France: Floating Adventures Champagne | Active Journeys | France: visit the Champagne cellars in this bucolic, tippy tour!
Current Status: Check with operator.Â
Visit the distinguished Champagne cellars in France, learn from the master as they reveal the magical process — governed by the strictest of rules — that transform the world’s most pampered pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay grapes into this region’s most fabled wines. This cycling tour takes in the best of this fascinating region, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite the prestige of their vines, the people of Champagne, France offer a warm, surprisingly easy-going welcome, both in the stylish cities and along the Champagne Routes, which wend their way through villages to family-run cellars and vineyards.
Itinerary Highlights
Days 1-2: Check-in starting at 17:00, at the Quai de Bercy on the Seine in Paris. A Full day guided walking and public transportation tour to see the many highlights of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre and the Notre Dame cathedral.
​Day 3: During breakfast the barge will sail on the Marne river through the outskirts of Paris to Lagny-sur-Marne. Upon arrival guests begin cycling along the river canal and their first climbing challenge on the hill near Chalifert.
Day 4: After breakfast start cycling through the centre of Meaux, before heading off to the hills and slopes of the Marne valley and through forests and small villages on the southern and northern banks of the river. There will be me to visit the 16th C Château de Montceau, and enjoy a tas ng of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie noir cheeses.
​Days 5-6: Riding from La-Ferté-sous- Jouarre to Château-Thierry. Cycle along the Marne river or cruise to the quiet village of Dormans. A ride up the northern valley slope to the village of Châ llon-sur-Marne offers stunning panoramic views over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards.
​Days 7-8: Bike ride along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne river to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay, with a return via Dizy to visit Hautvillers, a picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. ​Disembark after breakfast at 9:00 near the train station.
Booking Info
ACTIVE JOURNEYS
- Phone: 800.596.5594
- Length/Departs: 8 days / check with operator for current dates
- Accommodations: Barge
- Price: $2,250 USD
- Difficulty: Moderate with hilly stages​
To learn more about this trip or to book it now, click here.
