Self-guided cycling
4 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
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Stay in a luxurious 5* hotel in the UNESCO-listed Champagne wine-growing area and explore the region's famous wine houses, vineyards and hilltop villages.
Nestled in the heart of Champagne, your elegant 5-star hotel in Epernay offers the perfect base for exploring the region's iconic vineyards, prestigious Champagne houses, and historic cellars. Stroll along the famed Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand mansions, and indulge in cellar tours and unforgettable tasting experiences.
Cycle through picturesque Grand Cru villages and along famous routes dotted with chateaux and sun-drenched vineyards, where you'll meet passionate local producers, sample exceptional grapes, and uncover the rich family traditions behind each bottle.
In historic Hautvillers, the birthplace of Dom Perignon, savour the renowned Blanc de Noirs before cycling through the scenic Marne Valley, where lush landscapes and the vibrant red grapes of Pinot Meunier await your discovery.
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.
You stay at Villa Eugene.
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Once the 19th-century residence of the Mercier family, La Villa Eugène has been beautifully restored to offer the refined comfort of a luxury hotel. Every detail of its architecture and decor preserves the charm and tradition of this historic family home, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication.
Ideally located on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, this exceptional hotel is nestled in the heart of a lush, private park, offering both tranquillity and proximity to Épernay’s most celebrated Champagne houses.
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.
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: La Villa Eugene, Epernay.
MarketBankCash machineMastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
Once the 19th-century residence of the Mercier family, La Villa Eugène has been beautifully restored to offer the refined comfort of a luxury hotel. Every detail of its architecture and decor preserves the charm and tradition of this historic family home, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication.
Ideally located on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, this exceptional hotel is nestled in the heart of a lush, private park, offering both tranquillity and proximity to Épernay’s most celebrated Champagne houses.
These tour prices are per person, based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £487.
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 your destination, 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 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.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
4 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
Navigation App
