Walking The Vineyards of Champagne
Walking The Vineyards of Champagne
Walking The Vineyards of Champagne
5 Days Starting and ending in Epernay, France
Visiting: Épernay, Hautvillers, Ay, Verzy
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W04CH
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
14-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of France's Champagne region with the "Walking The Vineyards of Champagne" tour. Discover the enchanting town of Epernay, renowned for its grand mansions and historic wine cellars, as you stroll down the iconic Avenue de Champagne. Explore the legendary village of Hautvillers, where the effervescent magic of Champagne was born, and delve into the secrets of 'Blanc de Noirs' champagne. Traverse the picturesque Ay Loop, home to prestigious champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Bollinger, and wander through the serene Verzy Natural Park, famous for its rare 'Fau' beech trees. Enjoy a stay at a charming boutique hotel in Epernay, perfectly situated for visiting the region's illustrious champagne houses. With walking transfers, route maps, and all breakfasts included, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and world-class wine tasting.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Epernay
Location: Épernay
Accommodation Name: Hotel de Champagne
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 de Champagne***
Day 2 : Hautvillers
Location: Hautvillers
Accommodation Name: Hotel de Champagne
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
You stay at Hotel de Champagne*** (Breakfast included)
Day 3 : Ay Loop
Location: Ay
Accommodation Name: Hotel de Champagne
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
You stay at Hotel de Champagne*** (Breakfast included)
Day 4 : Verzy Natural Park
Location: Verzy
Accommodation Name: Hotel de Champagne
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
You stay at Hotel de Champagne*** (Breakfast included)
Day 5 : Leave Epernay
Location: Épernay
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
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All Breakfasts
All breakfasts are included during your stay.
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Walking transfers
Walking transfers are provided as part of the tour.
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Route Directions and maps
Route directions and maps are included to guide you through the tour.
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Accommodation
Stay at a boutique hotel in the heart of the Champagne region, offering a cosy and welcoming environment.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Visas & vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request with a compulsory supplement.
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Solo traveller supplement
A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is traveling on a departure date.
Food
Accommodation
Come and stay at the heart of the capital of the Champagne region in a cosy environment that’s both happy and welcoming. Entirely renovated in a colourful contemporary urban style, this boutique hotel’s great location between Epernay town centre and the Avenue de Champagne provides you with the opportunity to visit the great champagne houses and their prestigious cellars.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes walking transfers to various locations such as Hautvillers, Ay, and Verzy, allowing you to explore the vineyards and historic wine villages of the Champagne region.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at a boutique hotel in Epernay, which has been entirely renovated in a colourful contemporary urban style. The hotel is located between the town centre and the Avenue de Champagne, providing easy access to the great champagne houses and their prestigious cellars.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts are included during your stay as part of the tour package.
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What is the significance of Hautvillers in the Champagne region?
Hautvillers is known as the birthplace of the legend of Champagne, thanks to the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon, who is said to have accidentally invented effervescent wine in the 17th century. He is buried in the abbey of Hautvillers.
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What unique natural feature can I see at Verzy Natural Park?
Verzy Natural Park is home to the largest concentration of 'Fau' beech trees in the world. These trees are known for their twisted, knotted branches, and their origin remains a mystery to botanists.
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What types of Champagne will I learn about during the tour?
During the tour, you will learn about 'Blanc de Noirs' Champagne, made using only black grapes like Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and 'Blanc de Blancs' Champagne, which is made using only Chardonnay grapes.
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Is there an opportunity to taste different types of Champagne during the tour?
Yes, there are numerous opportunities to taste different types of Champagne, including Pinot Meunier, which is known for its full fruity flavour in rosé champagnes, and 'Blanc de Blancs' Champagne in Verzy.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.