Champagne Cycling Holidays
Visit Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne, with stunning views
Cycle through lush vineyards and along tranquil canal paths
Discover Epernay’s iconic Avenue de Champagne and prestigious wine houses
Pedal through the natural beauty of the Montagne de Reims’ forests and hills
Capture picture-perfect moments in vineyard landscapes and rural vistas
Enjoy a free day in Reims to visit landmarks, art deco cafes, and Champagne bars
Indulge in champagne tastings in Epernay
Embrace tranquility on rural roads
Uncover Reim's champagne underworld
Taste the freedom of a cycling holiday
Pedal along quiet canal paths
Stop at small champagne-producing villages
Visit old champagne houses
Itinerary
Welcome to Epernay, the picturesque capital of Champagne! After settling into your hotel, you can take the day to explore the town’s charming streets or take a short warm-up ride through nearby vineyards to acclimate yourself to the surroundings. The evening will be yours to relax and prepare for the days ahead.
Your day will begin with a ride to Ay, a serene village at the heart of Champagne’s wine production, surrounded by rolling vineyards. Following the canal path, you will pass through the charming village of Cumieres before tackling a short climb to Hautvillers. This quaint village is renowned as the birthplace of Champagne and offers one of the most breathtaking views in the region. Here, you can visit a local Champagne house for a tasting before descending through picturesque vines back to Epernay.
22 km and 230 m of elevation gain
Leaving Epernay, you will cycle along a peaceful canal-side path, enjoying flat terrain that makes for an easy ride. Along the route, you will encounter delightful villages like Tours-sur-Marne, known for its traditional wine cellars, and Conde-sur-Marne, which boasts scenic countryside views. You will arrive in Châlons-en-Champagne, a town celebrated for its unique half-timbered buildings, Gothic churches, and charming bridges that cross the rivers and canals.
34.5 km and 54 m of elevation gain
Your journey back westward will follow the scenic canal paths, with the Canal de l’Aisne à la Marne guiding much of the way. The route will take you through expansive rural landscapes and peaceful picnic spots perfect for a leisurely lunch. Passing small villages, you will eventually reach Reims, a vibrant city known for its towering Gothic cathedral and its role as the coronation site for French kings.
52.5 km and 390 m of elevation gain
Reims offers an incredible array of historical and cultural treasures, giving you plenty to explore. You will marvel at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its intricate Gothic architecture and soaring towers. The Palais du Tau and the Basilica of Saint-Remi are also must-visit landmarks steeped in history. Beneath the city, you will find hundreds of kilometers of tunnels housing millions of Champagne bottles, many of which are open for guided tours.
Your final day of cycling will take you through the Montagne de Reims, a stunning area of undulating hills and vineyards. The ride includes a challenging climb rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. From there, you will enjoy a scenic descent that leads back to Epernay, completing the loop.
35 km and 450 m of elevation gain
On your last morning, you will savor breakfast in Epernay, reflecting on your journey through the iconic Champagne region. Whether your memories are of the sparkling wines, the peaceful canal paths, or the grandeur of Reims, this trip will leave you with a deep appreciation for this unique part of France. After checking out, you will head home.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Want to make some changes?
Pricing
Optional Extras
Self guided
Included in price
Description
The Champagne region is a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural richness, making it an exceptional destination for cyclists.
Known globally for its sparkling wines, this region offers more than just vineyards; it’s a journey through rolling hills, peaceful canals, and picturesque villages steeped in history and charm. Cycling here is both scenic and rewarding, with routes that wind through vineyard-covered slopes, tranquil canal-side paths, and shaded forest trails.
Every town and village along the way tells its own unique story. Epernay, the capital of Champagne, welcomes you with its Avenue de Champagne lined by prestigious wine houses. Charming stops like Ay, Tours-sur-Marne, and Cumieres offer opportunities to visit family-run Champagne houses and take in the region’s hospitality.
Reims, the vibrant heart of the region, offers a free day to explore its many attractions, such as the vast chalk cellars storing millions of bottles of Champagne beneath the city.
Thoughtfully chosen accommodations, detailed GPS routes, a personalized digital guidebook, and round-the-clock support ensure your experience is seamless and stress-free.
Enjoy the freedom of cycling through a world-renowned region and experience true French charm!
Map
Start planning today!
Things to know
Self-led bike adventures provide a tailor-made and flexible approach to cycling holidays, allowing you to discover at your leisure and modify your schedule or route whenever necessary. Our crew takes care of every detail, from accommodations and detailed plans to GPS guidance and ongoing assistance, ensuring a serene and immersive trip that offers independence, individuality, and authentic cultural encounters.
Our tours are grouped into three difficulty tiers: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging. The categorization is based on the typical day of the tour, even though there might be fluctuations in difficulty over the course of the trip.
Leisurely tours cater to those seeking a laid-back journey through breathtaking scenery, without the demand of traversing great distances or navigating tough terrains. These excursions usually span 30-50 km daily, with an altitude climb of up to 500m. This ensures ample opportunities to pause and soak in panoramas, savor regional dishes, and wander through picturesque towns and hamlets en route.
Moderate bike tours suit those seeking a harmonious blend of picturesque routes and a touch of challenge. Usually spanning 50-80 km daily with an altitude ascent of up to 1000m, these tours take you across captivating landscapes and delightful hamlets, offering a combination of level and undulating terrains. While providing ample opportunities to halt and delve deeper, they also ensure a rewarding cycling exercise.
Challenging bike tours cater to seasoned cyclists keen on testing their boundaries. Ranging from 80-120 km daily with an altitude rise of up to 2000m, these journeys involve navigating rigorous inclines and demanding terrains. However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. While these tours demand top-notch fitness and stamina, the euphoria of achievement felt at day’s end is unparalleled.
We’re committed to finding the perfect fit for you. We partner with several accommodation providers that align with our standards, though their availability can vary, particularly in high-demand periods. Additionally, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and financial plan, ensuring we pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements.
We recommend securing your tour at the earliest convenience, particularly for sought-after tourist spots with limited accommodation availability. Top options frequently get reserved for the summer before the onset of spring.
Catering to dietary needs can fluctuate based on their complexity. In France, vegetarian choices are generally accessible, but sourcing vegan meals might be a challenge in countryside locales or smaller towns. Notably, lunch halts are often at conventional eateries that might not accommodate special dietary preferences beyond their regular offerings. Bear this in mind as you map out your journey.
The prime cycling season spans from mid-April to mid-October. In higher regions like the Alps, it’s best from mid-May to September to avoid snow.
Tours can proceed in light rain with suitable attire. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting tours early is advisable. If adverse weather is anticipated, we’ll aim to modify the tour in advance.
Self-guided
Hassle-Free
Completely Customizable
Book with confidence
Unbeatable support
Similar Bike Tours in France
