Paris – Épernay by bike: in the heart of Champagne
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationIle-de-France / Paris
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AgeFrom 3 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions41.19 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
From Paris to the Champagne region, embark on a 3-day cycling adventure through heritage, gastronomy, and vineyards. Follow the Ourcq Canal to Meaux and its famous Brie cheese, then let yourself be guided by the Marne Valley to Château-Thierry, the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine.
Gradually, the Champagne hillsides come into view: Dormans, Châtillon-sur-Marne, and the Château de Boursault punctuate your journey before a champagne tasting. In Épernay, the iconic Avenue de Champagne and its grand houses offer a sparkling arrival in the heart of Champagne's wine-growing heritage.
Thanks to our optional one-way service, your getaway always moves towards the vineyards: pick up your bike in Paris, leave it in Épernay and savor every kilometer without having to retrace your steps.
The highlights
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Cycle through the heart of the Champagne vineyards to the legendary Avenue de Champagne
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Savor the local produce between Brie de Meaux and champagne tasting
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Follow the Marne between Château-Thierry, wine villages and Champagne hillsides
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision and/or the program will be adapted to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for travelers in normal physical condition who are used to regular physical activity. You don't need to be an experienced cyclist: the stages are designed to allow everyone to ride at their own pace and fully enjoy the route.
The difficulty level can vary depending on the distance, elevation gain, and weather conditions of each stage. Some cycling practice before departure is recommended to fully enjoy the trip.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 54 km
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Your guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️
Program
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From Paris to Meaux – 50 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 50 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The adventure begins in Paris, but the hustle and bustle of the capital doesn't last long. Follow the peaceful banks of the Ourcq Canal and gradually leave the city behind you.
Cross the Parc de la Poudrerie, a true green oasis along the route, then continue towards Claye-Souilly before reaching Meaux. Upon arrival, history and culinary delights await: discover the Great War Museum and enjoy a tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux at a local cheese shop. A first day that will immediately whet your appetite.
Day 1 -
From Meaux to Château-Thierry – 60 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 60 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, follow the Marne valley eastward. La Ferté-sous-Jouarre offers a lovely stop by the water before the road takes you through forests, fields and wide open landscapes.
Food lovers can discover Brie Noir, a local specialty with a distinctive character. Then Château-Thierry appears on the banks of the Marne. Dominated by the remains of its medieval castle, the town is also the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine. Take your time to stroll around: tomorrow, the vineyards await you.
Day 2 -
From Château-Thierry to Épernay – 50 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 50 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, the Champagne Route finally lives up to its name. Pass through Dormans and its castle commemorating the battles of the Marne, then gain some altitude towards Châtillon-sur-Marne: before you, the hills covered with vines begin to stretch as far as the eye can see.
The route then passes near the Château de Boursault, built in the 19th century for Madame Clicquot. A tasting at a champagne house allows you to discover the secrets of the region's famous sparkling wine.
A few final pedal strokes and you're in Épernay , the capital of Champagne. Park your bike and explore the Avenue de Champagne and its monumental cellars: it's hard to imagine a more sparkling arrival.
Day 3
Accommodation
Throughout your stay, you will be accommodated in 3-star hotels carefully selected for their comfort, hospitality and location suitable for your cycling route.
After each day of cycling, you'll enjoy a comfortable room to rest and recharge before the next stage. We prioritize ideally located accommodations, allowing easy access to city centers, restaurants, and main points of interest.
Access
Go to the starting point
Getting to the starting point from the train stations:
- On foot: From Gare de l'Est or Gare du Nord, allow 15 to 20 minutes walking time.
- By subway:
- From Gare du Nord or Gare de l'Est: Line 4 to Strasbourg - Saint-Denis station (5-minute journey), then a 5-minute walk.
- From Gare Saint-Lazare: Direct line 3 to Sentier station (7-minute journey), then a 4-minute walk.
- From Gare de Lyon: Line 14 to Pyramides then line 7 to Poissonnière , or Bus 20 direct to Porte Saint-Denis (approximately 20 minutes).
- The Bonne Nouvelle station (lines 8 and 9) is also a 3-minute walk away.
- Single metro ticket price: €2.15.
- By taxi or private hire vehicle: The journey from Parisian train stations takes between 10 and 25 minutes depending on traffic (between €10 and €25 depending on the station and traffic).
- From the outskirts of Paris: From the Boulevard Périphérique (Porte de Saint-Ouen or Porte de Clignancourt in the north), allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes to reach the centre of Paris depending on traffic flow.
- From Lille: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car via the A1 motorway.
- From Lyon: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes by car via the A6 motorway.
Price details
The price includes
- Hotel accommodation in single rooms
- Breakfasts
- Trip organization
- GPX track
The price does not include
- Luggage transport
- Transport to the meeting point on Day 1
- Lunches and dinners
- Insurance
- Bike rental
Options
- Mountain bike rental : CHF123.62 / unit
- E-bike rental : CHF192.00 / unit
- Gravel Rental : CHF175.17 / unit
- Bicycle repatriation : CHF126.24 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
The equipment mentioned is included as part of our bicycle rental service.
- Bicycle helmet
- Poncho
- Anti-theft
- Tire repair spray
- Phone holder
- Multi-tools
- 2 x 20L panniers
- Repair kit
Equipment to bring
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cap or buff
- Cycling gloves
- External battery
- Charging cables
Clothing to bring
- Cycling jersey or breathable technical t-shirt
- Windproof and/or waterproof jacket
- Thermal underlayer if cold
- Cycling shorts or bib shorts
- Long tights/over-trousers if it's cold or rainy
- Lightweight or thermal gloves
- Technical socks
- Buff / neck warmer
- Wear a hat under your helmet if it's cold
- Comfortable T-shirt
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight trousers or shorts
- Tights/leggings if it's cold
- Lightweight sandals or flip-flops
- Appropriate shoes
- Waterproof overshoes
- Rain pants
- Breathable waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and gloves