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Home > Essential Champagne - Reims and Marne Valley

Essential Champagne - Reims and Marne Valley

Traverser les vignobles de Champagne à vélo 4
The itinerary takes you through the vineyards of Champagne Take advantage of Champagne sparkling wines Cycle on quiet roads with magnificent view points
Traverser les vignobles de Champagne à vélo

Essential Champagne - Reims and Marne Valley

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 770 euros
  • DAY4 nights / 5 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

Ah, Champagne -- the beverage of kings! Its birthplace lies just east of Paris, in a beautiful region full of historic royal glory and a robust legacy of wine production that dates back to the early Middle Ages and shows no sign of stopping. On your bike, you’ll discover UNESCO World Heritage monuments which once housed the coronations and banquets of the Kings of France, and enjoy your own tastes of luxury at prestigious Champagne houses from Pommery to Moët et Chandon.


Your bases on this exploration are the cities of Reims and Epernay, the latter often referred to as the Champagne Capital. From here, leisurely daily rides will immerse you fully in the region, introducing you to smaller Champagne villages like Aÿ, Cumieres, Avenay Val d’Or, and Hautviller, which the celebrated monk Dom Perignon once called home. Above ground, you’ll pedal along quiet roads through the gently rolling countryside, surrounded by lush woods and vineyards; below, it’s time to appreciate the fruits of the region’s labour, as you visit underground cellars filled with row upon row of sparkling bottles. At the end of each day, you can feel justified in celebrating with a glass of Champagne -- after all, you’re following in the footsteps of royalty.

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Reims

 

Welcome to Reims, a beautiful city with a fascinating history! There’s plenty to explore, including the Musee Saint-Remi housed in a former abbey, the grand Palace of Tau, and the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, which has hosted the anointing of many a French king (all three are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Reims is also a main centre of Champagne production, and home to many of the largest champagne-producing houses, where you can enjoy a tour and tasting. Back at your hotel, you’ll meet with our local representative, who will give you everything you need to be ready to ride in the morning.

D2Reims - La Montagne de Reims – Epernay 52 km/32 miles, 370 meters/1,215 ft of climbing

 

Yesterday’s taste of champagne was just the beginning! After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Epernay, the self-proclaimed Capital of Champagne. An eastward curve will lead you through the vine-covered slopes and valleys in the Montagne de Reims region. At around 15 kilometers (9 miles), you’ll start the climb up towards some typical villages, encountering Mailly Champagne, Verzenay, Bouzy, Tours sur Marne, and Aÿ, just to name a few. Stop for a tasting or two of the vineyards’ crisp and fragrant wines before making your (careful) descent into Epernay.

In Epernay, take your bikes for a memorable roll along the Avenue de Champagne -- more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) of Champagne houses and cellars hiding over 200 million bottles of bubbly!

D3Loop from Epernay – around Vallée de la Marne 39 km/24 miles, 430 meters/1,410 ft of climbing

 

The first point of interest on today’s loop from Epernay is the town of Hautvillers. The name might not ring a bell, but you’ll probably recognize that of its most famous historic resident: the benectine monk, Dom Perignon, who played a key role in the development of Champagne. Pay your respects before pedalling off, following the path of the Marne River on quiet roads through charming Champagne villages like Cumieres and Damery and flanked by lush vineyards whichever way you turn.

D4Epernay – Reims 35 km/22 miles, 390 meters/1,280 ft of climbing

 

Your final day of riding begins with a peaceful pedal through the forests around Hautvillers, as you cycle
northwards back towards Reims. Pass through lovely champagne villages including Avenay Val d’Or and
Germaine on your way, and reflect on all the precious vines and wines you’ve explored over the past few
days, before coasting into Reims on a nice descent. A glass of champagne accompanied by some of
Reims' famous pink biscuits might be the perfect way to celebrate and cap off your trip in France’s
Champagne region.

D5Departure

 

After breakfast, depart Reims at your leisure. From Reims, it’s just a one-hour train ride to Paris.

Booking & Prices

  • Price details
  • 4 nights accommodation in a mix of 3- or 4-star hotels and guesthouses

  • 770 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 435 euros
  • 785 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 460 euros
  • 795 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 485 euros

These prices include:

  • 4 nights in a mix of 3- or 4-star hotels and guesthouses
  • Daily breakfast
  • Luggage transfers
  • Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
  • Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability) or navigation app
  • Tourist information
  • Orientation with our local representative
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
  • All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Champagne tasting at a major Champagne House (Pommery, Moët et Chandon, Mercier, de Castellane)
  • Champagne tasting at a small-scale Champagne producer
  • Bicycle rentals. Adult hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 95 euros per bike. E-bikes are available at the rate of 160 euros per bike.

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