Champagne by E-Bike: Paris to Épernay

Your adventure begins in Paris, where you’ll board your floating hotel in the afternoon near the Seine. After meeting your captain, crew, and tour leader, settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome drink as you set sail. The barge cruises gently out of the city, offering a unique and scenic farewell to the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and bustling boulevards. By evening, you’ll reach Lagny-sur-Marne, a quaint riverside town at the edge of the countryside. After dinner on board, you’re free to take a relaxed evening walk and soak in the quiet charm of your first overnight stop.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll take time for an extensive e-bike fitting and safety orientation. Once you're feeling comfortable on two wheels, we set off on a scenic ride through the Marne Valley. The route offers both easy and moderate cycling options. Both pass by the elegant Château de Champs-sur-Marne, a beautifully preserved 18th-century estate surrounded by manicured gardens. You'll ride quiet backroads and riverside paths, with ample time for photo stops and soaking in the pastoral beauty of the Ile-de-France region. Return to Lagny for a relaxing evening and dinner on board.

Today’s ride kicks off with a gentle climb out of the Marne Valley—just enough to get the legs warmed up and let your e-bike shine! Choose between a direct riverside route or a more challenging detour that brings you through charming villages and wooded paths. Both routes follow stretches of Canal de l’Ourcq, a canal built by Napoleon to supply Paris. Arrive in Meaux, a town steeped in history and gastronomy. Don’t miss the magnificent Cathedral of Saint-Étienne and the chance to sample Brie de Meaux, the town’s world-famous cheese. Enjoy dinner on board and a peaceful evening docked in Meaux.

A choice of two routes awaits: a more direct ride along the forested hills of the Marne’s southern bank, or a longer route through Trilport and Lizy-sur-Ourcq, with a few hearty hills to conquer. Both routes bring you to the village of Jouarre, where a stop at the Fromagerie Ganot offers a delicious and educational tasting of Brie de Meaux and Brie Noir, a rarer aged version. Learn about centuries-old cheesemaking traditions from a passionate local family. Afterward, continue to La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, a charming riverside village and your resting place for the night.

Today’s route is a delightful blend of river views, woodland, and rolling farmland. After riding along the Marne, you’ll turn inland through a mosaic of small valleys and hamlets, eventually climbing to a wide agricultural plateau. The scenery shifts from vineyards to fields of wheat and sunflowers. A sobering but powerful stop awaits at the American Cemetery in Belleau, a major WWI site. Afterward, descend into Château-Thierry, a historic town named for its hilltop castle. It’s also the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine, France’s most beloved fable writer. Dinner and overnight in town.

As you enjoy breakfast, the barge cruises ahead to Dormans, where today’s ride begins. Now entering official Champagne territory, you’ll pedal among rolling hills and world-renowned vineyards. A climb to Châtillon-sur-Marne rewards you with jaw-dropping views of the Marne Valley blanketed in vines. Stop for scenic photos and vineyard visits before continuing to Épernay. Tonight, explore local restaurants on your own—perhaps try traditional coq au champagne or a plate of foie gras with a glass of the region’s finest.

On your final cycling day, head north along the tranquil canal to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay, then climb to Hautvillers, a postcard-perfect village perched on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Known as the “Cradle of Champagne,” this village is home to the tomb of Dom Pérignon, the monk who helped revolutionize sparkling wine. After a serene moment in the abbey chapel and optional tasting stops, return to Épernay. Spend the afternoon exploring Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand mansions and legendary cellars like Moët & Chandon. Enjoy a champagne tasting and toast the journey.

After one last breakfast on board, say goodbye to your crew and fellow travelers. Disembark by 9:00 a.m.—or linger in Épernay for one more glass before heading onward.