From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
One of the world’s most famous wine regions, Champagne & the Ardennes is more than its eponymous bubbles. Under two hours by train from Paris, the region is packed with pastoral landscapes, historic wine cellars and chateaux, and some seriously grand architecture. A cycle journey through the region reveals much more than endless vineyards.
Prosperous Épernay, the informal capital of Champagne wines, makes an attractive base for exploring and is the best place to taste and learn. It’s here on the Avenue de Champagne that you’ll find the cellar doors (and extensive underground cellars!) of the region’s prestigious producers, including Moët & Chandon, Pol Roger and Perrier-Jouët.
The elegant city of Reims is rich in historic architecture, from its art-deco cafes to its dazzling Gothic cathedral, and possesses a dynamic food scene, from charming crêperies and busy bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Then there’s the idyllic landscapes of the surrounding Marne River valley, best enjoyed at handlebar level along quiet riverside trails, or from the deck of a well-appointed barge. Spend your days pedaling between charming villages and cellar doors, stopping often to sample wines and meet proud local producers.
Join us as we explore the highlights and hidden gems of Champagne & the Ardennes!
10Days
Moderate to Challenging
6Days
Moderate
8Days
Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
Think of it as your floating hotel, where each day you experience a different sunrise and sunset location. Unpacking only once, berths range from two lower or bunk bed style but can be upgraded to larger berths with double beds. The bar and dining area is always a popular hangout at the end of each day’s activity. The crew includes an onboard cook.
In the Champagne region, we use a range of 2-3 star hotels, often family run. These charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Visit the Château de Sedan, the largest castle in Europe – the 35,000m2 enclosure could accommodate up to 4,000 men
Sample bubbly in the famous Champagne houses on the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay
Charleville-Mézières’ town square is surrounded by 27 pavilions and considered one of the most beautiful in France
Visit the tomb of Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon in the charming wine-producing village of Hautvillers on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims
Discover fortified Givet’s troubled history as a border region between enemy kingdoms
Visit the Château de Boursault, which was built by the widow of Mr Cliquot
Enjoy quintessential scenery of the Marne Valley in Château-Thierry, birthplace of poet Jean de La Fontaine and scene of major World War I battles
Visit Reims’ magnificent gold Gothic cathedral, which was the site of royal coronations for 900 years
Surrounded by the Ardennes Forest, Haybes is popular amongst walkers and cyclists
Positioned at the Meuse River’s confluence with the Semoy River, Montherme is best known for its religious monuments, the Abbey of Laval Dieu and the Church of Saint-Leger
The area has a fairly mild and constant climate. The months of June to August are the busiest times with temperatures ranging between 20 - 25 degrees Celsius (68 - 77 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes higher.
France is +2 hours ahead of GMT/UTC
French (official)
In most areas some English will be spoken
Euro
+33
Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.