Highlights: Champagne, Notre Dame de Reims
Reims is not only the capital of the Champagne region, but also home to the cathedral where the Kings of France were crowned since 987 A.D. Come early to explore the incredible cathedral and taste champagne from the many Maisons de Champagne. We’ll meet this afternoon for a bike fitting and a quick spin into the vineyards. Dinner together tonight, with champagne of course!
Distance: Test Ride. Meals: D
Lodging: Grand Hôtel Continental
Meals : Dinner
Highlights: Bike paths; champagne tasting
We leave Reims on a bike path this morning pedaling over rolling hills through vineyards overlooking forests. The Montagne de Reims where much of the Pinot Noir grapes are grown, is also home to an extensive national park. This evening we’ll be back in Reims where we’ll visit a famous champagne producer and, of course, enjoy a tasting.
Distance: 65km (40 miles). Meals: B
Lodging: Grand Hôtel Continental
Meals : Breakfast
Highlights: Dom Perignon’s stomping grounds, Châlons en Champagne
This morning we’ll bicycle to the legendary birthplace of champagne. Dom Perignon was a Benedictine monk here in the 17th century and did make important advancements in wine making. Did he invent sparkling wine? Well that depends on who you ask. Our scenic route crosses through Hautvillers where he lived and worked, then joins up with the Canal a’ la Marne into lovely Châlons en Champagne. This charming town will surprise you with its medieval and Gothic churches and half-timber houses from centuries past.
Distance: 77km (48 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hôtel Pasteur.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Dijon
We’ll shuttle (about 3 hours) this morning to Dijon, another capital of an equally famous and delicious wine; Burgundy. Made with similar grapes as champagne, for many Burgundy is the epitome of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Dijon was also home to the Dukes of Burgundy. Burgundy was a powerful country in its own right until it was annexed by France in 1477. We’ll arrive in time for lunch and Dijon has a wide array of cafés and restaurants to choose from. After lunch, join us for a ride west of town, and then enjoy the afternoon shopping, or visiting the impressive Ducal Palace.
Distance: Your choice up to 70km (43 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Philippe Le Bon
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Bicycle through legendary wine villages
Today we’ll bicycle through some of the most famous vineyards and wine villages on the planet: Gevrey Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Nuits San Georges, Romanee Conti…vineyard country is synonymous with excellent cycling so it’s going to be a great day! We’ll enjoy an enlightening visit of the 15th century Hotel Dieu in Beaune.
Distance: 55km (34 miles). Meals: B
Lodging: Hôtel de la Paix
Meals : Breakfast
Highlights: Lunch, wine tour and tasting, Lyon
Today tiny country roads featuring immaculate vineyards take you out of Beaune and south towards Lyon. We’ll gather for lunch together and a wine-tasting with a small producer in Mercurey. After lunch, we’ll shuttle (an hour and 40 minutes) into Lyon, arguably France’s culinary capital.
Distance: 41km (25 miles). Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Hotel Sofitel Lyon Bellecour
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights: Lyon, guided tour of Vieux Lyon
Plan to stick around this morning and join us for a fascinating guided tour of Vieux Lyon before you head home.
Meals: B
Meals : Breakfast