Home About us FAQ FR: Call us : +33 (0)1 80 91 98 18   BE: +32 (0) 2 588 76 91 Contact us
Champagne

Loop bike trip in the Champagne vineyards

Get on a sparkling bike trip through Champagne and discover with all your senses what makes the Champagne wine region so special. Starting in Reims, this bike route through the vineyard draws a line around Montagne de Reims and goes further south of Epernay along Côte des Blancs. The Champagne bike route is hilly so if you are not an expert biker, it is advised to choose an ebike.

Reference CH0601
  • Loop trip
  • 6 days
  • Challenging
  • From april to october
  • Minimum age 16 years old
GPSGPS-app available
899€ / pers.
  • Itinerary
  • Champagne is a privileged destination for a bicycle trip, even if it has to be earned! We start on foot with the discovery of the exceptional heritage of Reims, the wonderful Notre-Dame cathedral but also the Thau palace and the Saint-Rémi basilica. From the second day on, we venture by bike on an itinerary undulating on the hillsides, often steep, of the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. You will have breathtaking views of the vineyards dotted with small villages of character, the Marne valley and the Champagne plain below. You can stop at any time to meet the Champagne wine growers, taste the wines and appreciate the diversity of Champagne. In Epernay, we contemplate the facades of the private mansions of the great houses. We close this beautiful journey by pedaling through the forest to return to Reims and the loop is closed!

    Day 1

     
     

    Arrival in Reims

    Reims is regularly mentioned in the history books because it was during centuries the coronation place of the kings of France kingdom. Admire the majestuous Notre-Dame cathedral and learn more about the rituals of the coronation ceremony in the museum of Palais de Thau. You can continue on your historical quest by visiting the Saint-Rémi abbey. Otherwise, stroll in the pedestrian centre of Reims to see the covered market and enjoy the lively cafés.
       

    Tasting in a Champagne house 1h

    Included

    Day 2

     
     

    Reims - Bouzy/Mutigny

    Altitude
    ±400m
    Bike
    33/52km
    You cycle out of Reims along the Canal de l’Aisne à la Marne to Sillery on a green cycle path that winds its way through the industrial zone. A perfect warm-up for your first riding day! After a short distance through the plain, you ride up to the hills covered with vines and gaze at the villages of Verzenay and Verzy nestled in the heights. You go from village to village on small roads and country paths through Villers-Marmery, Trépail and Ambonnay. You overnight in Bouzy (B category/ 33km) or Mutigny (C category/ 52km).

    Day 3

     
     

    Bouzy/Mutigny - Epernay par Hautvillers

    Altitude
    ±300m
    Bike
    36/22km
    You start today by a long descent across the vineyard to the valley of the Marne. You reach a nice and flat cycle path along the side canal to the Marne. Exit the cycle path and take the detour to the village of Ay, where many Champagne houses and the Pressoria museum open their doors to visitors. After Dizy, you start climbing again on the hillsides and enjoy the breathtaking views of the wavy sea of vines and the valley. You ride through the village of Champillon and after another downhill and uphill, you reach Hautvillers, considered as the birthplace of Champagne. You go back to the valley and end your day in the prestigious city of Epernay.
       

    Tasting in a Champagne house 1h

    Included

    Day 4

     
     

    Cote des Blancs loop tour

    Altitude
    ±110m
    Bike
    44km
    This loop tour takes you across the wine area called “Côte des Blancs” at the south of Epernay, named after the white colour of its dominant grape variety “Chardonnay”. After the exit of Epernay, you bike for 2.5km on a dirt path across fields to reach Chouilly. From there, you ride on small country roads on softer hills enjoying a panoramic view of the valley below. Have a break in the circular village of Vertus mid-way before returning through the forest towards Epernay. You bike again along steep hills covered with vines, in the middle of which stands the charming chapel of Chavot-Courcourt, before proceeding into Epernay.

    Day 5

     
     

    Epernay - Reims

    Altitude
    ±375m
    Bike
    41km
    Cycle along the Marne river until Damery then uphill again surrounded by the vineyard. You reach the hilltop of Montagne de Reims covered by forest and go down on the opposite hillside through another wine area overlooking the plain of Reims. You cycle through Chamery, Ecueil and Sacy before crossing Reims and triumphantly arrive at the foot of the cathedral.

    Day 6

     
     

    Departure from Reims

    You leave Reims after breakfast. Take advantage of these last moments to make a last tour in the city center.
  • Accommodation
  • Category B

    You will be accommodated in 3-Star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. We have selected the accommodations for their charm, and their quality. Breakfast is included.
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category C

    You will be accommodated in ****/***** type lodgings, selected for their quality services and comfort. Breakfast is included.
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
  • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:

    • a touring bike adjusted to your size or a tandem
    • equipped : rear pannier, helmet (on demand), repairing toolkit (with patches, pump, multitool, etc).

    Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

    You can of course also bring your own bikes, in this case a reduction will be applied (see the Tarif tab)


    Luggage

    Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :
    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.
    If you expect to arrive at the next accommodation before 5 p.m., we recommend that you take an extra set of clothes with you in your bicycle bag.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    Our documentation contains a very detailed description of the itinerary. No matter how you usually navigate, you will find your way thanks to our comprehensive guidance material including:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    For this short trip your travel documents will be sent electronically.


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information
  • To get to departure point:


    Parking

    If you drive to Reims, you can park your car in a secured car park located in the city center next to the train station. The daily rate is about 12€.


    To get back to starting point:


    Regional trains take you back to your starting point if you wish. They are accessible without booking in advance and bicycles are free. You have to buy your ticket on spot. There are several trains per day.


    Meeting time:

    You pick up your bikes at your hotel in Reims, they will be delivered for 9:30am. We kindly ask your to drop off your luggage at the hotel reception at 09.30am the latest.

    .
  • Download
    the trip description
Top