5-day Bike Trip in Champagne: The Essentials of Reims and Épernay

Groups can be from 2 to 14.

Yes. Riders must be 18 by the beginning of the tour to participate.

Yes, the bikes available to hire on this tour are modern aluminium framed, hybrid models with 24 speeds and a comfortable saddle, offering an upright riding position. The bikes come equipped with rear pannier, handlebar bag, lock, repair kit, and map holder.

Electric bikes are also available to hire.

The tour operator suggests you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets can be hired for an additional fee.

This is a trip for those who have a reasonable level of fitness and are used to cycling daily. To make the best champagnes, the grapes have to be grown on slopes, so be prepared for some hills along the way!

Daily distance will be 35-60km. You will mostly cycle on asphalt vineyards roads, countryside roads and cycle patgs. No traffic roads on this tour.

The tour starts and ends in Reims. You can fly to Paris then take the train from Paris-Est to Reims. Paris is approximately 148 km (92 mi) from Reims.

Arrival by Train

• There are two train stations in Reims - one for high-speed trains (TGV), the other one in the city centre (regular trains)
• If arriving from the high-speed train station (Gare TGV Champagne-Ardenne in Bézanne):
  - You can take a train from the TGV’s station to Reims train station (about 15mn – ~3€)
  - You can take the tramway – line B to Reims city centre - Stop at the train station (about 30mn - ~2€)
• Reims train station is about 5 mins away on foot from hotels
• There is a taxi station at the train station if needed

Parking in Reims
None of the hotels have a private carpark. Guarded pay carparks are available in town.

If you are travelling solo or would like your own room then a single supplement is payable.

Half-board refers to dinners, typically featuring 3-course meals (starter, main course, dessert) at local restaurants. Drinks and extras are not included and should be paid directly at the restaurant. Dinners are usually scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

These meals are reserved at set times to ensure quality service. You will receive vouchers in your welcome pack, which must be presented at each restaurant. For this tour, four dinners are included if the half-board supplement will be availed.

Helmets are provided if you rent a bike with the tour operator. But you can always bring your own helmet if you wish.

A welcome briefing will be held at your first hotel at the start of the tour. During this meeting, any pre-booked bikes and your travel folder will be provided. The folder includes:

❖ Vouchers
❖ Luggage tags
❖ Roadbook
❖ Hotel list
❖ Tourist information

Ride With GPS App
The Ride With GPS app will be used to help you navigate your itinerary throughout the tour. One month before departure, you’ll receive a link giving you access to your full itinerary within the app, including detailed daily routes.

Please note that most rides begin and end in the town centre, and not directly at your hotel. Printed maps in your travel folder will help you get between your hotel and the route start/end points. The Ride With GPS app can also guide you from your hotel to the start of the ride, and back again at the end of the day.

The app will be introduced and explained during the welcome briefing.

Arrival Information
It is recommended to arrive on the first day in the late afternoon. Hotel rooms are typically available from 3:00 PM (this applies to all hotels on the tour).

The welcome briefing is usually scheduled around 6:00 PM at the first hotel

Luggage transfer is available as an optional service for an additional fee. If booked, your luggage will be transported between each hotel throughout your trip.

Please attach the provided luggage tags securely to each bag, and ensure the main booking name is clearly written on every tag.

Place your luggage at the hotel reception each morning before 9:00 AM. Delivery to your next hotel will be by 5:00 PM, though it often arrives earlier in the afternoon.

Each bag should not exceed 20 kg. We recommend one main bag (around 15 kg) and one smaller bag (around 5 kg).

Keep all important items—such as documents, cash, medication, and valuables—with you at all times.

It’s a good idea to carry essentials in your daypack, such as water, snacks, or a change of clothes, in case your luggage arrives later or weather conditions change unexpectedly.