Champagne Trails Cycle

On arrival in Reims, make your way to the hotel. We recommend taking time to immerse yourself in the art and history of the city. Reims is known as the 'Coronation City' and its Notre Dame cathedral remains one of the most important Gothic monuments in Europe. Particularly attractive are its numerous Art Déco districts typical of the 1920s. *Optional pre-tour excursion available: stay an extra night in Reims before your trip and visit ‘Massif de St Thierry’ (44 km, elevation gain +502m) by bike. Enjoy an amazing combination of forests and vineyards surrounding 15 wine villages! (supplement applies, please request when booking the trip).

Today's cycle will take you around the Montagne de Reims, following the prestigious tourist route of Champagne. En route you will pass by the wine villages of Rilly la Montagne, Verzenay and Bouzy. Finish this stage on the 'Véloroute of the Vallée de la Marne', along the river, before reaching the village of Aÿ. Elevation gain +400m/1312ft

Today's cycle along the Veloroute will take you between vineyards and charming villages offering magnificent views of the Marne Valley. Visit Hautvillers, home to the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, where the monk Dom Pérignon perfected his craft. Continue to either Baulne en Brie (standard hotels), one of the oldest villages of Champagne, or Reuilly Sauvigny (upgrade accommodation option). To Baulne en Brie elevation gain +650m/2133ft To Reuilly Sauvigny elevation gain +410m/1345ft or +565m/1854ft

An enjoyable day's cycle with time to discover the local heritage including the Gothic style church of Orbais l'Abbaye or the Renaissance style Chateau de Montmort Lucy. The route ends in the charming town of Vertus, one of the highest rated Premier Cru villages of Champagne. Baulne en Brie to Vertus (41km) elevation gain +440m/1444ft Reuilly Sauvigny to Vertus (58km) elevation gain +485m/1591ft

Leaving Vertus you will cycle to ‘Côte des Blancs’ and pedal along some of the classified Grand Cru villages on the slopes producing Chardonnay grapes. Discover typical villages nestled between the vineyard and the lush forest: Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger. Take a break in the nice small church of Chavot-Courcourt before continuing to Epernay. Elevation gain +410m/1345ft

The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Epernay.