This Champagne bike tour is based in Epernay, which is your gateway to the vineyards of the region. Standing at the foot of the Regional Nature Park of the Montagne de Reims, and on both banks of the Marne, the Champagne vineyards are a spectacular sight all year round, displaying a whole host of different colours. Come and discover all the secrets of Champagne, visit the cellars and taste the king of wines, including Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon “invented” the Champagne method. Walk down the famous Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, lined with Champagne houses with their elegant architecture.		A new itinerary for 2008, this program is a great option for families, or for people of varying abilities. Staying in one location allows even more flexibility in ride time and distances.

Day 1 Arrive in Epernay. The city is a short 1h train ride from Paris. Epernay is a lovely town, often called « capital of Champagne »! Settle down at your 3* hotel, conveniently located in the center of the city in a charming. Orientation at 6pm. Dinner on your own.

To visit in Epernay: Avenue de Champagne: its name derives from the presence of many leading champagne producers such as Moët et Chandon, Mercier and De Castellane. Eglise Notre Dame: built during the 19th-20th century. Hotel de Ville, located in a 19th century private mansion.

Days 2-4: In three riding days, you can do the following itineraries in the order you
wish. Overnight at the same hotel in Epernay. Dinner on your own.

Marne Valley - 45km: A beautiful ride along the river Marne valley up to Chatillon sur Marne and back to Epernay. On your way, you can visit the Domaine de Bacchus in Reuil. In this museum, a typical Champagne village has been reconstituted where
you will learn about life in Champagne and wine growing. At the end of your visit
you will have a champagne tasting.

Montagne de Reims 38 or 74 km: You will have two options for this ride. A shorter ride will take you through the Foret de la Montagne de Reims and bring you back to
Epernay. This is a very scenic and quiet ride, where you will be able to discover the
beautiful landscapes of the region. A longer ride will take you all the way to Reims and back to Epernay. In Reims, you can visit the stunning cathedral, where Kings of France used to be crowned. The cathedral, was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1991. You can also visit the Palais de Tau, an archiepiscopal palace, built between 1498 and 1509, as well as the Saint Remi Basilica.

Cote des Blancs - 44km: The Cote des Blancs is considered the cradle of Chardonnay. Its world-renowned villages are built up on the hillsides, looking over the valley as if in
a Roman amphitheatre. Today's itinerary will take you through the many wine villages of the area, such as Cramant, Le Mesnil sur Oger and Mancy among others. Take some time to visit the Wine museum in Le Mesnil sur Oger, where you will learn about the various techniques used to grow wine in the region.

Day 5: Departure at your leisure after breakfast. Additional visits and stays can be arranged as well as trains back to Paris with hotel. (B)

UPGRADE: Hotel La Villa Eugene for 830 euros/person in double or for singles add on 445 euros.

The trip includes: 4 nights lodging with all breakfasts, arrival orientation and bike setup, baggage transfers, cycling itineraries and detailed maps, local bilingual emergency support. We also include free travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more. Hotel is Les Berceaux in Epernay - a quality 3 star hotel in the center of Epernay; it has a gastronomic restaurant, bistro for casual dining, and quality rooms..Contact us for more info on the hotel...

Bike Rentals: 90 euros (click to view) Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included. Merckx racing bikes available also see Cycling Classics for specs under Rental Bikes. LaPierre tandems also available for rent on this tour for 205 euros. See link.

Scott Sportster P3 hyrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!

Additional Night Epernay: please inquire.

Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.

Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.