France Active Journeys SelfSelf----guidedguided Bike tour

Tour descriptions

Day 1 Arrive Day 2 40 km To Tours sur Day 3 12 km Biking and Bubbly, Region To Eperney Day 4 25 km To Vertus Champagne has been associated with celebraon and luxury for hundreds of years. Over the centuries, the kings of that were crowned in Reims Cathedral would cele- Day 5 35 km brate with a glass of champagne. Over me, the sparkling fine wine was oen used as gis Challon sur Marne for royalty.

Day 6 35 km Champagne is a largely agricultural region celebrated around the world for the sparkling Back to Reims wines that have been produced here since the days of Dom Pérignon. According to French law, only bubbly from the region – grown in designated areas, then aged and boled ac- Day 7 cording to the strictest standards – can be labelled as Champagne. Depart The Champagne Route wends its way through the region’s diverse vineyards, taking visi- tors from one picturesque – and prosperous – wine-growing village to the next. A number of name-brand vineyards have achieved internaonal renown, but much of the region’s fine wines are made by almost 5000 small-scale wine producers, many of whose family-run facilies welcome visitors.

Tour Details If you've never been to Champagne before, we'd highly recommend it - especially if you're coming to Paris as it can be a great lile trip. If this is your first me to Champagne, you'll Daily March to October want to visit a few of the famous wine houses...you can sample the finest in except Fridays and Sundays the world. Expect to be dazzled! Aer all, you're in one of the most famous wine .

Cost: $1825 per person Fast Facts Bike Rental: $200 Includes : E-Bike Info : Single Supplement: $595

Length: 7 days / 6 nights • 7 nights accommodaon in charming • E-bike rental: $350 family owned B & Bs • Limited supplies available, reservaons Grade: Moderate with hills • all breakfasts, luggage transfers, de- required at me of booking Starts / Ends: Reims tailed route notes and maps • Local support if required

Acve Journeys Contact: 1-800-597-5594 or 416-236-5011 Email: info@acvejourneys.com ITINERARY DAY 1 Arrival Reims Coronaon City, Champagne town… Reims, is one of the main gastronomic centres of France. Discover the legacy of its glorious past. Explore the heart of the city, with three major Unesco Her- itage Sites. Take the me to explore the town centre which offers you both the elegance of its Art Deco facades, impressive cathe- drals and a relaxed atmosphere at its outdoor cafes. Guests ar- rive on their own to their hotel in Reims in the aernoon.

DAY 2 Reims - 45 km Aer breakfast, departure for Epernay through Tinquex cycling through the typical vineyards and villages of the Montagne de Reims: Chigny de Roses (village of Louise Pommery) , . Arrive at the end of the day in Tours sur Marne.

DAY 3 Matougues - Epernay 25 km Today we have a short and easy ride to Epernay, alongside the Marne canal. You will have me in the aernoon to visit some of the most impressive cellars in Epernay. The Avenue de Cham- pagne is the place to start your tour of the grand champagne houses. It is also the place to start a visit if you are not interested in champagne, because it is along this Avenue that many of the most impressive manor homes in Epernay are found.

DAY 4 Epernay - circular ride in the Marne Valley 35 km Today you connue your way to the east of Epernay in the Marne Valley, the region planted with grape variees of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. You will find Pinot Meunier the further you travel west . Along with the famous bubbles, the area is also home to the ancient cathedral in Reims, the historic town of Chalons-en-Champagne and two balefields from World War I. Reims Cathedral dates from the 13th century, replacing an older church on the same site that was destroyed by fire. There have been extensions to the church over me, and some of the im- pressive stained windows even date from the 20th century. The cathedral has an impressive history, being the coronaon venue for many Kings of France through history.

DAY 5 Epernay - circular ride in the Cote de Blancs 35 km Today you will visit the vineyards of The Côte des Blancs which is the home of the grape. Following Cthe hampagne Tourist Trail, descend towards you can visit its 18th C. châ- teau, and also Chavot-Courcourt church (12th c.), a solitary island of stone in an ocean of vines. Aer and its fine Romanesque church the trail will take you close to cliffs to reach and the small village of .

DAY 6 Epernay - Reims 55km Aer breakfast, you will discover the naonal forest of Hautvil- lers by passing through Avenay Val d’Or, Germaine back to Reims. So much to enjoy , so much to learn.

DAY 7 Departure . Tour ends aer breakfast.

What to Expect

What will the weather be like? Getting There The dayme temperature will be around 15 to 20 degrees or 65-75 degrees F. Sum- mer weather (July and August) will be busy and hoer, similar to Vermont. • Fly into Paris and take the train directly from airport or How many hours of cycling a day? Be prepared to ride between 4 to 5 hours a day. On rolling hills and quiet country downtown to Reims. roads. Lots of places to stop for drinks, coffee and snacks en route. • Take a taxi to first hotel.

How fit do I need to be? The fier the beer, but this is a fairly easy tour for hard core cyclists. The beginner will enjoy this, but there are rolling hills to climb but it will not be steep. You have been on cycling tours and can ride 35-60 km with slight difficules.

What are the hotels like? The hotels are lovely, charming, small French hotels. All will have a breakfast room, and many will have a restaurant for dinner. The hotels are chosen specifically for their ambiance as well as distance from previous lodging.

What will the meals be like? Breakfast in France is tradionally a connental breakfast, consisng of orange juice, bread or croissant, and fruit. Lunches and dinners are on your own.

Route Informaon: The hotel’s recepon will give you a tour package with instruc- ons and the essenals to have a successful tour on the day of arrival (road-book, maps, tourist informaon...).

How to book your holiday

• Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of our travel planners will walk you through the entire process.

• Download the reservation form from our site and send in com- Extra Services pleted form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent. We have a small selecon of hotels in Paris • A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 and Reims and Eperney for your arrival or days prior to the trip departure. Terms & conditions are outlined departure. in our Reservation Form. Extra night Reims $250 per double room. • Plan your air travel as soon as possible. Extra night Eperney $275 per double room.

• We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through If you would like to spend a few more days in us or a travel insurance provider directly.

France , please contact our office with your • Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us, request and we will be happy to help your for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and fitness extension . requirements.