inspired wellness, and visit revered châteaux between Agen and Castets-en-Dorthe.
Highlights include a trip to Le Temple-sur Lot, home to Latour-Marliac, the enchanting waterlily garden that inspired Monet’s famous masterpieces. A rejuvenating visit to the Caudalie Spa, where vinotherapy treatments are offered, combining the natural active ingredients of vines and grapes with essential oils to offer nourishing, anti-ageing rituals. Wine aficionados can visit the celebrated Saint-Émilion vineyards, and journey to the Sauternes haven of Château d’Yquem, a historic château which has produced one of the world’s most coveted sweet wines for over 400 years.
A Michelin-starred Cruise
Travellers can also indulge in the pinnacle of culinary excellence on the new weeklong, 12-Star Michelin Cruise, presenting the absolute best of Burgundy’s culinary scene surrounded by breathtaking landscapes aboard the Lilas. The riverboat’s soothing ambience is felt inside and out, with interior design details echoing the surrounding backdrop of the region, with floral-accented room features and natural linens.
The itinerary includes two-starred dining at La Côte Saint-Jacques, followed by a three-star feast at Lameloise, with scenic stops along the Route des Grands Crus for private wine tastings. Innovative creations await at Aux Terrasses by chef Jean-Michel Carrette, before relishing the timeless classics at the legendary three-star Georges Blanc, where specialities such as Bresse chicken have been reimagined to perfection.
The journey concludes at two-star Restaurant Paul Bocuse, a gastronomic haven serving signature dishes including black truffle soup and sea bass in puff pastry, promising guests a dreamlike finale to this unforgettable voyage through the heart of French haute cuisine.
The Best of Burgundy
The new “La Semaine des Grands Crus” itinerary offers a perfect blend for wine connoisseurs and history lovers aboard the elegant Amaryllis and Fleur De Lys, both Belmond Boats situated in Burgundy. Diving deep into Burgundy’s rich wine heritage, this itinerary offers guests a week-long journey with exclusive access to all 33 Grands Crus, alongside privileged visits to vineyards and private cellars from St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Dijon.
Guests can immerse themselves in the charm of Beaune, celebrated for its remarkable terroirs and off-board excursions. These include a private tour of the iconic Hôtel-Dieu, an architectural gem of medieval Burgundy, and an exploration of the labyrinthine caves beneath the city, home to Maison Joseph Drouhin’s unique wine cellar. Here, an exclusive tasting of select Grands Crus awaits. For the evening’s dinner, guests will be able to indulge in a lineup of the best Burgundy vintages, from Chevalier-Montrachet, Clos des Lambrays to Echezeaux Les Loachausses.
The Ultimate Champagne Experience
Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, invites hedonists and gourmands on a sparkling five-night voyage through the Champagne region, celebrating the world’s most acclaimed champagne houses with exclusive tastings and behind-the-scenes access.
A visit to Veuve Clicquot’s underground cellars, stretching 24 km into the medieval UNESCO-listed Crayères in Reims, is followed by exclusive access to the historic Taissy vineyard, noted in Maison Ruinart’s archives since 1733. Guests will experience an exclusive five-course dinner crafted by Maison Ruinart’s chef Valérie Radou on the boat’s scenic top deck, all amidst the idyllic landscape and luxurious comfort of their own private vessel—a true lesson in French art de vivre.
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