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France : Champagne

Cycle The Wine Route of Champagne

Trip code: C05CH

Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
twin centre

Level: 2+ & 3

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Explore Epernay and Reims, capital of Champagne
  • Discover this worldwide known vineyard and its quaint wine villages
  • Relax in comfortable 4* hotels in Reims and Epernay

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

If a visit to a prestigious champagne producer or cellar constitutes an unmissable part of your trip, uncovering the secrets of the vineyards and of wine, you will also ride through the 'other' Champagne following the Wine Route : more secret and intimate, whose rolling slopes are among the most beautiful riches the Champagne region has to offer!

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.

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 Reims

Only 30 mins from Charles de Gaulle airport, you will arrive at Champagne Ardenne TGV station. In option, we can organise a transfer to Reims city centre. Wander in the Capital of Champagne, enjoy a tasting in one of the most prestigious house of Champagne and visit the Cathedral where were organised all the coronations of the French Kings.

You stay at Hotel de la Paix.

hotel details



Hotel de la Paix, Reims

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The hotel welcomes you in its pared-back décor that harmoniously blends contemporary lines with stylish furnishings, all picked out in colourful and contrasting hues, to create a refined and soothing atmosphere.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: At Reims (44km/27.3mi)

From Reims and its prestigious Champagne houses, ride to the massif of Saint-Thierry and enjoy a beautiful viewpoint from Trigny, a flower-filled village with medieval ramparts. Continue through forest and vineyards. Immerge yourself in the origin of this divine nectar and stop for wonderful views or alternatively for a tasting.

elevation

You stay at Hotel de la Paix.

hotel details



Hotel de la Paix, Reims

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The hotel welcomes you in its pared-back décor that harmoniously blends contemporary lines with stylish furnishings, all picked out in colourful and contrasting hues, to create a refined and soothing atmosphere.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 3: Reims - Epernay (52km/32.3mi)

Ride to the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, a natural gem dotted with charming wine-making villages. Follow the prestigious touristic route of Champagne, passing by the wine villages. Stop at the Verzenay lighthouse, which watches over a swathe of vineyards. You will end on the new cycling path, along the river, before reaching 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.

elevation

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 4: Excursion to Hautvillers (43km/26.7mi)

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.

elevation

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 5: Excursion to Cotes des Blancs (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.

elevation

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 6

Leave Epernay

Extending your holiday

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

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).



Hotel de la Paix, Reims

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The hotel welcomes you in its pared-back décor that harmoniously blends contemporary lines with stylish furnishings, all picked out in colourful and contrasting hues, to create a refined and soothing atmosphere.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £526.

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

We did cycling tour of the Stockholm archipelago - well organised, super routes, great hotels. And the chance to look around Stockholm also - a beautiful city. Highly recommend.

Catherine Turner, 1 Sep 2024

Friendly, helpful and efficient. Listened to our wishes and was able to help a little customisation of the holiday.

Sheelagh Mawhinney, 27 Feb 2024

Good standard of holidays but you are able to adapt some the travel options to suit individuals. Your staff then sort out those flights & transfers before putting together the complete package. Thank you

Sean, 9 Jan 2024

Andrew was very helpful and clear . My queries receieved very prompt responses

Elizabeth Mcluckie, 1 Nov 2023


Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
twin centre

Level: 2+ & 3

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

5 nights from £1079

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199