©Hautvillers Tourist Office - Heart of Champagne
Echapée douce
en Champagne
A two-day adventure to explore the vineyards at your own pace and discover all the hidden gems of the region.
This loop starts in Aÿ, but you can choose the town that suits you best depending on your preferences or accommodation. Over 79.7 km, the route alternates between vineyards, picturesque villages, and exceptional panoramas, giving you time to savor each stage, enjoy gourmet breaks, and fully experience the Champagne region.
2 days
79.7 km D 888m
A two-day cycling getaway in the heart of Champagne
Day 1
39.7 km 1h30 D 366 m
Between vineyards and the Marne Valley
From Aÿ-Champagne , a designated "Petite Cité de Caractère®" (Small Town of Character), your adventure begins gently as you wander through its narrow streets. Very quickly, the landscape opens up to the hillsides of the Champagne vineyards. Following the Chemin de la Brèche (Breach Path) and the Voie aux Vaches (Cow Path), you cycle through a peaceful setting.
©Chilowé
The route then climbs towards Mutigny , offering magnificent panoramic views of the vineyards. You continue towards Mareuil-sur-Aÿ before reaching one of the route's iconic landmarks: Notre-Dame du Gruguet.
©Chilowé
After this interlude, the route descends back into the valley to join the cycle path along the canal. In a soothing atmosphere, between the reflections of the water and the coolness of the trees, you cross Bisseuil, Tours-sur-Marne and Condé-sur-Marne.
The end of the day takes you back to the heart of renowned wine regions. Ambonnay and then Bouzy are essential stops. The latter is famous for its Bouzy Rouge, a still wine made from Pinot Noir grapes.
Between charming villages and rolling landscapes, you reach Val de Livre , Fontaine-sur-Aÿ and then Avenay-Val-d'Or , an ideal stop to enjoy a relaxing evening (accommodation on site but no catering) or Aÿ-Champagne .
©Chilowé
©Chilowé
Day 2
40 km 1h30 D 522m
Forests, heritage and panoramas
Starting from Aÿ-Champagne , you take the road towards Avenay-Val-d'Or before heading up the slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Gradually, the vineyard landscapes give way to a more wooded atmosphere.
After a climb, you reach Germaine , then cross the forest towards Saint-Imoges and Nanteuil-la-Forêt , in the heart of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park. This section offers a true immersion in nature, between winding roads and the coolness of the undergrowth.
_edited_edited.jpg)
©Chilowé
Light reappears as you approach Hautvillers , an iconic village considered the birthplace of Champagne. It was here that Dom Pierre Pérignon, a key figure in Champagne history, lived. A pause is essential to discover its picturesque streets, its heritage, and its remarkable views over the valley.
©A. GARILLON
The route continues with a descent into the valley, before a final climb to Champillon . At the summit, an exceptional panorama unfolds before you, revealing the Marne Valley and the vineyards stretching all the way to Épernay.
Passing through Dizy , the return to Aÿ-Champagne concludes this two-day loop, rich in discoveries and emotions, between vineyards, forests and authentic villages.
