ARDENNES, ALSACE AND CHAMPAGNE. OPEN TOUR 2027 #25/05/2027

Participants joining the tour from the UK can travel to France via the Eurotunnel, enjoying a smooth and efficient crossing from Folkestone to Calais. From there, the group will drive through the scenic French countryside towards Sedan, a charming town in the Ardennes region, renowned for its impressive medieval fortress. Our adventure will officially begin in the Château Fort de Sedan, the largest fortified castle in Europe. The group will stay at the Hotel Château Fort, a unique and atmospheric hotel located inside the castle itself, where we will spend the first two nights of the tour.Upon arrival, each participant will receive their Welcome Pack, including the road book and all the materials needed to make the most of the tour experience.On the the first evening, a welcome drink and group dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant.

After breakfast, our journey continues as we follow sections of the historic Maginot Line, one of Europe’s most remarkable military defense systems. The morning drive leads us to the impressive Hackenberg Fortress, the largest and best-preserved fortification of the entire Maginot Line. Built in the 1930s, this massive underground complex features kilometers of tunnels, original artillery, troop quarters, and a functioning narrow-gauge railway—an extraordinary insight into the engineering and strategy of the era. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a guided tour, giving us access to areas normally closed to the public. After the visit, you’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch in the surrounding area. In the afternoon, we begin our return journey to Hotel Château Fort, driving along scenic secondary roads that wind through picturesque countryside. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

After breakfast, we begin a beautiful drive along the Meuse River, enjoying smooth and winding secondary roads. As we leave the river behind, the landscape transforms into peaceful Alsatian countryside, stretches of forest, and charming villages, offering a relaxed yet engaging route. Lunch will be at your leisure along the way, with plenty of opportunities to stop in a village or scenic spot to enjoy local cuisine at your own pace before continuing our journey toward the Vosges Mountains. The hotel selected for the next three nights is the Hotel Terra Vinum, nestled in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Park, in Gueberschwihr, a charming village just 10 km from Colmar, a perfect spot to depart from to explore the Route des Crêtes, famous for its picturesque scenery with glacial moraines, and lush valleys. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

Today’s route takes us onto some of the most enjoyable driving roads of the tour. After breakfast, we head toward the Ballon d’Alsace, following winding secondary roads that offer sweeping views, forested slopes and plenty of curves perfectly suited to our classics. This scenic mountain drive is one of the highlights of the trip, combining fresh mountain air with truly memorable driving. Our destination is Mulhouse where we will visit the National Automobile Museum, that houses one of the most important automobile collections in the world with more than 500 vehicles (more than 100 Bugattis) bought by the Schlumpf brothers before their company went bakrupt and the french gobernment kept the collection. The visit will be self-guided, allowing everyone to explore the museum at their own pace and focus on the models and eras that interest them most. There is no group lunch scheduled today, giving you the freedom to enjoy the rich French gastronomy in Mulhouse, from traditional Alsatian specialities to modern cafés and brasseries. In the evening, we return to Hotel Terra Vinum for our group dinner, surrounded by vineyards and the peaceful landscapes of the Vosges.

In the morning, we will set off on a scenic route that winds through gentle hills and expansive vineyards. The roads in this area are narrow but very pleasant to drive, curving between traditional wineries, stone houses, and small rural villages. As we move along, the landscape shifts between green and golden tones, with perfectly aligned rows of vines and wide-open views across the valley. In some sections, the road climbs gradually, offering natural viewpoints where you can admire the patchwork of fields, the wooded areas edging the vineyards, and the mountains framing the region in the distance. It is a peaceful and highly picturesque route, full of rural charm. Upon arrival at Terra Vinum Hotel, we will enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards, where we will learn about the local grape varieties, cultivation methods, and the history of the estate. The visit concludes with a wine tasting paired with tapas, made with regional products and served in a relaxed setting that invites you to enjoy the surroundings. After the tasting, the afternoon will be free to unwind, enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore the area at your own pace. In the evening, we will gather again for a group dinner, the perfect moment to share impressions of the day and toast to the journey.

After breakfast, we set off on our return journey towards the Champagne region, taking a beautifully curated route that follows quiet secondary roads. The drive is serene yet engaging, offering a final opportunity to savour the essence of eastern France’s wine country. Around midday, we will pause to enjoy a picnic-style lunch in a scenic natural setting. Surrounded by vineyards and countryside tranquility, this relaxed break offers a perfect moment to unwind, take in the landscape, and reflect on the journey so far before continuing the afternoon’s drive. As we progress northward, the landscape begins to subtly transform and the atmosphere of the Champagne region becomes palpable. Approaching the area, the road leads us through iconic wine-producing villages and expansive chalky soils where some of the world’s most renowned sparkling wines are born. The hotel Armes de Champagne is our home for the final night of the tour. The hotel welcomes us with comfort, refinement, and the charm characteristic of the region. In the evening, we gather for a group dinner, toast to the road travelled, and celebrate the final night of this memorable tour through the heart of France’s most celebrated wine regions.

After breakfast, our tour comes to a close. With the Champagne countryside as our backdrop, this morning offers a gentle and reflective end to the tour. Guests will depart at their own pace, whether heading home or continuing their travels through France or beyond.