Floating Through France

The most idyllic way to explore Champagne is on a boutique river barge.

- Janice Wald Henderson

The Kir Royale is the newest barge in the European Waterways fleet and sleeps just eight guests.

I WAS SIPPING CHAMPAGNE in a hot tub aboard a teensy barge and floating, aptly, through the heart of Champagne. Swans glided by, and birdsong drifted from the leafy chestnut trees swaying overhead. A fellow passenger opened a door, and the luscious scent of searing pork spilled from the kitchen. It was almost too idyllic, but moments like this were part of the daily rhythm of my sixnight Kir Royale sail.

I discovered the cruise through luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, which arranges journeys on European Waterways vessels like the