Cycle the Wine Route of Champagne

If a visit to a prestigious champagne producer or cellar constitutes an unmissable part of your trip, uncovering the secrets of the vineyards and of wine, you will also ride through the 'other' Champagne following the Wine Route : more secret and intimate, whose rolling slopes are among the most beautiful riches the Champagne region has to offer!

Known around the world for its wines, Champagne is also a popular destination for cycling, offering an ideal playground. Ride among the vineyards and terraced hillsides where Champagne villages, chateaux, and churches are nestled. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards and picturesque villages. The winemakers' open their doors to you, for tastings and tours of the cellars. They will passionately explain their know-how while showing you around their property.

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Vaccination

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Weather

In Champagne, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy which makes it ideal for cycling. The winters are very cold, windy, and mostly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -0°C to 25°C and is rarely below -7°C or above 31°C.

The hottest month is July with daily average temperatures being around 24°C

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 2 (Moderate)
Average daily distance: 45km
No. of days cycling: 2
Terrain and route: The route takes you through quiet country lanes, through vineyards on well marked paths and sleepy villages. Well marked cycling paths are also used throughout.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and GPS route directions so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested that 12yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each day's cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please consider the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be high in the middle of summer.