Champagne Cycling Tour

CHAMPAGNE CYCLING
BUBBLY BIKING THROUGH CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE CYCLING
SUMMARY
Uncover the secrets of champagne on two wheels as you meander through the
vineyards of Champagne. You can look forward to seven days of chmpagne,
gourmet food, peaceful countryside and charming towns and villages.
Every two seconds, a bottle of Champagne is opened and three billion glasses enjoyed throughout the world
each year, it is unquestionably France’s most celebrated export and probably the world’s most famous wine
producing region. Over five days of blissful cycling you will explore the vineyards, valleys, châteaux and cellars
of champagne, a region that is also home to five UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Your cycling tour starts in the historic city of Reims, home to ‘Notre-Dame Cathedral de Reims’. This Gothic
masterpiece was one of the first monuments to gain UNESCO World Heritage status and the site of the
coronation of Charlemagne and of nearly every king of France since the 12th century. Wander the tree lined
avenues and toast your adventure with a glass of bubbles and ‘biscuit roses de Reims’ which is traditionally
dunked into your champagne.
From Reims you will cycle on quiet roads and cycle paths in a large loop to the south of the city, visiting the
heart of the Champagne producing area and the gorgeous little towns which make this part of town so
delightful. Highlights include towns such as Bouzy, home to Grand Cru status vineyards, and Epernay which
houses the headquarters of the prestigious Champagne houses such as Möet Chandon and Perrier-Jouët.
Although cycling is great the real reason you go to Champagne is to indulge yourself! On your toddle through
Champagne you will have numerous opportunities to visit the vineyards, cellars and caves of the great
champagne houses (as well as some little hidden gems) for tastings, tours and to learn the secrets of
champagne production. Champagne is of course ubiquitous on every wine list in the region and it would be
rude not to have the odd glass over dinner.
Your self guided Champagne cycling holiday includes 6 nights accommodation in hand picked 2 star hotels
and B&B’s of character, daily luggage transfer, a personal welcome meeting and briefing, detailed maps, turn
by turn route notes, a comprehensive pre-departure information pack and emergency support from our local
representative. Bike hire, whilst not included, is of course available as an optional extra as are additional
nights and evening meals.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Relaxed cycling through the vineyards of Champagne
Tastings, tours and visits to the great Champagne Houses
5 UNESCO World Heritage sites including ‘Notre-Dame Cathedral de Reims’
Wandering down the Avenue de Champagne lined with nineteenth century mansions.
WHY CHOOSE US FOR YOUR CYCLING HOLIDAY IN CHAMPAGNE?
Our holidays are built around you and we are dedicated to ensuring that every last detail is taken care of.
Macs Adventure specialises in self guided cycling holidays. We understand what makes for the perfect
holiday; hand picked accommodation of character, interesting routes, great food and wine and seamless
organisation and this is exactly what you can expect on your cycling tour of champagne.
Tour: Champagne Cycling
Code: CFSPCC
Type: Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Price: See Website
Dates: March - October
Days: 7 Days (5 Cycling Days)
Nights: 6 Nights
Start/Finish: Reims
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Is It For Me?
Relaxed cycling through the magical Champagne countryside; a mosaic of Grand Cru
vineyards, imposing Châteaux, authentic
villages and of course not forgetting their
celebrated cellars – who wouldn't love this
trip!
What’s Included?
Accommodation: Four nights in handpicked
two star hotels & 2 nights in charming B&B’s
Meals: Six breakfasts are included. Lunch
and dinners not included but always available at your accommodation or nearby. If
you would prefer a half board option is also
available.
Luggage transfers: Luggage transfers are
included.
Information Pack: Detailed route notes,
maps and local information.
Local Support: Welcome meeting and
emergency phone support.
CHAMPAGNE CYCLING
BUBBLY BIKING THROUGH CHAMPAGNE
Located in the heart of Reims the hotel is a short
walk to the city’s main attractions.
ITINERARY
DAY 2
Code: CFSPCC
Days: 7 (5 Cycling Days)
Nights: 6
Day
Route
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Arrive Reims
Cycle to Tours sur Marne
Cycle to Epernay
Cycle to Vertus
Châtillon sur Marne
Cycle to Reims
Onward travel
Total Distance
Cycle to Tours sur Marne
Km
54
35
25
35
35
184
DAY 1
Arrive Reims
Your cycling adventure begins in Reims which is
only 50 minutes by train from Paris and 3 hours
by car from Calais.
Whilst Champagne continues to be its most
famous export, Reims is a city immersed in
history and culture boasting three UNESCO
World Heritage Sites. The highlight is certainly
the ‘Notre-Dame Cathedral de Reims’. This
Gothic masterpiece saw the coronation of
Charlemagne and of nearly every king of France
since the 12th century.
After settling into your charming hotel, wander
through the city’s streets soaking up the vibrant
atmosphere stopping at ‘The Place Drouet
d'Erlon’, the cultural heart of the city. Although
referred to as a square ("place"), it is in fact a
long, tree-lined, pedestrian avenue with
boutiques, restaurants, cafés, lively bars, as well
as several attractive statues and fountains - a
perfect place to stop and sample your first of
many flutes of fizz.
Overnight: Hotel Crystal** Reims
After breakfast jump on your bike and cycle
south towards Tours sur Marne through a
patchwork of vineyards dotted with the villages of
the Montagne de Reims: Chigny the Roses and
Verzenay. Verzenay is a charming village which
was partly destroyed during the First World War.
Today it’s main attraction is the lighthouse and
champagne museum. The village of Bouzy,
home to Grand Cru status vineyards, and
beautifully named is the next stop before you
reach Tours sur Marne.
Cycle: 54km / 33.5 miles
Overnight: La Touraine Champenoise **, Tours
sur Marne
For four generations La Touraine Champenoise
has been run by the Schosseler family and
provides a perfect peaceful setting situated next
to the river Marne. The hotel features 7
individually styled bedrooms and a restaurant
serving traditional French cuisine.
DAY 3
Cycle to Epernay
After breakfast your route takes you west through
the Regional Natural Park of Montagne de
Reims, famous for the intriguing ‘Faux de
Verzy’ (twisted beech trees) and an area of great
natural beauty.
Epernay, is the capital of the Champagne world
and offers perhaps the most enjoyable cellar
visits and champagne tasting in the region. A
highlight is the Avenue de Champagne which is
lined with nineteenth century mansions of
Renaissance and classical style, housing the
headquarters of prestigious Champagne houses
such as Moët et Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Mercier
and De Castellane.
Cycle: 35km / 22 miles
Overnight: B&B Parva Domus, Epernay
In the heart of Epernay and just minutes from the
most prestigious cellars, vineyards and
Champagne Houses, Parva Domus is a
charming bed & breakfast offering 5 unique
rooms in a large converted house.
DAY 4
Cycle to Vertus
Leaving Epernay behind you ride south towards
the region acclaimed for its chardonnay
production or ‘Champagnes Blanc de Blancs’
which is known for its delicacy, freshness,
finesse and elegance.
Discover the village of Vertus located in the Côte
de Blancs sub region of Champagne. It is one of
the highest rated Premier Cru villages of
Champagne, with over 500 hectares of vines,
and home of one of the major Champagne
houses: Duval-Leroy.
Cycle: 25km / 15.5miles
Overnight: Hotel Le Thibault VI*** Vertus
Ideally located in the heart of Côtes des Blancs,
Hotel Le Thibault VI, features 17 comfortable
bedrooms and a gourmet restaurant serving
regional dishes made from the freshest locally
sourced produce.
DAY 5
Cycle to Châtillon sur Marne
Enjoy a delightful ride east of Epernay in the
Marne Valley, where the wine grape varieties of
Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir dominate the
vineyards. The further west you go, Pinot Meuner
is in greater abundance.
Situated above the sloping vineyards lies the
authentic village of Châtillon sur Marne. Spend
the afternoon exploring and uncover the history
and traditions attached to this charming village.
Cycle: 35km / 22 miles
CHAMPAGNE
CLASSIC BORDEAUX
CYCLING
VINEYARDS, VILLAGES EN VÉLO
BUBBLY BIKING THROUGH CHAMPAGNE
Overnight: B&B Domaine du Moulin de l'Etang,
Châtillon sur Marne
A warm welcome awaits you at Domaine du
Moulin de l’Etang. A charming Bed & Breakfast
set in an 18th-Century building within 5-hectare
of gardens.
DAY 6
Cycle to Reims
After breakfast you can look forward to a lovely
day of cycling back to Reims through the
“Montagne de Reims” along peaceful roads
through stunning countryside. If time permits
enjoy a relaxing afternoon visiting the city’s
attractions that you may have missed on day
one.
Cycle: 35km / 22 miles
Overnight: Hotel Crystal** Reims
DAY 7
Depart Reims
accommodation in charming bed & breakfasts
and 2/3 star hotels. A warm welcome,
comfortable rooms, delicious food and personal
service are the hallmarks of the accommodation
we use.
Occasionally if the hotels detailed in the itinerary
are not available we may have to book you into
an alternative hotel of the same or better
standard. If this is the case we will of course let
you know before confirming your booking.
Breakfast is included each morning at your hotel.
A packed lunch is available from your hotel or we
would suggest picking up a picnic from a local
shop or stopping at one of the many cafes or
restaurants along the way, of which your
information pack has details.
Air: Paris is the closest airport (149km) and is
serviced by all major airlines including the low
cost carriers.
To give you maximum flexibility dinner is not
included but if you would prefer we offer a half
board option, which can be reserved at the time
of booking.
Additional Nights
If you require single rooms within your party we
would be happy to accommodate you although
there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Cyclist
Grade & Fitness
This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate and
includes five days of cycling of between 25 and
54 km each day. It is perfectly suited to regular
cyclists who are happy taking on some
occasional hills.
The route follows a combination of dedicated
cycle paths, quiet country roads and an
occasional section of busier roads (around larger
towns).
Accommodation
This trip includes 6 nights hand picked
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Getting to Reims
Single Rooms
HOLIDAY INFORMATION
You will need a helmet, comfortable cycling
clothes, as well as casual clothes for the
evenings. Your information pack will have a
detailed equipment list.
Meals
Your trip ends after breakfast.
We can add additional nights at any point before,
during or after the tour.
and removable handlebar bag with map case.
Child seats, trailers and bikes are available if
required.
This trip is available to solo cyclists, although
there is an additional supplement to cover the
extra costs that are not shared.
Baggage Transfers
Your main bag will be transferred between your
hotels each time you change hotels. We do ask
you to keep it to a maximum of one 20kg bag per
person.
Bikes & Equipment
Hybrid or road bikes are ideal for this cycle tour.
If you need to hire a bike our rental bikes are
high quality trek 21 speed hybrids supplied with a
puncture repair kit, pump, bell, lock, pannier rack
Train: Take the train from Paris (50 minutes).
Train times and fares can be viewed at SNCF.
Eurostar: Take the Eurostar from London St
Pancras to Gare du Nord in Paris and then the
train to Reims. Rail Europe is a good option for
timetables and booking.
Ferry: The closest ferry port to Reims is Calais
(3 hours).
We recommend www.aferrry.co.uk for a selection
of routes, timetables and fares.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
suitable travel insurance that covers you for
cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
CHAMPAGNE CYCLING
BUBBLY BIKING THROUGH CHAMPAGNE
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Availability
You can start this cycle tour on any day between
the beginning of April and end of October.
Price
Detailed up to date prices are available on our
website.
Included
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1 Night 3 star hotel accommodation
Every one of our tours is tailor made around you
so please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone
on +44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email:
[email protected] if you have any
queries and one of our expert team will be happy
to help.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
2 Nights B&B accommodation
6 Breakfasts
Personal welcome meeting on day 1
Luggage transfers between hotels
Detailed route book, maps and pre-departure
information pack
24 hour assistance by phone from our local
representative.
Travel to/from Reims
Lunches & dinners
Financial Security
In accordance with "The Package Travel,
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
to the country of origin for the passengers
outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd
Travel insurance.
Entrance fees, tips
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone
calls, extra transfers, tips, etc
Any items not specifically mentioned in the
programme.
Optional Extras
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When you are ready to book you can book
securely online at www.macsadventure.com or
by phone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886
3 Nights 2 star hotel accommodation
Excluded
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HOW TO BOOK
Single room supplement(s) if applicable.
There is no requirement for Financial Protection
of day trips, and none is provided. This
insurance is only valid for packages booked that
DO NOT include flights.
Consumer aware: Your booking is insured by IPP
Ltd and its panel of insurers. - This insurance is
only valid for passengers who book and pay
directly with/to Macs Adventure Ltd. For further
information please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk
Additional nights during the trip.
Half board (6 dinners) supplement
ABTA Member Statement
Bike Hire
Macs Adventure Holidays is
a Member of ABTA. ABTA
and ABTA Members help
holidaymakers to get the
most from their travel and assist when things
don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to
maintain a high standard of service to you by
ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information
on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the
arbitration scheme available to you if you have a
complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London
SE1 9EQ, tel: 020 3117 0581 www.abta.com