When the grape harvest ends, Champagne still has plenty more to offer!
Autumn brings a wonderful transformation to the Marne Valley, just a few kilometres from Épernay. The vineyards turn golden, the forests glow with warm colours and the villages return to their peaceful rhythm.
At Vélobourso, we particularly love this time of year. From Boursault, we invite visitors to discover a quieter side of Champagne. Think peaceful country lanes, unexpected views and charming villages where life moves at a gentler pace.
What’s more, Champagne in autumn is perfect for those who enjoy exploring without rushing.
So, what is there to do in Champagne in autumn?
Here are six reasons to discover our beautiful Marne Valley.
1. Admire the autumn colours in Champagne’s vineyards
Every year, after the grape harvest, Champagne’s vineyards put on a spectacular display. And it’s one we never tire of seeing!
Just a few weeks earlier, the vines were still green. Now, they gradually turn into a beautiful patchwork of yellow, orange and copper.
Around Boursault, Œuilly, Reuil, Arty and Fleury-la-Rivière, the hillsides come alive with autumn colours.
What’s more, every vineyard looks slightly different. The colours vary depending on the grape varieties, the position of each plot and the weather.
Our favourite sight? The contrast between golden vines, green forests and charming villages nestled among the hillsides.
As you follow the quiet country lanes of the Marne Valley, the scenery changes at every turn. Sometimes, a completely different panorama awaits just a few hundred metres further on.
Our tip: choose a sunny day and enjoy the beautiful light of late morning or early afternoon.
But don’t wait too long! The most vibrant autumn colours never last forever. After all, nature doesn’t take bookings!
Book your e-bike adventure in Champagne
2. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Marne Valley
After the busy summer months and the excitement of the grape harvest, the Marne Valley becomes peaceful once again.
The villages grow quieter, while the country lanes invite you to slow down.
For us at Vélobourso, it’s one of the loveliest times to explore the area.
Imagine a quiet road winding through golden vineyards. Nearby, forests glow with autumn colours. Then, around a bend, a beautiful view opens up across the valley.
There’s no need for a strict timetable or a long list of places to visit. Instead, simply enjoy the fresh air, the scenery and the pleasure of taking your time
After all, isn’t that what a countryside escape should be about?
This is exactly what we believe in at Vélobourso: slowing down, taking in the scenery and enjoying every moment.
That’s why Antoine and I have created a new e-bike route, the Mini VB Tour. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the autumn scenery and get some fresh air.
Bookings are now open for rides from 1 November!
3. Discover the charming villages around Épernay
Just a few kilometres from Épernay, the Marne Valley is dotted with charming wine-growing villages. Each has its own character, history and hidden treasures.
Here, quiet country lanes wind through vineyards and traditional villages. It’s a wonderful way to discover an authentic side of Champagne.
From Boursault to Venteuil: the charm of Champagne villages
Boursault is the starting point of our Mini VB Tour. The village is famous for its magnificent 19th-century château, built for Madame Clicquot. Surrounded by vineyards, it looks particularly beautiful in autumn.
Next, Œuilly charms visitors with its traditional houses and rural heritage. We particularly recommend its vineyard ecomuseum, which celebrates local wine-growing traditions.
Reuil is a peaceful wine-growing village near the River Marne. Its traditional houses and beautiful surroundings offer a glimpse of rural Champagne.
Further along, Venteuil sits among vineyard-covered hillsides. In autumn, golden vines create wonderful views across the valley.
Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery: surprising local heritage
Fleury-la-Rivière hides an extraordinary secret beneath its vineyards. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by the sea!
Today, La Cave aux Coquillages reveals this fascinating geological history through ancient marine fossils.
Karine particularly recommends the guided tour, led by a passionate geology enthusiast.
Discover La Cave aux Coquillages
Finally, Damery is a traditional village beside the River Marne. Its historic Saint-Georges Church and charming streets reflect the region’s rich heritage.
Six villages, six different atmospheres and plenty of reasons to explore the Marne Valley at your own pace.
Our tip: take advantage of your e-bike to stop and admire the scenery. Sometimes, the loveliest discoveries are waiting just around the corner!
5. Explore Champagne’s vineyards by electric bike
Cycling through the Marne Valley in autumn is a wonderful experience. The air feels fresher, the colours change at every turn and the quiet country lanes invite you to slow down.
On an electric bike, you can enjoy every little detail. Listen to the rustling leaves, breathe in the woodland scents and admire the beautiful views.
Starting from Boursault, you’ll discover golden vineyards, charming Champagne villages and colourful forests.
At Vélobourso, we believe exploring Champagne should be about freedom, not rushing from one attraction to another.
That’s why we’ve created a new route especially for the cooler months: the Mini VB Tour.
It’s a lovely way to enjoy the changing seasons and discover the Marne Valley at your own pace.
6. New from Vélobourso: the Mini VB Tour, 21 km through the Marne Valley
As the days grow shorter, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
That’s why we’ve created the Mini VB Tour, a new 21 km electric bike route that takes around 2 hours to complete.
Starting from Boursault, just 15 minutes from Épernay, this circular route explores the beautiful Marne Valley. Along the way, you’ll discover the areas around Œuilly, Reuil, Venteuil, Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery.
The scenery changes as you ride. Expect vineyard-covered hillsides, traditional Champagne villages, colourful forests and lovely views across the valley.
What’s more, electric assistance makes the hills easier to tackle. So you can concentrate on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about the climbs.
The Mini VB Tour is available from November 2026 to March 2027, with departures at 2 pm and returns at 4 pm.
It’s shorter than our usual routes, but there’s just as much to discover!
So, why not wrap up warm, hop on an electric bike and enjoy a peaceful escape into the Champagne countryside?
Visiting Champagne in autumn: an experience not to be missed
Champagne is beautiful throughout the year, but autumn has a charm all of its own.
Golden vineyards, peaceful villages and colourful forests make the Marne Valley a wonderful place to explore.
Whether you love photography, nature or simply getting away from it all, there’s something special waiting around every corner.
And what better way to discover it than on an electric bike?
At Vélobourso, Antoine and Karine look forward to welcoming you to Boursault for a memorable autumn adventure.
