From Reims Full day Electric bike Champagne and lunch

Imagine cycling through the rolling vineyards of Champagne, with the wind in your hair and a glass of bubbly in hand. That’s essentially what this full-day electric bike tour in Reims offers — a chance to explore UNESCO-listed vineyards, visit historic champagne houses, and enjoy a hearty French lunch, all at a relaxed pace. The tour is designed to give you a taste of the region’s beauty, history, and craftsmanship, all with the convenience of electric bikes that make the riding easy and enjoyable.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines outdoor activity with culture — you get to cycle past the picturesque villages and learn about Champagne’s wine-making process from knowledgeable guides. Plus, the inclusion of four tastings, a traditional French meal, and visits to iconic sites like Hautvillers make it feel both indulgent and educational.

One thing to consider is the group size — with a maximum of 8 participants, it’s intimate but might not suit those seeking a large, bustling tour atmosphere. Also, the tour requires participants to be comfortable on bikes, especially since e-bikes are heavier than standard bicycles. This tour best suits active travelers who enjoy a balanced mix of cycling, sightseeing, and tasting.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines scenic cycling with cultural and wine tasting elements.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Suzanne and Anne are highly praised for their knowledge and flexibility.
• Authentic Tasting: Four glasses including champagne, red wine, and ratafia, offering a well-rounded taste of regional drinks.
• Beautiful Scenery: Rolling vineyards, UNESCO-listed sites, and charming villages provide stunning views throughout.
• Delicious Lunch: A traditional French meal made with local produce, often highlighted as a memorable part of the day.
• Small Group: Max 8 people ensures personalized attention but requires confidence on a bike.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off at 9:00 am from the Reims train station, specifically in front of the tourist office. The shuttle service is included, so you can relax knowing transport logistics are sorted. From there, a short drive through the elegant Avenue de Champagne — famous for its prestigious champagne houses — sets the tone for the day. The group is small, ensuring a more personalized experience, and the air-conditioned vehicle takes you from Reims to the vineyards in comfort.

The E-Bike Setup and Riding Experience

Once at Le Clos Corbier, your electric bikes are ready for a countryside jaunt. Reviewers consistently praise the bikes as easy to manage, even for those new to cycling or not overly fit. The added electric assistance makes covering the distance between villages and vineyards a breeze, allowing you to focus on the scenery and conversation.

Note: Participants should be comfortable riding a bike, as the heavier e-bikes require some confidence. The guide may refuse participation if safety concerns arise. Riders are provided with helmets and are advised to dress appropriately, especially since cellar visits can be quite cool — around 10°C — so a jacket is recommended.

Exploring Champagne Villages and Hautvillers

The route takes you through both Premier and Grand Cru villages, home to some of Champagne’s most renowned vineyards. Cycling through these landscapes offers a different perspective than a car or bus — you’re close enough to appreciate the details: the neat rows of vines, the small country roads, and the charming towns.

A highlight is Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne and the burial site of Dom Pérignon. Here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed vineyards, and get a chance to visit the church where the monk Dom Pérignon is buried. One reviewer noted that the guide Anne was especially enthusiastic and knowledgeable, sharing stories behind the region’s wine-making history, which brought the landscape to life.

Champagne House Visit and Tasting

The tour includes a visit to Le Clos Corbier, where you can learn firsthand about the Champagne production process. While some reviews mention a single champagne estate visit, the tour’s focus is on showcasing the region’s beauty and facilitating tastings rather than multiple cellar visits. During lunch, you’ll sample four glasses, including two champagnes, a red wine, and ratafia, a regional fortified drink.

Guests consistently praise the quality of tastings — one reviewer mentioned that their guide Suzanne was very informative and approachable, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The tastings aren’t rushed but integrated smoothly into the day, allowing for genuine appreciation of each drink.

Lunch in Mareuil-sur-Ay

The highlight for many is the traditional French lunch, which lasts about an hour and a half. The menu generally features local specialties like cheese puffs, pâté-croûte, quiche, and Reims pink biscuits — all adaptable for dietary needs. Several guests described the lunch as delicious, with fresh local produce and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

One reviewer called the lunch “fabulous,” emphasizing how well it complemented the wine tasting and cycling parts of the day. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, reflect on the morning’s adventures, and enjoy authentic regional cuisine.

End of the Tour and Return

After lunch, the group cycles back to the starting point or the designated drop-off location. The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, including transport, cycling, sightseeing, and meals. The tour concludes where it began, giving you time to explore Reims further or continue your journey.

Value and Practical Considerations

At $226.41 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded experience, especially considering the expert guides, quality tastings, delicious lunch, and all transportation logistics covered. It appeals to travelers who want more than just a tasting — it’s about experiencing Champagne’s landscapes and culture firsthand, all at a gentle pace.

However, the price might seem steep for those expecting extensive cellar visits or multiple champagne estate tours. As one guest pointed out, the actual visit to a Champagne cellar is limited to a single location with a tasting, and the tour primarily focuses on the scenic and cultural aspects. Still, the small group size and personalized guidance add a lot of value.

Weather and Clothing

The tour is weather-dependent; rain or icy conditions might lead to schedule adjustments or bus transfers instead of cycling. Given the outdoor nature, dressing appropriately is essential — layers for warmth, sun protection in summer, and sturdy shoes for cycling. Remember, cellar visits are cool, so packing a jacket is advised.

Accessibility and Group Size

With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour offers intimacy but requires participants to be comfortable on bikes. Reviewers consistently praise the e-bikes for their ease of use, which makes this trip accessible to most active travelers. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure and scenery, rather than purely a tasting session.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing, tasting, and outdoor activity all in one day. It’s perfect if you enjoy small-group tours, personalized attention, and scenic landscapes. Wine or champagne enthusiasts will appreciate the authentic insights, and those who like a relaxed pace will love the balance of cycling and leisure.

However, if you’re looking for deep cellar visits or large, high-energy groups, this might not be the best fit. Also, travelers who aren’t confident on bikes should consider their comfort level, as the e-bikes are heavier than standard bicycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, there’s a pick-up and drop-off service from Reims (or Epernay if specified), along with a transfer to the countryside in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, from the morning pickup to the return in the early evening.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 participants. This small size ensures a personalized experience and more interaction with the guide.

Are the bikes easy to ride?
Yes, the electric bikes are described as very manageable, even for beginners, making the cycling part accessible and enjoyable.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather — layers, sun protection, and sturdy shoes are recommended. Don’t forget a jacket for cellar visits, which are cooler.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The lunch menu is adaptable for dietary needs, with local specialties that can be modified if necessary.

Can I participate if I have no cycling experience?
You need to be confident riding a bike, as the tour involves cycling on country roads and vineyards. The e-bikes are heavier, so some basic riding confidence is essential.

What is included in the tasting?
Four glasses, including two champagnes, a red wine, and ratafia, providing a good taste of regional drinks.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour may be adjusted, and cycling might be replaced with a bus ride if weather conditions are poor, ensuring safety and comfort.

Final Thoughts

This full-day electric bike tour in Reims offers a compelling combination of scenic cycling, cultural insights, and gourmet treats. With knowledgeable guides, intimate group sizes, and authentic experiences, it’s a fantastic way to see Champagne beyond just the glasses. You’ll love the beautiful vineyards, the charming villages like Hautvillers, and the chance to learn about champagne production from passionate locals.

While it’s not a comprehensive winery tour with multiple estate visits, it compensates with its personal touch, relaxed pace, and focus on regional beauty and flavors. It’s ideal for active, curious travelers looking for a memorable day in one of France’s most iconic regions.

Whether you’re a wine lover or simply seeking an authentic outdoor activity in Champagne, this tour offers a beautifully balanced experience that marries scenery, history, and good food — all with a touch of French elegance.

Ready to cycle through the Champagne landscape and indulge in local delights? This tour might just be your perfect day out in Reims.