Bring on the Bubbles! Champagne Bike Tour

Day One: Coronation City
Your guides will meet you at the Champagne-Ardennes TGV station and will take you to your exclusive accommodation in the medieval town of Reims:  Le Chateau les Crayeres – a historical epic castle, once owned by the Polignac family, now a luxury hotel and symbol of French classicism.  After you toast your arrival with Champagne (what else!) you will depart for a quick ride toward the Montagne de Reims, indulging your eyes with stunning views of the vineyards and the citadel of Reims with its majestic gothic cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the traditional coronation site for all the French kings. Upon returning to Reims we’ll learn all about the process in producing champagne with an unforgettable visit and a tasting at the Pommery Estate. Set in the very heart of the city of Reims, this magical Elizabethan-style chateau was built in 1868 by Mrs Pommery and combines 18 kilometers (about 11 miles) of gallo-roman cells and contemporary art to elaborate the exceptional Champagne Pommery. Once settled in the luxurious Chateau les Crayeres, there will be time to freshen up and enjoy an evocative tour of the town before you will end your day dining in gastronomic splendor.

Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Le Chateau les Crayeres

Day Two: Mountain Top Loop
Indulge yourself in a fulfilling breakfast served on a terrace overlooking the sublime countryside of Champagne and suddenly you will understand how this generous region became a real source of inspiration for artists such as Renoir and Chagall. We will then climb the slopes to the beautiful village of Verzy and its gem: les Faux de Verzy. This mystical forest, where St. Basle, the evangelizer of Lorraine, lived as a hermit, is home to a unique variety of beech, called "tortuosa" because of the deformities of the trunk and branches. Legends tell stories of demons and witches who live in the trunks of these living sculptures. There will still be time for more bubble-tasting before enjoying a picturesque café lunch in town. Afterwards, we will cycle back to our hotel for a well-deserved relaxation by the pool, or, if you wish, take an additional ride in the vineyards. Tonight is your choice for dinner in town and your guides would be happy to assist you in selecting among the many authentic bistros of Reims.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Le Chateau les Crayeres

Day Three: Around the mountain to Epernay
This morning we will depart Reims toward the other “capital” of Champagne, Epernay. Our ride will take us through the undisturbed vineyards and countryside that form a belt around the Montagnes de Reims. It may be hard, if not impossible, to imagine that amidst this beauty World War I raged for nearly four years. And it was here, in the heart of the Western Front, where General “Black Jack” Pershing commanded the American Army in its first taste of combat in Europe. During our DuVine gourmet picnic lunch, we will take the opportunity raise a solemn glass to those fallen here fighting for the freedom of our compatriots. We will continue our ride to reach your next lavish accommodation, the Hotel Royal Champagne, a recently refurbished coach house and one of Napoleon’s favorite stopovers.  Enjoy a glass of bubbles on the terrace overlooking the vines, which extend as far as the eye can see and let your mind and senses contemplate the view.  There will be time for relaxation before another sumptuous meal served as only the French know how.

Meal: Breakfast/Gourmet Picnic/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Champagne

Day Four: Drinking Champagne in Epernay is like listening to Mozart in Salzburg…
After yet another memorable breakfast filled with fresh croissants, orange juice and rejuvenating coffee (as well as cereal and sausages and ham and cheese…) we will ride into Epernay, Capital of Champagne, a title which is not only administrative, as it is here that we find the most famous champagne producers amongst the many grand houses and mansions lining the Avenue de Champagne.  As you pass through the ancient streets, keep in mind that below your feet lie 200 million bottles of champagne ageing in 120 kilometers of cellars carved out of chalk soil over hundreds of years!  We will then discover the secret places where the best wines were hidden in yet another war, this time to protect the precious nectar from appropriation by the “visitors”.  Once you will sample a glass or more of this “treasure” you will find out why it was worth hiding! After working up an appetite in the caves, enjoy lunch in Epernay before riding off to Brugny-Vaudancourt, yet another fantastic village hidden in the vines. Upon your return to the hotel you will have time to enjoy your last afternoon in Epernay to the fullest.

Meal: Breakfast/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Champagne

Day Five: The Champagne Countryside
This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we are off to Montmort to get a glimpse of the 11th century old chateau – a beaming gem protected by the French ministry of Culture, before cycling on to Vertus, at the edge of the famous region of Brie, home of the well-known cheese of the same name. A light, but always satisfying, lunch in Vertus will energize us for the return to our hotel where there will be yet another chance to taste the famous “bubbly”. We will enjoy our last meal together feasting with the best our Chef can offer in the splendid surroundings of the Briqueterie before heading off in contentment to our hotel.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Briqueterie

Day Six: All good things
We will be saying goodbye at the Epernay Station, where your train will be ready to take you to Paris, or wherever your destination may lie. One last glass of farewell might be needed to make the departure easier, before wishing Au revoir et a bientot!

Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!