Best destination for cycling holidays

Champagne is well regarded in the cycling world for a reason - it’s a great place to explore by bike! Think vineyards and rolling hills to ride through, with champagne houses and cellars to visit for refreshments. But that’s just for starters, you’ll find plenty beyond the champagne tourist trail as soon as you get exploring… we’ve put together some tips here to whet your appetite, you might even develop a thirst for some bubbles too!

Champagne - land of beautiful countryside just waiting to be explored on a gravel bike!

Already popular with cyclists, with the Montagne de Reims, vineyards and tons of trails, the Champagne region has plenty to offer those who are in search of the trail less travelled and an adventure.

The Marne is a favoured département for all kinds of cycling, but the neighbouring Aube is just waiting to be explored. So if you’re looking to get off the beaten two-wheeled track, we highly recommend riding the gravel here, as recently seen during the 2024 Tour de France.

You'll love the chalk trails that wind their way through vineyards, the small characterful towns, not forgetting tastings in vaulted cellars and local specialities to try. Fizz and nibbles, a perfect combo!

Choosing Champagne for your next bike trip is choosing a timeless place that you won’t want to leave.

Why choose GravelUp for your next bike trip in the heart of the Champagne countryside?  

Our motto at GravelUp? Make sure every single gravel-ler has an amazing adventure, and leaves with lasting memories of an awesome bike trip. Here’s our tried and tested recipe for success:

• Custom routes: 

We go over and over our routes, and then over them again to make sure they include all the sights of the region, with great trails to boot. We work with local partners to ensure every route hits the spot, for a top quality trip. And our guides are on hand to adapt each day according to wants and needs of the group.

• Authentic accommodation:

All our accommodations are carefully chosen so that they are cosy, comfy and unique - just what you want after a day’s riding. We take real pride in finding each place as we know how important that good R&R is too. Our trips are all inclusive, so that you can relax and make the most of your adventure.

• Quality bike fleet:

Whilst you are, of course, welcome to bring your own gravel bike on any of our trips, we have high end gravel bikes available to hire from French brand Origine. Ideal if you don’t want the hassle of travelling with yours, or you don’t have a gravel bike yet! We have both traditional and electric bikes available - the carbon Graax (8.1kg) and the electric Help (12kg). Repeatedly voted Gravel bikes of the year, both models offer great performance and comfort, and the versatility needed for a successful adventure.

• Local and passionate guides:

Each and every trip we run is led by a local qualified guide, who hold the relevant guiding and First Aid qualifications. They are on hand not just to show the way, but also to share technique, knowledge and experience and ensure the smooth running of your trip. They are a fount of all knowledge and are best placed to help immerse you in the enchanting landscape and culture of Champagne.

Who is Gravel in Champagne for?

• How we ride:

Whether you are just starting on your gravel journey, have dabbled a little or are a seasoned graveller, here at GravelUp we have a trip that’s right for you! We have 3 different level and duration of trip so that there’s something for everyone. Riding gravel with us isn’t about racing around and being King or Queen of the Mountains, we start and finish together and make the most of all that’s in-between. So you can relax with zero pressure. 

• Where we ride:

We have both point to point and fixed base trips available, with daily distances ranging from 40-80kms. All our routes have been developed alongside the local tourist offices, Park authorities and sometimes the landowners themselves. Lastly our guides tweak the routes day by day as needed, depending on the weather, energy levels and the needs of the group.

• What we ride:

Almost everything is the short answer! Thanks to the versatility of gravel bikes, we take trails that are smooth, rough, flat, undulating, sometimes steep, wide, narrow - whatever best takes us into nature and whatever a gravel bike and the group can handle.

So are you ready to come explore Champagne with us?

If you fancy heading off on a bike trip to the Pyrenees get in touch to tell us about your project and see how we can help. 

And if you are interested in any of our guided group trips, then be amongst the first to find out about new dates and upcoming trips by joining our mailing list down below. Can’t wait? Then we’ve got plenty of trips already available in our Brochure. Get in touch for more info!