Day 1: Epernay round tour, approx. 19 - 26 km
Embarkation and check-in at 11 am in Epernay. After the welcome by the captain, it’s time for a first bike ride. This route takes you along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne to Ay and Mareuil-sur Ay. Return via Dizy to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat strenuous climb, you will reach the picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. A highlight here is a visit to the chapel with the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon. Bike ride back to Epernay. After lunch, a visit to the center of Epernay is on the agenda. Together with Reims, Epernay forms the wine center of the Champagne Champagne region, where three wine regions meet: the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. You will visit together one of the prestigious champagne houses (visit included).
Day 2: Epernay – Dormans – Château-Thierry, approx. 35 - 50 km
Today you can take a longer or a shorter bike tour. All cyclists start in Epernay and ride along the Marne to Dormans. The last 200-300m challenging ride up to the northern valley slopes to the village of Châtillon-sur Marne rewards the sporty cyclist with a breathtaking view over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards. Continue along the Marne to Dormans, a small town with a small castle and a chapel commemorating the Battle of the Marne. This is where the short tour ends: you can board the boat. The longer tour continues to Château-Thierry.
Day 3: Château-Thierry – La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre, approx. 40 - 44 km
Take on a more challenging bike ride today from Château-Thierry to La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre. The first part of the route leads along the Marne. After a few kilometers, you take a side valley and ride along country roads through small villages and small forest sections. The road continues uphill until you finally reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. The side valleys are rather wooded, while on the plateau agriculture is predominant. Follow the valley of the small stream Ru de Bouillons to the long descent to La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre. The last part of the route runs along the Marne. Easier and slightly shorter variant completely through the river valley of the Marne.
Day 4: La Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Meaux, approx. 30 - 52 km
Today’s route runs over the hills and slopes of the Marne Valley, through groves and small towns on the southern and northern banks of the river. On the way you can still visit the remaining buildings of the Château de Montceau, acquired in the 16th century by Catherine de Médicis. During the day, there is also sure to be an opportunity to taste the famous Brie cheese and black ’Brie noir’. Last part of your bike tour through the beautiful city center of Meaux, known for its ’Brie de Meaux’ and the imposing St.-Etienne Cathedral.
Day 5: Meaux – Lagny-sur-Marne, approx. 24 - 45 km
After breakfast, your bike tour begins, first passing through the beautiful old town of Meaux. Afterwards you will mainly cycle along the Marne and its parallel canal. On the longer tour you follow the picturesque Canal de l’Ourcq, which Napoleon ordered to be able to transport wood, grain and fresh water by ship to Paris. In the afternoon, you will reboard the ship in Lagny-sur-Marne, an outskirt of Paris.
Day 6: Lagny-sur-Marne – Paris, approx. 38 - 51 km
Today you cycle further along the Marne. After about 10 km you will pass the Champs-sur-Marne chateau. The Château of Champs-sur-Marne is characteristic of the vacation residences built in the countryside in the 18th century, which created a whole new style of living. It is one of the most splendidly furnished châteaux of the Ile-de-France. After the tour, you will come back on board the ship. In the afternoon you will have time to explore the center of Paris (transfer not included).
Day 7: Paris
Disembarkation after breakfast by 9 am and individual departure or extension in Paris.