BOOK EARLY AND SAVE 10% ON SELECTED TRIPS
Book before 22 Oct 2024. Find out more here.

France : Champagne

Cycling the Vineyards of Champagne

Trip code: C03CH

Self-guided cycling

3 nights,
single centre

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

5.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Explore Epernay, capital of Champagne
  • Discover this worldwide known vineyard and its quaint wine villages
  • Relax in a 4* Hotel in an 18th century style architecture building

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 3 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Explore the Champagne wine-growing area, listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and the stunning villages, birthplace of Champagne, which owes its renown to Dom Perignon.

Known around the world for its wines, Champagne is also a popular destination for cycling, offering an ideal playground. Ride among the vineyards and terraced hillsides where Champagne villages, chateaux, and churches are nestled. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards and picturesque villages. The winemakers' open their doors to you, for tastings and tours of the cellars. They will passionately explain their know-how while showing you around their property.

During this tour, explore and taste every day what is hidden behind the bubbles that help us toast good news. Pop the cork and let the bubbles speak for themselves.

Terrain

The route takes you on quiet country lanes and well marked paths through vineyards to sleepy villages. Well marked cycling paths are also used throughout.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Epernay

This town is entirely surrounded by vines. Walk down the Avenue de Champagne, with its magnificent mansion facades and opulent middle-class homes occupied by famous Champagne Houses, and you can see why Epernay competes for the title of 'Capital of Champagne'. Here, are miles of underground galleries and millions of bottles of preciously kept champagne away from light and heat... In Epernay, cellar visits to the largest champagne houses are among the highlights of the tour... And they sparkle with stories and expertise.

Alternatively you can have a first ride with a loop to Hautvillers 43 km / 26.5 MI

Today, you will learn about 'Blanc de Noirs' champagne which is made using only black grapes (Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier). Two grape varieties with darker skin and white flesh.

Follow the cycling routes bordered with vineyards, offering magnificent landscapes over the undulating Marne Valley, until Dom Perignon's village: Hautvillers ! It is here that the legend of Champagne was born, thanks to the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon, who was said to have accidentally invented effervescent wine at the end of the 17th century. He's buried in the abbey of Hautvillers, leaving his name to a vintage produced by a famous Champagne House.

Continue through quaint wine villages like Fleury la Riviere or Oeuilly.

You stay at Hotel Jean Moet.

hotel details



Hotel Jean Moet, Epernay

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Hotel is ideally situated in the centre of Epernay, established in a building of 18 th century style architecture. The interior of the Hotel was entirely renovated between 2012 and 2016. A few steps from the Hotel you will find the magnificent Avenue de Champagne, where there lies, hidden, 110 kilometers of cellars (listed in the World Heritage Site – UNESCO).

Day 2: Loop to Marne Valley (47km/29.2mi)

Today you will have a taste of the pinot meunier which grow in the Marne Valley and brings its full fruity flavour to rose champagnes.

The cycling route, longing the Marne River, will lead you to the village of Ay where, you will be able to discover a high Gothic-style church and wood-frame houses, including one that is reputed to have served as Henri IV's fermenting room.

Next stop will be Conde sur Marne. Enjoy the highlights of the Marne valley such as the roman church of Conde or the Montebello castle in Mareuil sur Ay and breath-taking panorama.

Day 3: Loop to Cote de Blanc Vineyards (43km/26.7mi)

The taste of day will be 'Blanc de Blancs' Champagne using chardonnay only, a white grape. The Cote des Blancs and its chalky soil is a promised land for the elegant chardonnay.

Ride along some of the classified Grand Cru villages and pedal on the slopes producing Chardonnay grapes. Discover wine villages nested between the vineyard and the lush forest: Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger.

Day 4: Leave Epernay

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Jean Moet, Epernay.

hotel details



Hotel Jean Moet, Epernay

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Hotel is ideally situated in the centre of Epernay, established in a building of 18 th century style architecture. The interior of the Hotel was entirely renovated between 2012 and 2016. A few steps from the Hotel you will find the magnificent Avenue de Champagne, where there lies, hidden, 110 kilometers of cellars (listed in the World Heritage Site – UNESCO).

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
11
 
12
 
13
 
14
 
15
 
16
 
17
£989
18
£989
19
£989
20
£989
21
£989
22
£989
23
£989
24
£989
25
 
26
 
27
 
28
 
29
 
30
 
31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £408.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

This is my 8th booking with Headwater as they are very professional, answer emails promptly and have a great product. The Walks are all well researched and in the best locations. It’s a pleasure doing business with them.

10 Oct 2024

Fast competent response

7 Apr 2024

The website is very informative and the advisor was extremely helpful.

6 Feb 2024

Megan was easily able to acquaint me with the advantages of my proposed holiday

Eric Suddes, 20 Jan 2024


Self-guided cycling

3 nights,
single centre

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

5.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

3 nights from £719

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE