Champagne Gateways

Day 1: From Château-Thierry to Baulne-en-Brie

Your journey begins in front of Château-Thierry train station. Within the first few meters, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the town, passing through Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, where you can admire the magnificent neoclassical building that now houses the cinema.

You’ll then ride past the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine, the famous French fabulist, who was born here in Château-Thierry!

Next, enjoy the superb panoramic view from the Chemin de Ronde high above the town.

From there, you’ll head east, following the Marne River for several kilometers along its delightful towpath. Before reaching Mont-Saint-Père, where another wonderful viewpoint awaits, the route will take you right into the vineyards, along small paths used by local winegrowers to tend their vines.

In the second part of the day, you’ll leave the banks of the Marne and follow one of its tributaries, the Surmelin. Here, you’ll pass through several peaceful winegrowing villages, cycling along quiet country roads. You’ll also ride past a number of Champagne producers’ estates — a perfect opportunity to stop and sample a glass (always in moderation, of course!).

Finally, you’ll arrive in Condé-en-Brie, a village rich in heritage: admire the old covered market, the historic washhouse, and the château, a listed historic monument built between the 12th and 18th centuries.

You’ll spend the night in Baulne-en-Brie, just a few kilometers from Condé-en-Brie.

Day 2: From Baulne-en-Brie to Charly-sur-Marne

On this second day, you’ll start by returning through the Surmelin Valley and passing again through Condé-en-Brie, before heading towards the Courboin plateau. Prepare for a long uphill climb to reach the plateau — but once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with the peace and tranquility of the Axon countryside for several kilometers.

You’ll then descend towards Château-Thierry. The route is designed to allow you to explore Château-Thierry once more — perfect if you didn’t have time for a full visit on the first day.

This could also be the ideal opportunity to visit the Champagne Pannier cellars, located in stunning underground galleries dating from the 18th century — an exceptional setting to discover every step of Champagne production, from grape harvest to bottling.

Château-Thierry is also the perfect place for your lunch break on this second day.

After your well-deserved pause, the route will take you once again along the right bank of the Marne River, heading east this time. Just after Essômes-sur-Marne, the path becomes less suitable for cycling, so the itinerary will lead you back into the heart of the vineyards. You’ll then head towards Mont de Bonneil — as the name suggests, another climb awaits, but you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley from the Bonneil orientation table.

After this scenic descent back into the valley, you’ll reach the charming winegrowing village of Charly-sur-Marne, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3: From Charly-sur-Marne to Château-Thierry

For this final day, after one last ride through the heart of the vineyards, the route takes you northwest of Château-Thierry, where the landscapes and agricultural scenery begin to change.

As you approach the Seine-et-Marne department, you’ll visit several charming villages rich in heritage: ancient washhouses, listed churches, and even 14th-century market halls, among the oldest in France.

Then, the last part of your journey takes on a particularly moving dimension, blending peaceful nature with powerful history. You’ll ride through an area where the landscape still bears the scars of World War I — and the poignant traces of those who came to liberate this land.

You’ll first cross the Belleau Wood (Bois de Belleau) — a name that resonates deeply in Franco-American history. Here, in June 1918, the U.S. Marines, alongside French troops, fought fierce battles against German forces. It was one of the turning points of the Second Battle of the Marne. Today, Belleau Wood is a powerful site of remembrance. You can visit the Belleau Museum and the American Cemetery, where nearly 2,300 soldiers now rest — a deeply moving place.

Continuing your ride, you’ll reach Bouresches, another village heavily marked by the war. Here, you’ll discover a truly unexpected gem: the Café de la Place. Every year, former Marines and their families come here to reflect, share stories, and pay tribute. Inside, you’ll find military medals, veterans’ keepsakes, paintings, and photographs — a living museum, lovingly curated by the owners. A warm and authentic stop along your route.

Finally, you’ll climb to the Côte 204, home to the American Monument overlooking the Marne Valley. Inaugurated in 1937, this impressive site — with its towering white columns — honors the American soldiers who fell in 1918. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the emotion is profound.

You’ll then descend back to Château-Thierry, where your journey comes to an end.

For this tour, the first night is planned in a 2-star hotel, with dinner at the hotel — the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing evening.

Breakfast is included.

On request, we can adapt the tour to include 3-star hotels instead (supplement applies / subject to availability).

At each accommodation, secure storage is provided for your bicycle.

Electric Assist Bikes (E-Bikes)

You will be riding Giant Explore hybrid bikes (or equivalent).

• Model: Giant Explore

• Motor: Yamaha Sport, 70 Nm

• Battery: EnergyPak 500 Wh

Versatile hybrid bike, designed to handle all surfaces with ease. Whether on paved or rough roads, dusty paths, or forest trails, this bike is built to take you anywhere.

 Base rate:

• Single room supplement: + €190

• High season supplement: + €30 per person
  (departures from 2 to 5 April , 29 April to 02 May, 06 to 09 May, 12 to 16 May, 21 to 24 May, and 1 July to 31 August 2026)

• Classic bike (non-electric) rental: + €60 per bike

• Electric-assist bike rental: + €120 per bike

• Child’s bike rental (for children under 1m50 / 24” mountain bike): + €50 per bike

Child discount (when sharing a room with 2 full-paying adults):

• • Ages 0–3: –70%

  • Ages 4–12: –50%

  • Ages 13–17: –30%

Base price includes:

• Introductory video presenting the tour and explaining how to use the app

• Access to the Roadbook for Discovery app, available a few days before departure, with a detailed tour description, route guidance, points of interest, and helpful tips
  (App available on all smartphones running Android 7 or higher and iOS 12 or higher)

• Accommodation in 3-star hotels, including tourist taxes and breakfasts

• Dinner on the first evening

• 7-day-a-week support during your stay

Base price does not include:

• Bike rental (electric or standard hybrid bikes available, various sizes and equipment included) — optional

• Lunches and dinner on the second evening

• Luggage transfer (not available for this tour)

Click here to request a detailed quote.

Please note: luggage transfer service is not yet available for this tour.