Day 1: ParisEmbarkation and check-in at 2 p.m. at the Quai de Bercy on the Seine river in Paris. After a welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader there is time for a walking tour through Paris. After dinner on board there is a first briefing about the barge, bicycles and tour program.
Day 2: Paris - Lagny-sur-Marne, approx. 35 kmYou leave Paris by bike via the canal de l’Ourcq. A bike path leads from the place the 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. The canal provided the city with water and played an important role in the transportation of goods to and from the city. Destination of today is Lagny, a nice little town along the Marne.
Day 3: Lagny-sur-Marne - Meaux, approx. 22 - 42 kmDuring breakfast, the barge will sail on the Marne River through the outskirts of Paris to Lagny-sur- Marne. The barge will pass the tunnel near Saint-Maurice, which is a very impressive experience. In Lagny-sur-Marne, you can take your bicycle for a first ride along the Marne river and its parallel canal. The first challenge is the hill near Chalifert. The barge will take the tunnel through the hill but cyclists can test their endurance by climbing and crossing that hill by bicycle. Today’s destination is the city of Meaux, famous for its "Brie de Meaux" cheeses and the magnificent Cathedral St.-Etienne. The barge will overnight in Meaux.
Day 4: Meaux – La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, approx. 30 - 52 kmAfter breakfast you will start your cycling tour through the center of Meaux, leading over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley and through forests and small villages on the southern and northern banks of the river. On the way, you may visit the Château de Montceau, construction of which was started by Catherine de Médicis in the 16th century. During the day you will enjoy a tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie Noir cheese. The boat will moor for the night in La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre or one of the villages nearby.
Day 5: La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Château-Thierry, approx. 42 kmToday is a somewhat challenging bike tour from La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre to Château-Thierry. The first segment leads along the Marne River. After a few miles, you will take a side valley and follow country roads along the small Ru de Bouillons River through various small villages and hamlets. Continuing uphill, you finally reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. Follow the valley of the small river Clignon. En route, there is the opportunity to visit the large WWI American War Cemetery and Monument near Belleau which covers 130.5 acres, and is the final rest for the largest number of US military dead in Europe, a total of 14,246. Most of those buried here lost their lives during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I. A lovely descent then follows to Château-Thierry. Overnight in Château-Thierry.
Day 6: Château-Thierry – Dormans – Epernay, approx. 35 - 50 kmChâteau-Thierrry owes its name to the castle that once was situated on the slopes above the Marne where remnants still remain. Château-Thierry is also known as the native town of the world-famous writer of fables Jean de la Fontaine. You will have the option to choose between a longer or shorter bike ride as you enter the official Champagne area. 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. During World War I, this area was the scene of intense battles. You will see the Château de Boursault, a large castle built in 1848 by the widow of Mr. Cliquot, who gave her name (Veuve Cliquot) to a famous Champagne wine. A ride up the northern valley slope to the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne rewards the cyclist with a stunning panoramic view over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards. Dinner on board and overnight in Epernay.
Day 7: Epernay round tour, approx. 17 - 25 kmThe last bike ride of this tour takes you along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne River to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. Via Dizy as you return to Epenay, there is opportunity to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat challenging ascent, you will reach this picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. A highlight is a visit of the chapel with the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon. According to tradition, Dom Pérignon (1638-1715), who was in charge of the wine cellars of the abbey of Benedictine monks, was the first to succeed in blending various kinds of wine into a wine of superb quality. Double fermentation, a method for the making of champagne, was also introduced by him. Reportedly, upon tasting his creation, he said, "Come quickly, I am tasting the stars." Once back in Epernay, after lunch, there is time to visit the center. Together with Reims, Epernay is a major wine center of the Champagne region. Three extensive wine regions meet here: the Montagne the Reims, the Côte des Blancs, and the Vallée de la Marne. Epernay has many town houses in the neo-renaissance style or classical style dating from the 19th century, especially around the beautiful Avenue of the Champagne where prestigious champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon are situated. The day ends with champagne tasting and a tour in one of the major Champagne houses.
Day 8: EpernayAfter breakfast, this unique tour ends! Individual departure.
