Champagne and Paris by Bike and Barge

What's Included

• Accommodation
  6 nights on a Category A barge

• 7 breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches, 6 dinners Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. Dinner

• 7 nights accommodation aboard a Comfort category barge in a cabin with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. 10 of the compact cabins are configured with twin lower beds, while 2 of the cabins offer a double (French) bed.

• E-bike rental included with helmet, waterproof pannier and water bottle (regular bikes are not available this trip)

• Multilingual tour leader for fully guided cycling tours and daily briefings (2 tour leaders with 18 or more guests)

• Linen and change of towels as required

• Daily cabin cleaning

• Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening

• Coffee and tea on board

• Brie cheese tasting in Jouarre, visit a Champagne cellar in Epernay, Champagne tasting at a local producer

• Some short walking tours

• WIFI

• Emergency hotline

• Travel to and from Paris / Epernay

• Meals not listed as included, drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board

• Travel insurance

• A supplement will apply if you are booking a single cabin (we do not match single travellers)

• Entrance fees and excursions not specified

• Public transport tickets in Paris and to Lagny-sur-Marne

• Transfers not listed as included

• Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).

• Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR70pp paid locally on board. Vegans cannot be catered for on this trip

• Car parking

• E-bike insurance - payable locally EUR25 - further details of this Limitation of Liability (damage) policy are available on request

• Fuel surcharge - may apply, the amount due will be advised nearer to the departure date (approx 28-35 days before) and if due is payable on board. Allow eur2.5-6.50 per person per day.

• Items of a personal nature

What's Not Included

• Dinner on day 6 in Epernay (Paris to Epernay) or day 5 in Meaux (Epernay to Paris), drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board

• Travel insurance - mandatory

• Transfers not specified

• Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten free diets - EUR50pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. See below for further details regarding catering for dietary requirements.

• Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.

• Bike insurance - payable locally (EUR10 for standard bikes and EUR25 for e-bikes) - further details of this Limitation of Liability (damage) policy are available on request

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Grading

MODERATE – GRADE 3
The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 19 to 52km (11.8 to 32mi) along undulating usually well graded low traffic roads. Cycling in the hills will be comfortable as E-bikes are reserved for all guests. There are some short stretches on some busier roads and off-road bike paths. The cycling includes ups and downs every day through the beautiful wide river valley, hills and the Champagne vineyards - between 50 and 400m (164 and 1312ft) (aggregate) difference in altitude per day. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. A good level of fitness and cycling experience is required to fully participate in this trip.

Mode of Transport

Travel by e-bike through the scenic Champagne region, with all necessary equipment provided, including helmet, waterproof pannier, and water bottle. The barge will transport you along the Marne River, with cycling routes starting from various points.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 or 7 nights aboard a Comfort category barge with ensuite facilities in twin share cabins. The barge features 10 compact cabins with twin lower beds and 2 cabins with a double (French) bed.