The best cycling routes around Reims

The region offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists. You'll encounter the undulating Champagne vineyards, wooded plateaus of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, and tranquil paths along the Marne River and canals. This mix includes forests, hillsides, valleys, and waterways, providing varied and scenic rides.

Yes, Reims offers a good selection of easier routes. Over 200 routes are rated as easy, often following flat canal paths like those along the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne. These provide a relaxed cycling experience, perfect for families or those looking for a gentle ride. The Coulée Verte de Reims is also a dedicated path within the city, ideal for a leisurely exploration.

The best time for touring cycling in Reims and the Champagne region is during spring, summer, and especially autumn. Autumn offers a particularly vibrant experience with the grape harvest, allowing you to cycle through lush vineyards as they change color. The weather is generally pleasant during these seasons, making for enjoyable rides.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Reims are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Basilica of Saint-Remi – Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne loop from Mailly-Champagne is a popular moderate circular route that takes you through historical sites and along serene canal paths.

Cycling routes often pass through charming villages and offer views of significant landmarks. You can explore the unique Caves of the Montagne de Reims, the historic Mars Gate, or the picturesque Subé fountain. The region is also dotted with vineyards and winemaking villages like Hautvillers, known as the 'birthplace of Champagne'.

Yes, for more experienced touring cyclists, there are challenging routes with significant elevation gain. Over 160 routes are rated as difficult, often venturing into the rolling hills of the Montagne de Reims. An example is the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne – Basilica of Saint-Remi loop from Reims Maison Blanche, which features substantial climbs and descents.

The touring cycling routes around Reims are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 800 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning vineyard landscapes, the peaceful canal paths, and the opportunity to discover charming villages and historical sites like the Verzenay Windmill.

Absolutely. Cycling through the Champagne vineyards is a central highlight of the region. Routes like the Route du Champagne Epernay – Avenue de Champagne loop from Parc naturel régional de la Montagne de Reims take you directly through rows of lush grapes, offering a sensory journey connected to centuries of winemaking traditions and opportunities to visit prestigious Champagne Houses in Epernay.

Yes, the region offers several spots with excellent panoramic views. The Verzenay Lighthouse, an unusual attraction amidst the vineyards, provides sweeping vistas over the 'ocean of vines' on the northern hillside of the Montagne de Reims. The Côte des Blancs, south of Epernay, also offers panoramic views from its softer hills.

For those seeking longer rides, Reims offers several routes exceeding 50 km. These routes often combine different landscapes, from canal paths to vineyard trails and forest sections. An example is the Basilica of Saint-Remi – Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne loop from Val-de-Vesle, which covers over 60 km and provides an extended exploration of the region.

Beyond the vineyards, you'll encounter diverse natural features. The Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park is a 'green lung' with dense forests, including the unique 'Faux de Verzy' – the largest concentration of twisted beech trees in Europe. The Marne River and various canals also provide serene waterways, often accompanied by dedicated cycling paths.

While many routes focus on the surrounding countryside, Reims itself integrates nature with urban spaces. The Coulée Verte is a beautiful green strip along the canal and River Vesle, offering a dedicated path for cycling. This allows you to explore the city's historical sites and UNESCO-listed monuments from a unique perspective, such as on the Reims – Mars Gate loop from Reims.