Champagne and Paris by Bike and Barge
Champagne and Paris by Bike and Barge
8 Days Starting in Paris (or Epernay) and ending in Epernay, France
Visiting: Paris, Lagny-sur-Marne, Meaux, La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, Château-Thierry, Epernay
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CBU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
16 - 24
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of France with the "Champagne and Paris by Bike and Barge" tour. Discover the magic of Paris on a full-day guided excursion before setting off on an e-bike adventure through the picturesque Champagne region. Explore charming small towns and villages, and indulge in local wine tastings. Enjoy the comfort and hospitality of a barge as you cycle to historic destinations like Meaux, La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, and Château-Thierry. Visit Epernay, a major center of the Champagne region, and savor the exquisite flavors of Brie cheese and Champagne. This tour offers a perfect blend of cycling, culture, and culinary delights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Embarkation In Lagny-Sur-Marne (Paris) (38Km/23.7Mi)
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Comfort category barge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Arrive Paris and make your own way to the barge in Lagny-sur-Marne, on the outskirts of Paris. Embarkation and check-in is at 11.00am. Your final documents will note the embarkation point for your departure.
Meet your guide and crew, and when all passengers are on board there will be a short welcome briefing. You then head off on the first cycle stage, a loop ride to explore the region (includes a packed lunch).
Day 2 : Loop Cycle At Lagny-Sur-Marne (22 Or 42Km/13 Or 26Mi)
Location: Lagny-sur-Marne
Accommodation Name: Comfort category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning after the bike fitting and once everyone is comfortable, we will set off on our first bike ride along the Marne River. One option follows the river, the other is a little more challenging. You will pass the castles of Champs-sur-Marne and cycle through the surrounding gardens. The Château de Champs-sur-Marne is typical of the residences built in the countryside in the 18th century, which gave rise to a new style of living. It is one of the most magnificently furnished castles in the Ile-de-France.
Day 3 : Cycle To Meaux, Famous For Its 'Brie De Meaux' Cheese (22 Or 42Km/13 Or 26Mi)
Location: Meaux
Accommodation Name: Comfort category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Lagny there are two options which both initially having an uphill. The shorter option's first challenge is the hill near Chalifert. The barge will take the tunnel through the hill, but cyclists can test their fitness for the first time by climbing and crossing the hill by bicycle. Also on the longer option the first part is quite hilly because you have to leave the valley of the Marne. Later we will follow the small Canal de l’Ourq that was built by Napoleon to transport wood, grain and fresh water to Paris. Today’s destination is the city of Meaux, famous for its brie and the magnificent Cathedral St.-Etienne. Overnight in Meaux.
Day 4 : Cycle Along The Marne To La Ferté-Sous-Jouarre (27 Or 52Km/16 Or 32Mi)
Location: La Ferté-sous-Jouarre
Accommodation Name: Comfort category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we will start our cycling tour. There are options today. The shorter route leads over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley on the south bank of the river, through forests and small villages. The longer route stays in the river valley in the morning with a ride through Trilport and Lizy-sur-Ourcq. Later there are a few challenging hills, in the direction of Jouarre. In Jouarre, we can enjoy a nice presentation and tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie noir cheeses at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot. Dinner on board and overnight in La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre or a nearby village.
Day 5 : Continue Cycle To Château-Thierry (40 Or 44Km/24 Or 26Mi)
Location: Château-Thierry
Accommodation Name: Comfort category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a somewhat challenging day from La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre to Château-Thierry. The first part leads along the Marne river. After a short time we will take a side valley and follow country roads along the small river through various small villages and hamlets. Continue riding uphill until we finally reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. The side valleys are mainly covered with forest, and agriculture is predominant on the plateau. Follow the valley of the small river Clignon. Along the way we can visit the large WW1 American War Cemetery and Monument near Belleau on the D82. Start our descent to Château-Thierry. Dinner on board and overnight in Château-Thierry. Château-Thierry owes its name to the castle that once was situated on the slopes above the Marne, remnants of which can still be seen today. The town was the site of two important battles: the Battle of 1814 in the Napoleonic Wars between France and Prussia, and the Battle of 1918 at the end of WW1. It is also known as the native town of Jean de la Fontaine, the writer of fables.
Day 6 : Enter The Champagne Area And Cycle To Epernay (35 Or 50Km/19 Or 31Mi)
Location: Epernay
Accommodation Name: Comfort category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we will enter the official Champagne area. During breakfast the barge will take us to the lock of Mont St Pierre, from where we'll commence cycling, or cruise further upstream to Dormans. Dormans is a quiet village on the Marne with a castle and chapel in memory of the battle of the Marne. During World War I this area was the scene of intense battles. Along the way is the Château de Boursault, built in 1848 by the widow of Mr Cliquot, who gave her name to the famous Champagne house (Veuve Cliquot). Dinner is at leisure tonight, you are free to choose one of the many restaurants in Epernay.
Day 7 : Vineyard Cycle, Visit Epernay + Champagne Houses (19 Or 26Km/11 Or 16Mi)
Location: Epernay
Accommodation Name: Comfort category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning cycle tour takes us along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne river to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. Return via Dizy to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat challenging ascent we will reach this picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. A highlight is a visit of the chapel with the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon. According to tradition, Dom Pérignon (1638-1715), who was in charge of the wine cellars of the abbey of Benedictine monks, was the first to succeed in blending various kinds of wine into a wine of superb quality. He also introduced double fermentation, a characteristic for the making of champagne. Return by bike to Epernay. After lunch, visit the centre of Epernay. Together with Reims, Epernay is the major wine centre of the Champagne region, where three extensive wine regions meet: the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. Epernay has many town houses in neo-renaissance or classical style dating from the 19th century, especially around the beautiful Avenue de Champagne where prestigious champagne houses are located such as Moët & Chandon and Mercier. We will visit one of the major Champagne houses for a tour and Champagne tasting.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes After Breakfast In Epernay
Location: Epernay
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast by 9:00am. Disembark near the train station in Epernay.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights on a Category A barge -
7 breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches, 6 dinners Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. Dinner
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7 nights accommodation aboard a Comfort category barge in a cabin with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. 10 of the compact cabins are configured with twin lower beds, while 2 of the cabins offer a double (French) bed.
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E-bike rental included with helmet, waterproof pannier and water bottle (regular bikes are not available this trip)
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Multilingual tour leader for fully guided cycling tours and daily briefings (2 tour leaders with 18 or more guests)
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Linen and change of towels as required
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Daily cabin cleaning
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Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
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Coffee and tea on board
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Brie cheese tasting in Jouarre, visit a Champagne cellar in Epernay, Champagne tasting at a local producer
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Some short walking tours
What's Not Included
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Dinner on day 6 in Epernay (Paris to Epernay) or day 5 in Meaux (Epernay to Paris), drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board
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Transfers not specified
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Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten free diets - EUR50pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. See below for further details regarding catering for dietary requirements.
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Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
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Bike insurance - payable locally (EUR10 for standard bikes and EUR25 for e-bikes) - further details of this Limitation of Liability (damage) policy are available on request
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 19 to 52km (11.8 to 32mi) along undulating usually well graded low traffic roads. Cycling in the hills will be comfortable as E-bikes are reserved for all guests. There are some short stretches on some busier roads and off-road bike paths. The cycling includes ups and downs every day through the beautiful wide river valley, hills and the Champagne vineyards - between 50 and 400m (164 and 1312ft) (aggregate) difference in altitude per day. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. A good level of fitness and cycling experience is required to fully participate in this trip.
Mode of Transport
Travel by e-bike through the scenic Champagne region, with all necessary equipment provided, including helmet, waterproof pannier, and water bottle. The barge will transport you along the Marne River, with cycling routes starting from various points.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 or 7 nights aboard a Comfort category barge with ensuite facilities in twin share cabins. The barge features 10 compact cabins with twin lower beds and 2 cabins with a double (French) bed.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
E-bikes are provided for the tour, along with a helmet, waterproof pannier, and water bottle. Regular bikes are not available for this trip.
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What meals are included during the tour?
For the 2024 tour, 6 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, and 5 dinners are included. For the 2025 tour, 7 breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches, and 6 dinners are included. Continental breakfasts are served, and at breakfast, you will prepare your packed lunch for the day.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
Accommodation is aboard a Comfort category barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. In 2024, 6 nights are included, and in 2025, 7 nights are included. The barge has 10 compact cabins with twin lower beds and 2 cabins with a double (French) bed.
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Are there any guided tours or briefings included?
Yes, there is a multilingual tour leader for fully guided cycling tours and daily briefings. If there are 18 or more guests, there will be 2 tour leaders.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Paris and make your own way to the barge in Lagny-sur-Marne. Embarkation and check-in are at 11:00 am. After meeting your guide and crew, there will be a short welcome briefing, followed by the first cycle stage, a loop ride to explore the region.
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What kind of cycling routes can I expect?
The cycling routes vary in distance and difficulty, ranging from 19 to 52 km (11.8 to 32 mi) per day. The routes include undulating, usually well-graded low traffic roads, with some short stretches on busier roads and off-road bike paths. The terrain includes hills, river valleys, and vineyards.
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Is there any special equipment I need to carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Are there any special tastings or visits included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Brie cheese tasting in Jouarre, a visit to a Champagne cellar in Epernay, and a Champagne tasting at a local producer. Additionally, there are some short walking tours.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
The tour concludes after breakfast by 9:00 am. You will disembark near the train station in Epernay.
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Is there WiFi available on the barge?
Yes, WiFi is available on the barge.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.