From April 2024, Coquelicot, part of Belmond’s collection of barges in France, will take guests on a cinematic and highly personalised journey of Champagne through the region’s canals

Renowned interior design and architecture duo Humbert & Poyet took the helm in conceiving the barge’s interior and exterior spaces. Coquelicot boasts an extensive outdoor deck, three luxurious double cabins with marble ensuite bathrooms, and an indoor salon. Emil Humbert & Christophe Poyet’s design captures the essence of Champagne, with nods to the region's hues and character. Taking inspiration from the landscape like impressionist painting, the designers wanted to embody the sense of timeless moments, allowing each space to embrace the changing light and exquisite views that unravel throughout the journeys. The design provides guests with an opportunity to reconnect with nature and immerse themselves in the heritage and tradition offered by the region.

The vessel’s top deck comprises two seating lounges, an open kitchen and a shaded dining area offering a choice of spaces for guests to indulge in al fresco lunches or unwind. The earthy colour palette, raw textures and scents emanating from the potted plants and local wildflowers, embed the design in the surrounding nature and awaken guest’s senses. Notable bespoke furnishings include the lanterns on the deck, which were inspired by Angelo Lelli’s Stelline lamps. These lamps evoke travel, summer nights under the stars, poetry, and suspended time. The armchairs and fabrics on the deck, from Humbert & Poyet’s Riviera collection for Nobilis, combine sunny colours, Art Deco motifs and textures. The armchairs invite guests to relax and enjoy the panoramic views. The sumptuous deck is a harmonious blend of comfort and functionality.

Raffia was chosen for the bedrooms, providing a soft, natural contrast with the other materials. Spring inspired landscapes by artist and photographer Amélie Chassary hang above the beds, referencing the land's glorious present. The bathrooms are completed with fluted walnut, offering both elegance and durability, while Calacatta Oro marble mosaics add sophistication. The master bathroom features a hammered copper bath, reminiscent of luxurious vintage baths. Hammered brass is echoed in accents throughout the boat such as the handles and handrails.

Humbert & Poyet’s iconic design style combines rich noble materials and natural textures while paying homage to French savoir-faire. The decadent interior honours the region’s history with authenticity and elegance in every detail. The salon features a unique custom-made stained-glass dome by Ateliers Loire that celebrates Champagne’s water mapping legacy. Utilising traditional techniques, seven delicate colours of stained-glass are set in a sophisticated lead pattern creating beautiful plays of light in the interior. This use of glass is a nod to Art Deco, underlining the timeless elegance of its design.

Deep brown oak flooring with blond-auburn accents, evokes the warmth of traditional interiors. The lounge bar is completed with woven leather, while the jute rope used for the outside bar brings a maritime reminiscence. Fabrics from Pierre Frey, Nobilis, Rubelli and Métaphores have been carefully selected in natural shades of sage, celadon, olive, beige, ivory, greige, and ochre, with hand waving details. Raku ceramic pieces by artist Barbara Billoud are affixed to consoles and mirrors, adding a unique sensory dimension.

Coquelicot’s namesake, the red Poppy, is found in subtle references throughout. The green marble dining room table evokes reeds from the landscapes, while hand cut stone from Burgundy is used for the side tables. In the corridors leading to the bedrooms, a white hand-painted plaster fresco by Atelier de La Torre depicts the riverside vegetation. Small wrought iron pedestal tables have been created for the living room, their design echoing the elegant, ephemeral shape of the poppy flower, adding a touch of charm and poetry. The Paola table lamp by Maison Leleu embodies heritage and refinement, subtly evoking the enchanting atmosphere of Transatlantic liners of the 20th century.