Combine a day at the Ecuyers racetrack with a city trip to Reims

A track day at the challenging Circuit des Ecuyers in northern France is the perfect destination for motorcyclists (and motorsport enthusiasts). To make our trip to Ecuyers even more special, we combined it with a visit to the charming city of Reims, just 45 minutes away. In this blog, we share our tips for the track day, restaurants and must-sees in the vicinity of the Ecuyers circuit and Reims for an unforgettable trip.

Circuit training at Circuit Ecuyers

Circuit Ecuyers, officially known as Circuit des Ecuyers, is a popular motorsport circuit in northern France, near the town of Beuvardes. The circuit is approximately 3.5 kilometres long and is known as a technical and challenging circuit. This is because the circuit has 17 corners and elevation changes. As a rider, you can practise driving techniques such as steering, braking and following the ideal racing line. We booked our circuit day at Ecuyers via Circuitfun.be.

Where to stay at and around the Ecuyers circuit?

The night before our track day, we slept in the paddock of the circuit. In the morning, you have to be ready early for check-in and the briefing, so it's nice to already be there. To get a spot in the paddock, it's advisable to arrive on time. We had one of the last spots to park the car. If you can't get into the paddock, there is also a large lawn where there is often enough space.

Combining Circuit Ecuyers with Reims

Circuit Ecuyers is more than a five-hour drive from our home in the Netherlands. To make the trip worthwhile, we combined the track day with a few days in Reims. This beautiful city is about a 45-minute drive from the circuit. A good reason for a city trip! We booked an Airbnb just outside Reims for our stay, where we could safely park our car and trailer on the premises.

What to do in and around Reims?

Reims and the surrounding region have a lot to offer for those who are looking for some culture and relaxation in addition to the circuit adventure.

• Circuit de Reims-Gueux: Can't get enough of race tracks? Near Reims lies the historic Circuit de Reims-Gueux, where Grand Prix races were held between 1926 and 1966. The circuit itself is no longer used for racing, but the old track now serves as a public road. It is special to walk around the grounds, climb the old grandstands and see the nostalgic pit boxes that remind us of the glory days of motor racing.

  
  

• Musée Automobile Reims Champagne: This museum is a must for lovers of vintage cars and classic motorcycles. The collection includes vehicles from different decades, and you can admire unique models. Because the temperature in the warehouse rises quickly in summer, we went early in the morning to view the collection in a pleasant temperature – highly recommended!

  
  

• Basilica of Saint Remi & Notre-Dame of Reims: The Basilica of Saint-Remi is an impressive building measuring 126 metres in length. It was built in the early 11th century and served as a royal abbey. Originally, the basilica was intended to house the holy ampoule, a bottle of sacred oil used in the coronation of French kings. Notre-Dame de Reims is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in France. It is particularly known for its impressive façade.

  
  

• Champagne tour and tasting with lunch: We celebrated our third wedding anniversary with a tour and tasting at Le Clos Corbier champagne house, known for their Collard-Milesi champagne. The tour began in the vineyard, where we learned about the grape varieties and the champagne-making process. Then we descended into the cool cellar, where our guide explained the steps: from fermentation and ageing to the riddling and disgorging process, which creates those perfect, refined bubbles. After the tour, we tasted different champagnes and finished with a cosy lunch.

  
  

• Fort Brimont (Urbex experience): Urbex, or “Urban Exploring,” is the exploration of abandoned buildings and ruins that often have a rich history. In the vicinity of Reims, there are ten forts that were built around 1870 to protect the city and played an important role in the First World War. We went in search of the Brimont fort. A mysterious place that is officially closed to the public. You can still get in through a small hole in the fence, but beware: access is entirely at your own risk. We recommend wearing protective clothing and sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be rough (we were less well prepared). A torch is essential for navigating the dark corridors safely. Always be careful and keep the well-known saying in mind: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”.

  
  

Where to eat in Reims?

Reims has a great selection of eateries where you can enjoy French cuisine, local specialities, and delicious sweets.

• Boulangerie Des Lys Et Banette: This authentic bakery is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy croissants and delicious pastries. We enjoyed the different types of éclairs here several times.

• Mamatte Reims: Mamatte is a cosy coffee bar and lunch spot known for its fresh coffee and tasty lunch dishes. Here we ordered one of the tastiest burgers at a surprisingly low price.

• Pink biscuits at Fossier: No visit to Reims is complete without sampling Fossier's famous pink biscuits. These iconic, slightly sweet biscuits are perfect for dipping in champagne, as local tradition dictates. At the Fossier shop, you will find a wide selection of flavours and packaging options to take home with you.

• Restaurant L’Alambic: For a delicious French meal in a unique setting, L’Alambic is a must. The restaurant is located in an atmospheric cellar and offers a menu full of classic French dishes.

In conclusion

Our trip to Circuit des Ecuyers and the charming city of Reims not only challenged us on the track, but also allowed us to fully enjoy culture, gastronomy and history. We hope our experiences and tips will inspire you to plan an unforgettable trip, full of adventure and relaxation.