Paris to the Champagne region 7-day Bike and Barge Tour

Paris to Epernay, 8-day/7-night Marne River Valley and Paris tour onboard a barge is a cycle touring classic that not only allows guests to explore the world-famous city of Paris, but also the Champagne region, famous of course, for producing Champagne wine. From the time the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon invented the bubbly drink in 1670 at the Abbey of d’Hautvillers, the Champagne name has been synonymous worldwide with the very best of sparkling wines.

On a daily basis from your base on board your floating hotel for the duration for the tour you will have the opportunity to cycle to boutique wineries, sample a variety of champagnes, taste delicious Brie cheese and generally discover everything the Champagne UNESCO world heritage region, which is centred on the towns of Epernay and Reims, has to offer. But more than just visiting the Champagne region, you will also have the opportunity to explore Paris, one of Europe’s most beautiful and beloved cities on a full-day guided excursion. Other highlights of the tour include a visit to the city of Meaux, well known for its Brie cheeses and a stopover in Château-Thierry, the scene of major battles in World War I. Along the way, you will cycle through almost endless vineyards on the rolling banks of the Marne River.

The tour ends in the city of Epernay, the real capital of the Champagne region where you will have the opportunity to visit one of the town’s massive champagne cellars. The cycling tours are fully guided, but cannot be rated as easy: you need to be a fit and competent cyclist. Every day you will cycle small country roads (short distances: unpaved or semi-paved roads and tracks) that go up and down the beautiful slopes of the wide river valley, through the hills and the Champagne vineyards. Cycling distances vary from 30 – 50km per day.

Accommodation:

On the lower deck are 12 cabins: 10 twins and 2 doubles. All with a bathroom, a window (can open only in the double cabins) and individual air conditioning. On the main deck, you can have a seat and a refreshing drink in the lounge corner of the cozy salon with its large panoramic windows. Or enjoy your breakfast and delicious three-course dinner in the adjacent restaurant area. And with a little bit of sunshine you should take a seat on the sun deck.

Tour Character:

The cycling tours are fully guided, but cannot be rated as easy: you need to be a fit and competent cyclist. Every day you will cycle small country roads  (short distances: unpaved or semi-paved roads and tracks) that almost all day have inclines and valleys through the hills and the Champagne vineyards. Cycling distances vary from 30–50km per day.  This tour therefore is more challenging than tours in (flat) Holland or Flanders.

Included in the Bike and Barge Tour:

• 8 days/7 nights
• 7 x breakfast
• Packed lunches
• 6 x 3-course dinner
• Coffee and tea on board
• Welcome drink
• Use of bed linen and towels
• Daily cleaning of the cabin
• Climate-controlled cabin
• Daily briefings
• Fully guided cycling tours (from 18 guest: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
• Some short walking tours
• Cycling map (1 per cabin)
• GPS tracks
• Use of a helmet
• Use of a waterproof pannier bag
• Biodegradable water bottle
• Fees for ferries
• Brie cheese tasting in Jouarre
• Champagne tasting at local producer
• Visit champagne cellar in Epernay
• Wi-Fi

Not included in the tour:

• 1 Dinner
• Drinks
• E-Bike rental (266 EUR)
• Transfers to/from the docking places in Paris and Epernay (info on request)
• Other transfers
• Parking fee
• Entrance fees & excursions
• Personal insurances
• Gratuities (at your discretion)
• Special diets on request/surcharges may apply
• SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person

Notes:

• Important remark: The cycling tours are fully guided, but cannot be rated as easy: you need to be a fit and well-practiced cyclist. Every day you will cycle small country roads (short distances: un- or semi-paved roads and tracks) that – almost all day – go up and down the beautiful slopes of the wide river valley, through the hills and the Champagne vineyards. Cycling distances vary from 30 – 50 km (19 – 31 miles) per day. Biking in the hills will not take too much effort, as a comfortable E-bike is available for all guests (not incl.).
• Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way.
• With 18 guests or more, the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by two knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days, the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and a more relaxed) cycling option. The option for a long tour is also depending on weather conditions and wishes of the group.
• When there are less than 18 guests aboard, the tours will be accompanied by one knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leader. During days when two bicycle options are possible, the tour leader will make a choice to guide the longer or the shorter option after consultation of the group. Not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the short cycling option.
• A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
• The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
• In case you prefer a day of rest, you can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.
• Not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the short cycling option.
• All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
• Parking own bicycle/E-Bike: it is not possible to bring your own bicycle/E-Bike, due to a lack of space on deck.
• Departure Thursdays

Arrival/ Departure:

• Transfer from Paris: Nearby the docking place of the boat you can take the subway, tram or train to the airports Charles de Gaulle Roissy or Paris Orly.

Slow Tours offers a number of other Bike & Barge tours in Europe

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