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Duration
6 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights in 2-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 5 Breakfasts

Price

$1550USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CHM

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through the heart of the Champagne region
  • Visit the underground cellars of Moët & Chandon
  • Discover the quintessential scenery and vineyards of the Marne valley
  • Sampling some of the many excellent wines and local cuisine

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.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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 to visit ‘Massif de St Thierry’ (44 km) & extra night in Reims. Enjoy an amazing combination of forests and vineyards surrounding 15 wine villages! (supplement applies)

Meals:  Nil

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. You will finish this first stage with the new Véloroute of the Vallée de la Marne, along the river, before reaching the village of Aÿ.

Meals:  B

Today's cycle along the Veloroute will take you between vineyards and charming villages offering magnificent views of the Marne Valley. Visit Hautvillers, the village of the famous monk, Dom Perignon. This afternoon continue on to either Baulne en Brie, one of the oldest villages in this region or to Reuilly Sauvigny.

Meals:  B,D

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 and home to the Duval-Leroy house.

Meals:  B

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 nested between the vineyard and the lush forest: Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger. Take a break in the nice small church of Chavot-Courcourt, lost in the vineyard, before continuing to Epernay.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Epernay.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner (does not include drinks) – breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 to 4 courses which include some regional specialities.
  • 5 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis. All rooms have ensuite facilities. (Option to upgrade to 3-4 star hotels – supplement applies).
  • 21 speed hybrid bike equipped with pannier, map holder, lock and repair kit with pump (electric bike available on request - a supplement applies)
  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece pp, max 20kg) - excess rates apply
  • Detailed route instructions and maps per room booked, GPS Tracks available on request
  • Tourist information pack
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Reims and from Epernay
  • Lunch, drinks and dinners not noted as included
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Entrance fees
  • Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
  • Transfers
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Optional pre-tour excursion to Massif de St Thierry: includes accommodation in Reims (standard or upgrade hotel) with breakfast and bike rental (standard or e-bike)- supplement applies. Please ask your consultant
  • Optional Visit and Wine Tasting package - including a champagne house in Hautvillers + Moet & Chandon champagne house in Epernay + achampagne house in Vertus
  • Helmet - helmets are not available to hire - please bring your own
  • cost of rental bikes for additional days - supplement applies
  • As prices are based on twin occupancy, a single supplement will apply if you are travelling alone or book a single room

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

The trip is graded moderate as 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.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

Note:
Optional pre-tour excursion available from Reims: extra night with bike hire to explore Massif de St Thierry (44km/27.5mi) - supplement applies. Please ask our consultants.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1550USD

Options & Supplements*
  • bike rental extra day - standard bikeUSD$29
  • bike rental extra day - e-bikeUSD$60
  • Electric Bike SupplementUSD$100
  • Excess luggage - per piece, max 20kgUSD$110
  • Pre-tour excursion Massif de Thierry (standard hotel twinshare & bike) ppUSD$120
  • visit and tasting packageUSD$170
  • Upgrade Supplement (3-4 star hotels)USD$330
  • Single Supplement (standard hotels)USD$450
  • Solo Traveller Supplement (standard hotels)USD$730
  • Single Supplement (upgrade hotels)USD$740
  • Solo Traveller Supplement (upgrade hotels)USD$1020
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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