European Waterways' Newly Renovated Hotel Barge Kir Royale Is Now Sailing in France

European Waterways’ ship Kir Royale is back on the water after a refurbishment.

The eight-guest luxury hotel barge is now cruising through France’s Champagne region on a new six-night itinerary offered between April and October.

The vessel is sailing on the Marne River and the Canal Latéral à la Marne in an area that’s home to historic Champagne producers like Maison Boizel, Maison Ayala and Frerejean Frères.

The new Champagne itinerary includes stops at historic sites like Château-Thierry, Belleau Wood and the Reims cathedral, as well as private tours and tastings at Champagne houses.

Kir Royale has a long, interesting history. The vessel was used as a beach landing craft during World War II. She was sunk, refloated and then transformed into a hotel barge.

The newly renovated ship boasts four staterooms, a spacious salon, a bar, a lounge piano, a dining area, a galley kitchen, a rooftop deck and a sun deck with a heated spa pool.

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