The Grand Tour of Champagne by Bike
A looping route through the most beautiful Champagne houses and their vineyards
© Pierre Defontaine - ART GE
Duration
6 days and 5 nights
Level
Fit
Departure date
From April 1st to November 30th
Trip type
Self-guided trip
Trip type
Travelling loop
Destination
Key features
- Reims, a city of art and history, and its cathedral
- The Montagne de Reims and its charming villages
- The Champagne vineyards and their cellars open to visitors
- Independent winemakers to discover
- Epernay and the Avenue de Champagne
- Châlons-en-Champagne, the sparkling “Venice of Champagne”
The City of Coronations, Reims, Épernay, and Châlons-en-Champagne Through Their Fine Wines
Champagne is eager to reveal the legacy of its glorious history and immerse you in the prestigious world of the most famous and festive of wines. Your stay in Champagne promises to be sparkling on this 6-day cycling tour starting in Reims, the City of Kings. Here, a refined atmosphere prevails, and a relaxed vibe reigns in the streets and on the café terraces… The perfect way to kick off your cycling vacation!
A first loop around Reims allows you to explore the vineyards of the Saint-Thierry massif, the northernmost region of Champagne. A magnificent expanse of greenery frames numerous charming villages with a rich history dating back to the first king of France: Clovis. You can explore the Saint-Thierry monastery, which is still active today, before returning to Reims.
To reach the town of Épernay, you need to ride along its small, rolling roads around the Montagne de Reims. You pass through a landscape of woods and vineyards, dotted with undeniably charming villages. Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Mumm display their famous names at the foot of their vineyards. We invite you to enjoy the hospitality and expertise of smaller estates such as those of Ernest Remy, Vincent Renoir, and Jean-Claude Mouzon.
In Épernay, ride along Avenue de Champagne before heading to the Côte des Blancs. Your cycling journey continues along the Marne Canal toward Châlons-en-Champagne. Known as the “Sparkling Venice,” this town charms visitors with its peaceful canals, idyllic promenades, and remarkable heritage. Along the way, discover many more Champagne producers and stop at Pressoria, in the town of Aÿ-Champagne, to explore the Pommery pressing center and learn more about the “wine of kings” through all five senses via an interactive tour.
You then leave Châlons-en-Champagne, head north again, and circle the Montagne de Reims once more, but this time from the west. New wineries invite you to enjoy one last tasting, in moderation, of course, to round out your expertise! A final stretch on the bike brings you to Reims, the City of Coronations, where your journey ends.
Itinerary
Fit From REIMS to EPERNAY 58km 443m 
You leave the City of Coronations behind to head to the capital of Champagne. But before you reach Épernay, the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park welcomes you. First, you cross the Île-de-France hills along the Champagne Route before reaching the curious twisted beech trees of the Verzy National Forest. Admire the sea of vineyards from the top of the Verzenay Lighthouse, or take the time to enjoy a glass of Champagne at the Perchingbar, a bar perched among the trees. Follow our recommendations and visit one of our partner wineries. Then the Marne Valley welcomes you, and you wrap up this pleasant day along its side canal.
EPERNAY, THE BLANCS DES BLANCS LOOP 37km 577m
You ride on the famous white coast and its “White Whites”. It owes its name to its grape, Chardonnay, and offers charming roads around the small mountain of Avize. You end your day by contemplating the impressive Maisons de Champagne of the avenue of the same name. Here you are in Cuis facing the Montagne d’Avize and its “White Whites”, which takes its name from the color of its grape variety: the Chardonnay. A winery visit can be the occasion for a pleasant tasting break before your return to Epernay.
From EPERNAY to CHALONS-EN-CHAMPAGNE via AY-EN-CHAMPAGNE 37km 65m
You leave Épernay, passing by the Moët & Chandon and De Castellane estates. The route quickly reaches the Mercier estate before heading toward Ay. In this wine-growing town, cycle right past Pressoria and the Lamiable estate. The route then follows the banks of the Marne side canal for an extended stretch. Enjoy flat terrain and a safe bike path. The pace remains leisurely, lulled by the gentle flow of the water and the rows of trees lining the towpath. The scenery opens up to the valley and the vine-covered hillsides dominating the horizon. The atmosphere is relaxing, punctuated only by passing through a few locks. With no technical difficulties, ride across the expanses of the Champagne plain. Your pleasant ride takes you directly to Châlons-en-Champagne, the end of this stage.
From CHALONS-EN-CHAMPAGNE to REIMS 57km 139m
You leave Châlons-en-Champagne behind to reach the tranquil banks of the Marne Side Canal. The route closely follows the towpath along flat terrain on a perfectly paved path. In Condé-sur-Marne, you can explore the aqueduct and its distinctive tower overlooking the water. The atmosphere changes as the route veers away from the valley and climbs toward the hillsides. You pass through expanses of vineyards where the road undulates gently. This stretch offers unobstructed views of the Champagne plain. The ride remains pleasant until you reach the outskirts of the city. You gradually enter the city via dedicated bike paths. You finish this stage in the heart of Reims, recognizable by the imposing towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
REIMS
The trip ends in the late morning. After breakfast, take some time to stroll through the city and visit the impressive cathedral.
They travelled with us
Practical information
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1090€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1340€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request
Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 5 nights in a Double room
- 5 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 7/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The trip itineraries available on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Topo maps
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- Day 4 : Pressoria - Adult ticket - Immersive and interactive tour
Price does not include
- Bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring BikeSupplied equipment per bike
|  |
Ebike
Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Getting here
Departure city : REIMS
Coming by car
- at 1h45 from PARIS
- at 6h from BORDEAUX
- at 4h45 from LYON
Coming by train
- Reims train station - 0h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Reims-Champagne airport
Taxi : 20 min
Arrival city : REIMS
Coming by car
- at 1h45 from PARIS
- at 6h from BORDEAUX
- at 4h45 from LYON
Coming by train
- Reims train station - 0h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Reims-Champagne airport
Taxi : 20 min
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags (1 carrier bag supplied with bike rental)
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
- Electrical plug adapter (compliant with local standards)
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 45% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Between 6 and 3 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 1090€
Book your trip
Expert
REIMS, LOOP THROUGH THE SAINT-THIERRY HILLS 48km 495m
Starting from Reims, a UNESCO City of Art and History, you leave the spires of its cathedral behind and head into the rolling hills of the Montagne de Reims. Follow the Vesle River to Jonchery-sur-Vesle, then gently climb toward the vineyards of the Saint-Thierry massif, a setting of rolling hills where the grape varieties of the great Champagne houses thrive. In Rosnay, the bell tower overlooks the rows of Pinot Meunier. The Champagne Tourist Route then guides you through wine-growing villages with evocative names: Thil, Merfy, Chenay. One panoramic view follows another, between wooded valleys and perfectly ordered rows of vines. Little by little, you catch sight of Reims, visible in the distance, majestic in the golden light of the Champagne plain.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.