Between the Venice of Champagne and a mosaic of wine-growing landscapes

On this leg, you'll link Châlons-en-Champagne with Vitry-le-François, following the peaceful course of the Canal Latéral à la Marne, between sparkling waters and changing Champagne landscapes.

As you leave Châlons-en-Champagne, nicknamed the "little sparkling Venice", you leave behind a city deeply marked by water, winding its way through gardens, squares and canals. Before hitting the road again, take the time to discover some of its architectural gems, such as the collegiate church of Notre Dame en Vaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral of Saint-Étienne, and the Baltard-style Halles du Marché couvert. TheTourist Office offers guided boat trips on the canals, an unusual and soothing way to admire the city from a different perspective, as you float along. The route then continues peacefully along the Canal Latéral à la Marne, alternating between green lanes and shady towpaths, in the heart of open, green countryside.

Cycling towards Vitry-le-François, the route is quiet and continuous, lined with discreet villages and hedged farmland. You will pass through a more confidential Champagne region, where the changing scenery is ideal for contemplation. There are no crowds or bustle here, just a soothing atmosphere, punctuated by the lapping of the canal and small river works. This stage allows you to fully appreciate the transition between the agricultural plain and the first wine-growing hills of the Coteaux Vitryats, which can be seen as you approach Vitry-le-François.