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Known throughout the world for its celebratory drink, the Champagne region is just under two hours by train from Paris. Exploring the region by bike reveals so much more to Champagne than endless vineyards. There are forests, interspersed with quiet trails along the Marne River, leading to charming villages. The grand cities of Epernay and Reims are rich in historical legacies such as the magnificent Gothic cathedral in Reims, however much of the wealth of these cities has been generated by the Champagne industry. With time in Reims and the surrounding vineyards, there is ample reward for your cycling effort as you pedal between villages and wine cellars. The cycle route ends in the capital of Champagne, Epernay, where you can visit the underground cellars of Moët and Chandon. Stay overnight in specially hand picked hotels where you can sample the excellent local cuisine.
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22kg of CO2-e PP per day
(110kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Reims
On arrival in Reims, make your way to the hotel. We recommend taking time to immerse yourself in the art and history of the city. Reims is known as the 'Coronation City' and its Notre Dame cathedral remains one of the most important Gothic monuments in Europe. Particularly attractive are its numerous Art Déco districts typical of the 1920s. *Optional pre-tour excursion available: stay an extra night in Reims before your trip and visit ‘Massif de St Thierry’ (44 km, elevation gain +502m) by bike. Enjoy an amazing combination of forests and vineyards surrounding 15 wine villages! (supplement applies, please request when booking the trip).
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle through wine villages en route to Aÿ or Epernay (46km/28.5mi)
Today's cycle will take you around the Montagne de Reims, following the prestigious tourist route of Champagne. En route you will pass by the wine villages of Rilly la Montagne, Verzenay and Bouzy. Finish this stage on the 'Véloroute of the Vallée de la Marne', along the river, before reaching the village of Aÿ. Elevation gain +400m/1312ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Follow cycle paths to Baulne en Brie or Reuilly Sauvigny (46km/28.5mi)
Today's cycle along the Veloroute will take you between vineyards and charming villages offering magnificent views of the Marne Valley. Visit Hautvillers, home to the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, where the monk Dom Pérignon perfected his craft. Continue to either Baulne en Brie (standard hotels), one of the oldest villages of Champagne, or Reuilly Sauvigny (upgrade accommodation option). To Baulne en Brie elevation gain +650m/2133ft To Reuilly Sauvigny elevation gain +410m/1345ft or +565m/1854ft
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Cycle to the charming town of Vertus (41 or 58km/25.5 or 36mi)
An enjoyable day's cycle with time to discover the local heritage including the Gothic style church of Orbais l'Abbaye or the Renaissance style Chateau de Montmort Lucy. The route ends in the charming town of Vertus, one of the highest rated Premier Cru villages of Champagne. Baulne en Brie to Vertus (41km) elevation gain +440m/1444ft Reuilly Sauvigny to Vertus (58km) elevation gain +485m/1591ft
Day 5
Through Grand Cru villages, vineyards and forest to Epernay (27km/17mi)
Leaving Vertus you will cycle to ‘Côte des Blancs’ and pedal along some of the classified Grand Cru villages on the slopes producing Chardonnay grapes. Discover typical villages nestled between the vineyard and the lush forest: Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger. Take a break in the nice small church of Chavot-Courcourt before continuing to Epernay. Elevation gain +410m/1345ft
Day 6
Trip concludes
The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Epernay.
What's included
What's not included
Quality hybrid bikes that are well suited for longer distances on paved surfaces are provided: 21-speed with flat handlebars, universal frame (low bar) and equipped with pannier, handlebar bag, smartphone holder, lock and repair kit. Sample model - VTC Giant Argento. Helmet rental is not available, please bring your own. Please also bring your own reusable water bottle.
Electric bikes (with universal frame) are available on request - supplement applies.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. They come equipped with pannier, handlebar bag, smartphone holder, lock and repair kit. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft11in.
Grade 3 - the route is undulating and cycling stages are between 30 and 55km/18.5 to 34mi each day. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads. When entering and leaving towns there will be moderate traffic and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with cycling in such conditions prior to joining the trip. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit the Champagne houses and have a picnic on local produce sourced from the markets. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Pre trip training should include around 3 sessions of exercise each week (running, gym, cycling) and extended cycle rides (a few before your departure). This will ensure you can relax and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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