Épernay Short Break

Arrive in Épernay and make your way to your hotel. After check in you are free to relax or head out to explore the town. Your roadbook, maps and local information will be provided by the hotel reception or local representative. Overnight in Épernay.

Ride through a landscape of vines and rolling hills on the Champagne Trail in the Marne Valley. The route offers frequent views across the river and vineyards. Cycle through Hautvillers, a charming village known for its Benedictine abbey, then continue to Cumières where a lunch stop in a restaurant carved into the chalk makes a memorable pause.

Ride on to Damery and visit its twelfth to thirteenth century church, home to an eighteenth century painting of the Madonna and Child by Watteau. Continue towards Venteuil with views of Château de Boursault before following quiet lanes through vines, fields and forest to Reuil. Return to Épernay on the opposite bank of the Marne.

Today explore the Côte des Blancs, home of the Chardonnay grape. Follow the Champagne Tourist Trail towards Pierry where you can visit the 18th Century château, storeroom and cellars. Pass Chavot Courcourt church, a 12th Century landmark standing alone among the vines, then continue through Cuis with its Romanesque church.

The route climbs close to the cliffs before reaching Cramant and its striking 8.5 metre Champagne bottle. Nearby Avize is decorated with frescoes typical of the region. Return via the flower-filled village of Oger, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, where a small museum celebrates traditions, love and Champagne. Finish the ride via Aÿ Champagne with time to visit the Pressoria wine museum before returning to Épernay.