Between Renaissance city and artistic capital

This stage invites you to cycle from Joinville to Chaumont, where you'll discover an exceptional heritage and the tranquil charm of the canal banks.

Leaving Joinville, you'll discover a town with a unique Renaissance heritage, marked by the presence of the Maison de Guise, the old facades and the gardens that surround the historic centre. To stroll here before resuming your tour is to appreciate the balance between delicate architecture and a peaceful Champagne atmosphere, with views over the Marne valley and its surrounding crops. Joinville, which has been awarded the Petite Cité de Caractère label, offers a first impression of refinement before you get back in the saddle and head for Chaumont.

Very soon after leaving the town, the towpath of the canal between Champagne and Burgundy unfolds before your wheels in a landscape that oscillates between light hedged farmland, meadows and quiet banks. Mostly flat and easy to follow, this greenway is a real pleasure for cycle tourists looking for a peaceful transition stage. As you pedal along, you'll enjoy the reflections of the canal, small villages such as Saint-Urbain, Donjeux and its castle, Froncles or Vignory (Petite Cité de Caractère), and the panoramic views of the Champagne region that naturally accompany your turns of the wheel.

Along the way, don't miss a stop at the Source Bleue, nestling close to the route, near Villiers-sur-Marne. This discreet spot boasts a resurgence of crystal-clear, colourful water, in a lush green setting perfect for a break or a moment of contemplation. It's a little natural getaway that adds to the experience, without requiring you to take a diversion, provided you're inquisitive.

The route continues gently to Chaumont, through meadows and open woods. The finish in the capital of the Haute-Marne region is an easy one, via the green route, and marks the end of a rolling, accessible stage full of wonderful discoveries.