New scheme promotes cycling holidays in Champagne-Ardennes

The Champagne-Ardennes region of France is making it even easier to holiday there by bicycle.

The tourist board has set out a list of criteria that guest houses, campsites, and hotels must meet in order to gain a 'La Champagne a Velo' or 'Les Ardennes a Velo' award.

Every member of the scheme must, as a minimum, provide a place where cyclists can clean and store their bikes; offer a puncture repair kit; provide information on cycling in the area; and make packed lunches available. (left: photo: Champagne-Ardennes tourism)

Some of the scheme members have also committed to transporting luggage for their guests to their next accommodation; coming to pick up guests who have a puncture; and offering bikes for hire.

There are currently 12 hotels, 18 B&Bs, 2 gites and a campsite on the list, which is growing fast. Click here to see the list (currently in French only). Seven bike hire companies have also signed up.

The Champagne-Ardennes region already has 450km of 'greenways', mostly former towpaths and disused railway lines, meaning flatter, relaxing cycle routes that are ideal for families.

Popular routes include following the River Meuse from Givet to Charleville-Mezieres, and the cycle paths connecting the three lakes of the Foret d'Orient.

However, a major expansion is underway to boost this to 950km over the next few years. Five major long-distance routes are being created: the Trans-Ardennes greenway; the North South Highway; the Vineyards of the Marne, Reims and Epernay; the Seine and Great Lakes; and the Champagne-Bourgogne Canal.

See Green Traveller's selection of self-guided cycling holidays for more cycling options in France.

For more on cycling in the Champagne-Ardennes region (in French), visit the tourist board's website.