Champagne Bicycle Tour Itinerary

Day One: Bring on the Bubbles!
Having met you at Epernay train station, your guides will transfer you to your exclusive accommodation. Epernay is home to the worlds most eminent Champagne producers, whose grand houses and mansions we’ll pass as we leave town along the impressive Avenue de Champagne on our way to your opulent accommodation at Le Hotel Royal Champagne.

A historic coaching inn, Le Hotel Royal Champagne was Napoleon’s favorite rest-stop when he was enjoying the region, and it’s easy to see why. Overlooking the verdant vines that carpet the slopes towards the Marne river we will toast your arrival with your first glass of Champagne before fitting your bikes and heading to the small village of Hautvillers. An island amongst the vines, this is the very village where, back in the 17th century, Benedictine monk Dom Perignon first discovered the magical secondary fermentation that was to transform wine into the Champagne we know and love today. “I am drinking the stars” Dom Perrigon is rumored to have announced on his first sip of this magical drink, and so will you as we ride on to Epernay for a guided visit of Moet & Chandon and her network of cellars. A ride back through the vineyards will bring you back to your hotel, where after some time to relax you will be rewarded for your days efforts with a decedent Michelin starred meal overlooking the valley below. 

Meals: Light lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Hautvilliers, Epernay, Champillon
Distance cycled: 15 kms / 10 miles
 

Day Two: Drinking Champagne in Epernay is like listening to Mozart in Salzburg
After a quintessential French breakfast of pastries, freshly squeezed fruit juice and rejuvenating ‘café’ we'll get back on the bikes. Leaving the Royal Champagne we take a short ride through the dense forests of the Mountain de Reims before crossing the valley towards Fleury la Riviere and its remarkable early gothic church. From here vineyard roads wind through vines high above the meandering Marne river below. Sweeping downhill through picturesque and historic villages we cross the river before a testing ride to Maison Tarlant for a rewarding and extensive tasting. One of the oldest Champagnes producers in the region it has been in the same family since 1687.

Full of fizz and ‘joie de vivre’ we’ll roll along the other side of the valley looking down on famous vineyards and fairy-tale chateaux towards your gourmet picnic. With fresh bread, creamy regional cheeses, cured meats, artesian pates and fresh salads your guides will ensure you picnic in style before the steady climb through the vines back to Le Hotel Royal Champagne. Stopping for one more tasting enroute, DeVavry is our favorite family producer and once invited into their home you’ll be treated to the very best champagnes from their cellar. Back at the hotel you’ll have plenty of time to unwind before being driven to dinner in the center of Epernay at local favorite, the acclaimed La Grillade Gourmande.

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Destinations visited: Romery, Oeuilly, Boursault, Epernay
Distance cycled: 25 kms / 15 miles

Day Three: Around the Mountain to Reims
This morning we depart Champillion toward the regions historical capital Reims. Pedalling quietly through the undisturbed vineyards and serene countryside that form a belt around the Montagnes de Reims it may be hard, if not impossible, to imagine that amidst this tranquil beauty, World War I raged for nearly four years. The pristine fields you will cycle past today were strategically critical in the last months of the Great War as U.S French and British forces withstood the last of the German spring offensives before mounting their own counter offensive that proved decisive in breaking German resolve and securing victory in Europe for the allied forces.

A beacon of resilience amidst the carnage of war, the imposing Gothic form of Reims Cathedral will soon appear on the horizon  signaling tonight’s destination. With immaculate vineyards, poppy studded corn fields and the city of Reims as our backdrop well enjoy another gourmet picnic, and take the opportunity to raise a solemn glass to those men who paid the ultimate sacrifice. After lunch you’ll continue pedaling along tow-path of the canal that brings us into the heart of Reims, Frances great coronation city. The towers of the Cathedral will guide you into town and for the next three nights you’ll be treated like royalty, staying in the opulent surrounds of Le Chateau les Crayeres – a historical home once owned by the Polignac family, now  a luxurious hotel and symbol of French classicism. We’ll give you plenty of time to settle into your new surroundings before whisking you into town for a quintessentially French dining experience in the city's very best bistro.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Reims, Epernay
Distance cycled: 35 kms / 22 miles

Day Four: The Champagne Countryside
If you can pull yourself away from your sumptuous breakfast this morning, you’ll ride away from bustling streets of Reims, northwest, towards some of the lesser-known villages of the Champagne region. Following the bike path along Canal d’Aisne, you’ll be riding beside slow moving barges and local fishermen towards the gently rolling hills and sleepy villages of Loivre, Hermonville and Trigny where a very special Champagne lunch awaits you. Welcomed into the home of our good friends Monsieur and Madame Blin, you’ll be treated to some regional home cooking, with each dish expertly paired with the best Champagnes from their collection.

Returning gently to the city after lunch, you’ll again be treated to inspiring views of the great Cathedral of Reims, our next historic destination. Adorned with flying buttresses, grotesque gargoyles and exquisite stonework Le Cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims must be seen to be believed. Built over 800 years ago and the coronation site for every king of France, this architectural masterpiece remains as the predominant example of gothic architecture in Europe.  Your well-informed guides will be more than happy to take you on a guided tour before rewarding your cultural visit with an exclusive visit to the grand Champagne house of Mumm. Tonight you are free to choose from one of the many great restaurants the city has to offer and perhaps indulge in a little shopping…

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations visited: Montmort, Chaltrait, Givry-les Loisy
Distance cycled: 57 kms / 36 miles

Day Five: The Frontline in Champagne
This morning affords you the chance to sleep in a little before a sumptuous breakfast. You’ll then board the van for a reflective morning of visits to some of the regions nearby war memorials & cemeteries. With its strategic front-line position on The Western Front this region bore witness to some of the heaviest fighting in The Great War. On your visit to Le Centre d'Interprétation de Marne and Fort de La Pompelle, you’ll have the opportunity to meditate on the sacrifices made and lessons learned during this devastating period of European history.

To lift your spirits after a reflective morning we’ll head off to Ville-Domange for a lunch with Daniella at her domain Fresne Ducret. In addition to preparing a delicious lunch, she will also explain what makes her champagne so special with an informative tour of her winery. In the afternoon we’ll take some small country roads as we cycle back to Reims ready to celebrate a wonderful week together in Champagne. Tonight’s dinner will be prepared in your hotel's double Michelin starred restaurant. Paired with the best champagnes this meal will not be forgotten - so prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic extravaganza!

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Destinations visited: Suippes, Sillery, Ville Dommange, Reims
Distance cycled: 25 kms / 15 miles
 

Day Six: Coronation City
Saying your goodbyes at the Reims train station, your train will be ready to take you to Paris, or wherever your destination may be. One last glass of farewell bubbles might be needed to make the departure easier, before wishing au revoir et a bientôt!

Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!