REST DAY 1: Châlons-en-Champagne 

Stats so far

Distance:    413 miles

Climb:        15,553 feet (equivalent to scaling Pico Piedras Blancas in the Sierra de la Culata, Andes, Venezuela)

Moving Time:    31hrs


A much-needed day out of the saddle. Paul and Richard met up for coffee and, shunning the usual French delicacies found in a boulangerie, Portuguese pastel de nata - before a quick dip into Intersport for chain degreaser. A bike maintenance session ensued.

Richard then mooched the main old town while Paul headed for a supermarket to shop for a protein-heavy supper, before returning to the campsite for housekeeping chores.

In the meantime, the support crew took to public transport for a journey into Épernay in search of a Champagne tasting. And they weren't disappointed. After criss-crossing the opulent Avenue de Champagne, home to many of the world's leading Champagne houses, they opted for an independent family-run producer, where a relaxing afternoon was spent chatting and quaffing a variety of Grand Cru in the tranquillity of a secluded garden.

Refreshed, relaxed and raring to go we're ready for tomorrow's Stage 4 - bring it on!
 
FUN FACT: Châlons-en-Champagne is a city in the Grand Est region of France. It's the capital of the department of Marne, despite being only a quarter the size of the city of Reims. 


A reminder of why we're doing this
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care provides FREE services and support to ensure patients and families living with an advanced or terminal illness can make the most of their lives…because every day is precious!

Each penny or cent pledged is donated to the hospice to help fund the very best in end-of-life care. See our JustGiving page.

Comments

  1. PanchoPeteJune 4, 2025 at 4:28 AM

    How was your campground in Chalon sur Champagne Paul? I’m wondering if it was the same one my family and I stayed in on our first European holiday in 1979 when the town was still called Chalon sur Marne. We’d obtained our French francs from an Australian bank and when we went to pay the camping bill with them the proprietors fell about laughing. Apparently these old notes hadn’t been in circulation since the immediate post war period!

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    Replies
    1. battepJune 4, 2025 at 11:34 AM

      It's the Municipal site so very likely the same and certainly looks like it's been around for a while. Met lots of nationalities on our route but no crazy Aussies yet.

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