Champagne - Paris to Épernay by E-Bike

Welcome aboard in the heart of Épernay, the sparkling capital of the Champagne region. After check-in at 2:00 p.m., you'll meet your crew and multilingual tour leader, followed by bike fitting and a short test ride. In the evening, your guide will lead a leisurely stroll through the town center. Discover the elegant Avenue de Champagne, lined with 19th-century mansions and world-renowned Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Mercier. Dinner is served on board as the excitement of the week ahead begins to bubble.

Your first ride is a picturesque loop through some of the Champagne region’s most iconic landscapes. Cycle along the peaceful canal to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay, passing neat rows of vines and historic wine estates. A rewarding climb leads to Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon revolutionized Champagne-making. Visit the chapel where he is buried and enjoy sweeping views of the Montagne de Reims. Return to Épernay for lunch and a relaxing afternoon exploring boutiques, cafés, and—of course—a Champagne tasting in one of the legendary houses.

Cruise to Dormans in the morning, then hop on your bike for a scenic ride as you begin leaving the official Champagne region. Climb to the viewpoint at Châtillon-sur-Marne, where panoramic views of vineyard-covered hills await. Continue along the Marne River, through peaceful countryside and past sleepy hamlets. Today’s destination, Château-Thierry, has a fascinating military and literary history—it was the site of fierce WWI battles and is the birthplace of fable writer Jean de La Fontaine. Enjoy dinner and your overnight stay onboard in this historic riverside town.

After breakfast, set out through the verdant Marne Valley. Today’s route offers a blend of river riding, small winding valleys, and hilltop plateaus with farmland and forest views. Pause at the American War Cemetery near Belleau, a moving site commemorating those who fell during the Great War. Cycle along the Clignon River and descend into the charming town of La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, where the barge awaits. Tonight’s dinner on board is a chance to unwind and reflect on the region’s tranquil beauty and rich past.

Today's ride is a feast for the senses. Choose between a shorter route through woodlands and hills or a longer ride via Trilport and Lizy-sur-Ourcq, tracing the elegant curves of the Marne River. Both routes include a special stop at Fromagerie Ganot, a sixth-generation family-run cheese farm, for a tasting of Brie de Meaux and the rarer Brie Noir. Finish your day in Meaux, a historic city known for its Gothic cathedral and flavorful mustard. Dinner is on your own tonight—explore one of the many restaurants in the city’s vibrant center.

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Meaux’s charming streets before setting off along a flat and peaceful riverside route. The longer option includes a stretch along the Canal de l’Ourcq, built by Napoleon to supply Paris. Watch the landscape shift from countryside to suburban as you approach Lagny-sur-Marne, a pretty riverside town on the outskirts of Paris. Tonight is your last evening away from the capital—perfect for a glass of wine and stories from the trail shared with fellow travelers on the deck.

Your final ride brings you full circle into the vibrant energy of Paris. Follow the Marne River past picturesque parks and suburbs, stopping at the exquisite Château de Champs-sur-Marne—a former aristocratic residence set amid sprawling gardens. As you near the capital, the scenery shifts, and soon you’re cycling along the Seine River, where historic landmarks appear one by one. Arrive in central Paris with time to soak in the views and enjoy a celebratory final dinner on board your barge, now docked in one of the most romantic cities in the world.