Great way to experience the champagne region

We did the Paris to Epernay Champagne tour in early July. We were blessed with amazing weather (no rain at all while cycling). The crew of the Zwaantje are truly outstanding. They work together like a well oiled machine and always with a smile on their faces. The on-board meals, served ‘family style’ were plentiful and equal to many luxury sea-cruise lines we’re taken before. The cabins are small, but you’re only there to sleep and shower, so they’re sufficient. They were cleaned each day while we were out. The sundeck (roof) was great for relaxing (and dancing some nights) after dinner. Martijn (captain/owner) altered the morning routine a couple of days at our group’s request to give us a breakfast cruise along the river. He indicated he may add this to the itinerary for future trips. It was beautiful to enjoy the early morning sun on the roof as we glided along. The bicycles are all Treks for the non-ebike versions. Great shape and easy to adjust. The cycling part of the tour was wide ranging from flat to steeper hills (both up and down). Our guide, Mijntje, speaks English, Dutch, German, Italian, and French. As we explored the French countryside, we’d stop for pictures and information about the areas we visited. We also visited a few champagne houses, from large commercial operations to small family run enterprises. Our favorite was Champage Nowak. Be sure to buy some bubbles when you are there! Every evening there was an optional (no charge) walking tour of the town where we were moored. Led by Mijntje. As the Euro Cup was on, we also went to a few pubs to cheers on the teams in the evening. I highly recommend this tour. We’ll be back to go on the Bruges to Amsterdam beer tour!