From Vitry-le-Francois to Châlons-en-Champagne via the cycle path.

Departure from the car park at Vitry-le-François station.

(S) Head north on Avenue de la République and reach the roundabout (Place du Maréchal Joffre). Take the^second exit. Cross over to the cycle path, Promenade François^1er, and continue for 750 m, crossing the streets carefully, Boulevard François^1er, Esplanade de Strasbourg and Place Maucourt, to reach Avenue du Quai Saint-Germain.

(1) Cross the avenue and turn right, still on the cycle path, to reach the roundabout, taking the pavement at the end of the cycle path.

(2) Cross carefully to the left of the roundabout and walk along the square parallel to Avenue du Quai des Fontaines. Pass in front of the Aquatic Centre on the pavement, then, at the bend, turn slightly left onto Rue de la Contrescarpe. Then turn right onto Rue du Pont Levis, then left onto Chemin du Pont Levis. Continue to the first crossroads.

(3) Turn right, then take the small path on the left that runs along Rue du Chantier de Bateaux, go through the gate and enter the tarmac cycle path. Continue straight ahead until you reach the footbridge.

(4) Turn left onto the passage between the canals, then continue right to the Pont Canal lock (note that this passage is narrow, see photo).

(5) Continue straight ahead for 1.2 km along the Canal Latéral à la Marne until you reach Écluse n°1 de Couvrot.

(6) Continue straight ahead to the Rue du Pont bridge in Couvrot. Cross carefully and continue to Couvrot Lock No. 2. Continue straight ahead for 700 m and pass the factory on your right (which is the Couvrot cement factory). Continue straight ahead to the Soulanges lock.

(7) Cross the Pringy road carefully, then continue to the Ablancourt lock (river stop with car parks and picnic tables).

(8) Walk to the Fion siphon, which passes under the canal.

(9) Continue towards the Chaussée-sur-Marne lock. Pass under the bridge and continue to the lock 500 metres away.

(10) Continue straight ahead for 2 km until you reach the D54 road (on the right is the village of Pogny with the Crayères shopping area, taking the road on the right, 600 m away if necessary). Cross with caution, continue straight ahead to the Saint-Germain-la-Ville lock (shared path for 2.2 km with the^{GR®®14-GR®®145-GR®®654}Compostelle).

(11) Pass under the bridge and continue to the iron bridge (on the right after crossing the bridge, picnic tables), then continue to the Sarry lock and the D80 bridge (shops on the right in the village of Sarry).

(12) Pass under the bridge, continue for 3 km and pass under the Route de Compertrix bridge, then under the urban expressway bridge 650 m further on, and continue to Rue du Canal Louis XII. Cross carefully and continue to the small bridge over the canal (there are numerous picnic tables on the left). Continue to the Châlons lock.

(13) Turn slightly left to take the cycle path on the pavement of Rue Jean Jaurès. Cross the bridge over the Marne river and reach the first roundabout. Cross carefully and turn right onto Avenue de la Gare. The car park is 50 m to the left of the station (E).

Road bike equipment with weather-appropriate clothing.
Water points and shops in villages along the route.
Shelters under bridges and in villages.
Return to the starting point possible by train.

Vitry le François, Notre Dame Collegiate Church, Media library, Tourist Office, Aquatic centre.
Village of Omey, factory where school chalk is manufactured.
Châlons en Champagne, National Centre for Circus Arts, Saint Etienne Cathedral, Museum, Olympic Swimming Pool, Train Station.