Exploring the wine route by bike becomes an unforgettable experience in Champagne. The gentle terrain and charming villages are perfect for this. Thanks to the electric bike, everyone can enjoy an eco-responsible wine tour, without excessive effort and with a real pleasure for the taste buds.
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Why choose Champagne for a cycling holiday?
The Champagne region combines heritage, nature and great wines. It offers wine-lovers a chance to immerse themselves in a UNESCO-listed landscape. From Reims to Épernay, via the slopes of the Montagne de Reims, every detour holds a surprise. If you opt for an electric bike, you'll have easy access to the hilltop villages.
What's more, the infrastructure makes Champagne wine tourism easy. Many champagne houses open their doors to cyclists. Some even offer charging stations for bicycles. So much for ecotourism and responsible discovery.
Equipment: how to prepare for your getaway?
Before you set off, choose an electric bike suited to hilly terrain. Choose a model with a good range, at least 80 km. You'll also need panniers to carry water, a windbreaker and a few local purchases.
Next, you need to plan your route carefully. Specialized wine route maps make it easy. There are several signposted routes between Reims, Aÿ, Hautvillers and Épernay. Many agencies offer guided or self-guided tours, with accommodation included.
From Reims to Épernay: an emblematic route
The route between Reims and Épernay is an ideal loop. It passes through typical villages such as Rilly-la-Montagne and Verzy. Along the way, the hillsides offer breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards.
In Reims, the cathedral and major houses such as Taittinger are well worth a visit. A little further afield, independent winemakers welcome visitors for intimate tastings. The route to Épernay follows the classified hillsides. This town is home to many famous wineries on the Avenue de Champagne.
This tour offers a taste of both culture and bubbles. It fits perfectly into an eco-responsible wine tour.
Must-see stops on the route
In Hautvillers, the village of Dom Pérignon, the walk becomes a spiritual one. The flower-lined lanes and humorous plaques make this a charming stop. Most estates offer brut and rosé tastings.
In the Montagne de Reims, Verzenay and its lighthouse offer splendid panoramic views. The nearby Musée de la Vigne explains the secrets of the appellation. In Aÿ, historic houses such as Bollinger reveal their savoir-faire during fascinating tours.
These stages add richness to Champagne wine tourism. They show how the history of wine is intertwined with the history of places.
Eat local on your tour
Local restaurants line the cycling wine route. Some establishments, such as village inns or gourmet cellars, offer food and champagne pairings. You can even plan a picnic among the vines.
Local service providers deliver gourmet baskets directly to the routes. This reinforces the eco-responsible aspect of the trip. You can enjoy regional products without disrupting the logistics of the tour.
Don't forget to try Reims ham, pink cookie or Chaource cheese. These dishes go perfectly with the local cuvées.
Sleeping in the heart of the vineyards
A number of wine tourism-labeled accommodations welcome travelers by bike. B&Bs, hotels and self-catering cottages offer bike storage, recharging facilities and packed lunches.
Some wineries even offer overnight stays in the vineyards. You can talk to the winemaker, discover production methods and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It's the perfect combination of comfort and immersion in the world of champagne.
These options support an eco-responsible winegrowing holiday by limiting unnecessary travel.
Travel light with local services
No need to transport your bike from Lyon. There are electric bike rental companies in Reims and Épernay. Some even deliver bikes to your accommodation.
Luggage transfer services also simplify organization. You ride light, while your belongings are waiting for you at the next stop. Ideal for multi-day tours.
Thanks to these solutions, wine travel by train takes on a whole new meaning. You can leave light and serene, without a car.
Easy access by train from Lyon
From Lyon, it's quick and easy to reach Reims or Épernay by train. The region can be reached in less than 4 hours. The TGV Lyon - Champagne-Ardenne TGV line provides a direct route, or with a connection in Paris.
Once there, the stations are well connected to the cycle routes. You can start your journey without unnecessary transition. This choice of transport reinforces our eco-responsible approach, by limiting carbon emissions.
This makes Champagne wine tourism more accessible to all wine lovers.
Why choose an eco-responsible winegrowing holiday?
Sustainable tourism is winning over more and more travellers. Choosing to travel by electric bike or train reduces your carbon footprint. It's a way of respecting the vineyards while enjoying yourself.
What's more, electric vehicles enable a wider public to discover the hilly roads. This opens up Champagne wine tourism to new profiles: families, senior citizens and occasional enthusiasts.
This mode of discovery also encourages short circuits. You get to meet producers, consume locally and support the regional economy.
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