Freewheel - Paris to Epernay

Paris to Epernay

France

From £1,250 P/P

Enjoy a journey along the shores of the Marne, among the infamous Champagne region, where Brie cheese is produced and the battlefield where first World War were fought.

The highlight of the tour is Paris, “la ville lumière”, where you will take a guided tour.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

1. Individual arrival in Paris
Embarkation and check in at 2:00 pm, at the Quai d’Austerlitz. If you have the energy, this evening there is time for a wonderful walk around Paris with the tour guide.

2. Paris – Lagny-sur-Marnen (35 km)
Today you will head out of Paris, cycling along the canal de l’Ourcq. A bike path will guide you from the place de la Bastille (close to the mooring place of the Zwaantje), via the basin of la Vilette, to the banks of the l’Ourcq. This canal was built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte. It both provided the city with water and played an important role in transporting goods to and from the city. Today's destination is Lagny, a pleasant and small town along the Marne.

3. Lagny-sur-Marne - Meaux (25/45 km)
In Lagny-sur-Marne, you can head out on your bicycle for a ride, mainly along the Marne river and the canal that runs parallel. If you opt for the shorter ride, the first challenge comes at the hill near Chalifert. The barge will take the tunnel through the hill, but cyclists can test themselves, if they wish, by climbing over the hill by bicycle. On the longer ride option the first part is quite hilly, because you are leaving the valley of the Marne. Later you will follow the small Canal de l’Ourq to the city of Meaux, famous for its “Brie de Meaux” cheeses and the magnificent Cathedral St.Etienne. You will spend the night in Meaux.

4. Meaux – La Ferté-sous-Jouarre (30/55 km)
There are a few options available for your ride today. The shorter option leads over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley on the south bank of the river. You will cycle through pleasant woodland and small villages. The longer option stays in the valley of the river in the morning. You will ride through Trilport and Lizy-sur-Ourcq. Later you will face a few challenging hills, as you leave the valley in the direction of Jouarre. In Jouarre, everyone can enjoy tasting the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie noir cheeses, at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot. Dinner will be on board and you will spend the night in La-Ferté-sous- Jouarre or a nearby village.

5. La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Château-Thierry (45 km)
Enjoy a somewhat challenging ride today, that will take you from La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre to Château- Thierry. The first section will lead you along the Marne river. After a few miles you will reach a small valley marked by quiet villages and country roads. Follow the small river Clignon you will continue riding uphill until you reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. From here, you will follow the valley of the small river Clignon. En route you can make a stopat the large American WW1 War Cemetery and Monument, which is loacted near Belleau on the D82. Eventually, you will descend, until you reach Château-Thierry. Dinner on board and overnight in Château-Thierry.

6. Château-Thierry – Epernay (35/50 km)
The name of Château-Thierrry comes from the castle that was once situated on the slopes above the Marne. The ruins are still visuble and you will see them on your ride. The town has been the site of two important historic battles. One in the Napoleonic Wars wars between France and Prussia; the Battle of 1814, and also the Battle of 1918 at the end of World War I. Château-Thierry is also famous as the home town of Jean de la Fontaine, the famous fable writer.

You can choose today between a longer and a shorter bike ride. Entering the Official Champagne area, you will cycle along the Marne river or cruise to Dormans, a quiet village on the Marne with a castle and chapel in memory of the battle of the Marne. This area was an important battlefield during the First World War. You will see the Château de Boursault, a large castle built in 1848 by Mr. Cliquot’s widow, whose name (Veuve Cliquot) is known today as that of a famous Champagne wine. A ride up the northern valley slope, to the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne, may be tough, but will reward cyclist with a stunning panoramic view over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards. As there is no dinner on board toonight, you can select one of the local restaurants in town (dinner not included).

7. Epernay round tour (20/25 km)
The last bike tour is a half day's ride along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne river to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. You will return, via Dizy and have the chance to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat challenging ascent you will reach this picturesque village of Champagne. A highlight of the day is sure to be a visit of the chapel, where you will find the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon. According to local tradition, Dom Pérignon was in charge of the wine cellars of the abbey and was the first to succeed in blending various kinds of wine into a wine of superb quality. The typical of champagne production method of double fermentation is also attributed to him. Later, you will return to Epernay, and after lunch, you can make a visit the center of town. Together with Reims, Epernay is a major center of the Champagne region's wine production. The town itself features many town houses built in neo-renaissance style or classical style, which date back to the 19th century. This afternoon, enjoy a Champagne tasting and tour in a Champagne house on the famous Avenue de Champagne.

8. Epernay
Disembarkation after breakfast around 9:30 am and end of tour.

Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or warnings issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Route Overview

Route Overview

Route Map (For guidance only):

Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.

Difficulty: Medium - Challenging

Start Point: Paris

Total Distance: 255 km (approx.)
Getting There

Getting There

By plane
The best way to reach Epernay is by flying to Paris, which has 3 airports, Charles de Gaulle (30 km away from the point of embarkation), Orly (15 km away from the point of embarkation) and Beauvais (80 km away from the point of embarkation).

- From the airport Charles de Gaulle:
Take a train RER from Charles de Gaulle to reach directly Epernay. For further information please visit the website: www.voyages-sncf.com

- From the airport Orly:
Take the subway to Gare de L’Est. From here take a train to Epernay. For further information please visit the website: www.voyages-sncf.com

- From the airport Beauvais:
Take the bus line 30 to the centre of Beauvais. Here take a train to Epernay (1 or 2 changes). For further information please visit the website: www.voyages-sncf.com.

By train
You can take a train to Paris and from the station Gare de l’Est take a train to Eperay. Visit the website www.voyage-sncf.com for further information.

By car
You can park you car for the whole week at:
- parking Gare d’Epernay, address Cour de la Gare (near the station). Price for 7 days ca. 30 €. For further information: https://www.effia.com/en
- parking Rempart Perrier, 10 Place Léon Bourgeois, Epernay (near the station). Price per day ca. 15 €.
What’s Included?
What’s Included?

Included
- 7 overnights
- full board (breakfast, packed lunch and dinner - excluding drinks)
- accompanying material
- english speaking tour leader
- Champagne and Brie tasting
- use of bed linen and towels
- hotline service
Not included
- Transport to and from departure point
- 1 dinner in Meaux
- All drinks on board
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions
- Bike Rental and rental bike insurance
- Anything that is not mentioned under included
Bike Hire

Bike Hire
Hotels
Hotels

ZWAANTIJE

The Zwaantje (little Swan) is a new built passenger barge.

The cabins
On the lower deck, the Zwaantje has 12 comfortable guest cabins.
- 10 twins (7 m² – 75 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds
- 2 doubles (6 m² – 65 sq.ft.) with one double bed.
Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have ventilation, central heating, air-conditioning and a window. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.

The windows in the doubles can be opened, the windows in the twins are fixed for safety reasons.

Common areas
On the upper deck you will find the nice and cozy salon with heating, air conditioning, large panoramic windows, a restaurant area, lounge corner and a small bar. Wi-Fi is available.

The Zwaantje also has a very spacious sun deck with chairs and tables where you can relax, enjoy the scenery while sailing or join the skipper in the wheel house.

In brief:
- Passengers (max): 24
- Private bathroom
- Towels
- Air conditioning
- Wi Fi
- Hair dryer

Date & Prices

You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.

2021 Cycling Holiday Prices:

Trip	Date Band	Arrival Day
Trip 1:	29.05. to 05.06.2021	Saturday
Trip 2:	12.06. to 19.06.2021	Saturday

Category A Information:

Season	Prices per person excluding bike hire
Season 1:	£1250
Single Room Supplement:	£615
Rental Bike:	£80
Electric Bike Upgrade:	£175

Date From	Date To
29 May 2021	05 June 2021
12 June 2021	19 June 2021

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