Loop bike trip in the Champagne wine region

You cycle out of Reims along the Canal de l’Aisne à la Marne to Sillery on a green cycle path that winds its way through the industrial zone. A perfect warm-up for your first riding day! After a short distance through the plain, you ride up to the hills covered with vines and gaze at the villages of Verzenay and Verzy nestled in the heights. You go from village to village on small roads and country paths through Villers-Marmery, Trépail and Ambonnay. You overnight in Bouzy (confort category/ 33km) or Mutigny (haut de gamme category/ 52km)

You start today by a long descent across the vineyard to the valley of the Marne. You reach a nice and flat cycle path along the side canal to the Marne. Exit the cycle path and take the detour to the village of Ay, where many Champagne houses and the Pressoria museum open their doors to visitors. After Dizy, you start climbing again on the hillsides and enjoy the breathtaking views of the wavy sea of vines and the valley. You ride through the village of Champillon and after another downhill and uphill, you reach Hautvillers, considered as the birthplace of Champagne. You go back to the valley and end your day in the prestigious city of Epernay.

This loop tour takes you across the wine area called “Côte des Blancs” at the south of Epernay, named after the white colour of its dominant grape variety “Chardonnay”. After the exit of Epernay, you bike for 2.5km on a dirt path across fields to reach Chouilly. From there, you ride on small country roads on softer hills enjoying a panoramic view of the valley below. Have a break in the circular village of Vertus mid-way before returning through the forest towards Epernay. You bike again along steep hills covered with vines, in the middle of which stands the charming chapel of Chavot-Courcourt, before proceeding into Epernay.

Cycle along the Marne river until Damery then uphill again surrounded by the vineyard. You reach the hilltop of Montagne de Reims covered by forest and go down on the opposite hillside through another wine area overlooking the plain of Reims. You cycle through Chamery, Ecueil and Sacy before crossing Reims and triumphantly arrive at the foot of the cathedral.

You leave Reims after breakfast. Take advantage of these last moments to make a last tour in the city center, without forgetting to leave the city with a box of the famous Biscuits roses of Reims !