Self-guided cycling
3 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
5.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Low Deposit - £100 Per Person. T&Cs Apply.
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.
Please note: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in France for children under 12. Riders of all bicycles and e-bikes must wear a high-visibility vest when cycling outside built-up areas at night or in conditions of poor visibility.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Jean Moet, Epernay.
MastercardVisaAmExHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafeTea/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).
These tour prices are per person, based on two people sharing.
Single supplement from £319.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport, with onward rail included.
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 fluctuate significantly and can change rapidly. At Headwater, we offer competitively priced flights with built-in flight protection for your peace of mind. For more details, please click here.
Self-guided cycling
3 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
5.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
