En amoureux
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The main route is 246 km long, from Dormans to Langres, following the V52 and V53 cycle routes. It is also possible to add a second stage via the Lac du Der loop, starting from Saint-Dizier.
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The route is generally easy to moderate, with little change in altitude on the V52 (along the Canal Latéral à la Marne) and some slightly hillier sections on the V53 towards Langres. It is suitable for both beginner and more experienced cyclists.
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There is no official breakdown, but the route can be completed in 4 to 6 stages, depending on your pace. Each section between the major towns (Dormans, Épernay, Châlons-en-Champagne, Vitry-le-François, Saint-Dizier, Chaumont, Langres) can constitute a stage.
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Most of the route is on tarmac Greenways or stabilised towpaths, which are very smooth. Some sections are on shared roads with little traffic. The surface is suitable for all types of touring bike.
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The route starts in Dormans, in the Marne department, and ends in Langres, in the Haute-Marne department. It passes through a number of emblematic towns, including Épernay, Châlons-en-Champagne, Vitry-le-François, Saint-Dizier and Chaumont.
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Yes, the V52 and V53 cycle routes are signposted along their entire length, with directional signs and regular cycling pictograms.
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The route offers a wide variety of landscapes: UNESCO-listed Champagne vineyards, canals lined with nature, charming villages, tranquil forests and agricultural plains. The Lac du Der loop adds a touch of lakeside and ornithological interest.
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Yes, the route passes through or alongside a number of towns and villages with shops, bakeries, restaurants and local markets. Major stages such as Épernay, Châlons, Saint-Dizier and Chaumont offer a wide range of restaurants.
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There areplenty of free water points along the route where you can fill up your water bottle. Don't forget to activate your locator to find the water point closest to your GPS position.
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All along the route, you'll find hotels, campsites, gîtes, bed and breakfasts and other accommodation - some with the Accueil Vélo label - tailored to the needs of cycle tourists. Some even offer dedicated services such as bike storage and secure facilities.
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Yes, especially the section of the V52 between Dormans and Vitry-le-François, which follows the canal on safe greenways, perfect for family outings. Beware, however, of the length of the stages, which should be planned according to the age of the children.
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Yes, a number of facilities along the route offer adapted services: bike shelters, repair tools and bike hire. The Accueil Vélo label makes it easy to find these establishments.
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You can find a list of all the service providers with the Accueil Vélo label (accommodation, places to visit and activities, bike hire and repair firms, tourist offices, restaurants) on your route via theFrance Vélo Tourisme website.
NB: Some of Explore Grand Est's partner service providers have the Accueil Vélo label. For more information, go to the "labels and certification" section of their offer sheet.
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Several SNCF stations serve the route, including Dormans, Épernay, Châlons-en-Champagne, Vitry-le-François, Saint-Dizier, Chaumont and Langres. The Paris-Strasbourg and Paris-Mulhouse lines offer cycle transport to these stations (on certain routes).
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Yes, in some towns such as Épernay, Châlons-en-Champagne and Saint-Dizier, you can hire a conventional or electric-assist bicycle from professional hire companies or via tourist hire services.
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The ideal period is from May to September, when the days are long and the weather conditions favourable. Spring offers flower-filled landscapes and autumn superb colours, particularly in the Champagne vineyards.
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Yes, the route is perfectly suited to electrically-assisted bicycles (EABs). The predominantly flat profile allows for extended autonomy, and batteries can be recharged in accommodation or at certain relay points along the route.
