Self-guided walking
4 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
9.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
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Explore the Champagne wine-growing area, listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and the stunning villages, birthplace of Champagne, which owes its renown to Dom Perignon.
Known around the world for its wines, Champagne is also a popular destination for walking, offering an ideal playground. Walk among the vineyards and terraced hillsides where Champagne villages, chateaux, and churches are nestled. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards and picturesque villages. The winemakers' open their doors to you, for tastings and tours of the cellars. They will passionately explain their know-how while showing you around their property.
During this tour, explore and taste every day what is hidden behind the bubbles that help us toast good news. Pop the cork and let the bubbles speak for themselves.
This is a lovely peaceful area where you wander through rural villages and vineyards. We have used the quietest possible lanes to link the towns and villages and have tried to stay away from major roads wherever possible. Distances vary, and parts of the countryside are fairly hilly, so take your time on the steeper climbs and admire the wonderful long-distance views.
This town is entirely surrounded by vines. Walk down the Avenue de Champagne, with its magnificent mansion facades and opulent middle-class homes occupied by famous Champagne Houses, and you can see why Epernay competes for the title of 'Capital of Champagne'. Here, are miles of underground galleries and millions of bottles of preciously kept champagne away from light and heat... In Epernay, cellar visits to the largest champagne houses are among the highlights of the tour... And they sparkle with stories and expertise.
You stay at Hotel Jean Moet.
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee
The Hotel is ideally situated in the centre of Epernay, established in a building of 18 th century style architecture. The interior of the Hotel was entirely renovated between 2012 and 2016. A few steps from the Hotel you will find the magnificent Avenue de Champagne, where there lies, hidden, 110 kilometers of cellars (listed in the World Heritage Site – UNESCO).
Transfer to Hautvillers. It is here that the legend of Champagne was born, thanks to the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon, who was said to have accidentally invented effervescent wine at the end of the 17th century. He's buried in the abbey of Hautvillers, leaving his name to a vintage produced by a famous Champagne House.
Along your walk between forest and vineyards, you will learn about 'Blanc de Noirs' champagne which is made using only black grapes (Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier). Two grape varieties with darker skin and white flesh. Pass the village of Romery, a quaint village with streets bordered by flowers.
A transfer takes you to the start of your walk at Ay. Located at the fringe of the vineyards, and headquarters to several prestigious champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot and Bollinger, Aÿ makes the transition between hillside slopes and the river, between the Montagne de Reims and the suburbs of Epernay.
Discover a high Gothic-style church and wood-frame houses, including one that is reputed to have served as Henri IV's fermenting room. Follow the former Roman way between forest and vineyards in the Marne Valley. Enjoy numerous opportunities to taste the pinot meunier which brings its full fruity flavour to rose champagnes.
Transfer to Verzy where the forest boasts the largest concentration of 'Fau' beech trees anywhere in the world. The origin of this rare tree, with its especially twisted, knotted branches, remains a mystery to botanists.
The especially slow-growing, long living Fau beech trees greatly contribute to singularity of the the Montagne de Reims Regional Park. After your walk, don't miss the chance to taste 'Blanc de Blancs' Champagne using chardonnay only, a white grape locally produced in this village.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Jean Moet, Epernay.
MastercardVisaAmExHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafeTea/coffee
The Hotel is ideally situated in the centre of Epernay, established in a building of 18 th century style architecture. The interior of the Hotel was entirely renovated between 2012 and 2016. A few steps from the Hotel you will find the magnificent Avenue de Champagne, where there lies, hidden, 110 kilometers of cellars (listed in the World Heritage Site – UNESCO).
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £519.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
4 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
9.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
