Explore Pargny-sur-saulx, a Natural Gem in Champagne-Ardenne

Mean level - To see during your tip: Timber-frame churches of Bailly-le-Franc, Lentilles - Panoramic view of the lake Amance and its Marina in Dienville - Potteries in Amance - Bar sur Seine: the tower of clock, the vestiges of the feodal chateau - The Tourist Route of Champagne.

Napoléon et les églises à pan de bois: 118 km / mean level. To see during your trip: Timber-frame churches of Lentilles, Bailly-le-Franc and Juzanvigny, the market hall of Chavanges, Soulaines Dhuys, the lakes of the Orient Forest, the hall of Dienville, theNapoleon and church treasures museum in Brienne-le-Chateau, Forêt d'Orient Ecomuseum in Brienne-la-Vieille, Chruches of Dienville, Epothémont, Hampigny, La Rothière, Chavanges and Maizières-les-Brienne.

Promenade Beaufortine - duration 1h30 - easy level - marking white and green. On the trail of a forgotten fortress on the borders of the Champagne chaklands and the Champagne wetlands...

Promenade du Bocage - duration: 2h45 - easy level - marking white and green. Discover fauna and flora in the "Champagne humide"...

Day 3 of the cycle route created by the Marne Tourism Board to reach the Lake Der-Chantecoq from the town of Dormans. This tourist itinerary alternates between the V52 cycle path and the small roads of the vineyards, in order to enrich the journey with cultural visits. This third and final stage of the journey starts in Châlons-en-Champagne and finishes at Lac du Der, passing through the town of Vitry-le-François. Two options are available at the start of the route: to reach Vitry-le-François by following the V52 or by taking the train. In the first case, it may be preferable to complete this final stage in two days instead of one.

This trail is a chance to follow in the footsteps of Maurice Genevoix and his comrades in the first months of the First World War. As a young officer aged 24, he boarded the train at Châlons-en-Champagne station on 25 August 1914 with reinforcements for the 106th RI. At the time, they did not know where their train was taking them…the violence and horror of the fighting, but also the friendship and brotherhood between companions. He was discharged after being seriously injured on 25 April 1915. He would deliver a moving account of his part in the war in his major work, “Ceux de 14” (“Those of 14”).

Promenade de la Dhuys - duration: 3h - marking white and green - easy level. Untamed but chanelled by man, the water draws us in to share its mysteries...

Des coteaux du champagne aux sources de la Dhuys "“ 58 km "“ mean level. To see during your trip: Soulaines-Dhuys, Bar-sur-Aube and its church, Champagne cellars, Colombé-le-Sec : a typical 4 flowery village

Fabulous Vegan and gluten free B&B in the gorgeous countryside of the Champagne-Ardennes. All 5 rooms are fully equipped and furnished to a high standard with private en suite with shower, basin and WC. A homemade vegan and gluten free breakfast is included in the price, as well as tourist tax. The Rose room and Garden room are suitable to bring a dog, The Flamingo room and Leaf room are suitable for families and have space for a children's cot. On request you can join us every day for a three course meal, depending on availability. If you would like a picnic please ask about the options at the moment of booking. The property can also be rented as a self-catering holiday home per weekend, midweek or week.

Amidst the village, this beautifully restored farmhouse has been converted into a self-catering accommodation furnished to a high and comfortable standard. On the ground floor, vast living-room (fireplace, TV, hi-fi, juke-box). Open plan kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave oven, freezer. 1 bedroom (double bed, 2 single beds) ensuite bathroom. Toilets. On the first floor: lounge, TV, mezzanine with 2 single beds, 2 bedrooms (2 single beds). Bathroom, toilets, 1 bedroom (1 double bed + 2 single beds in a mezzanine) ensuite bathroom and toilet. Terrace equipped with garden furniture and BBQ. Enclosed garden 2500m². Garage. Ping-Pong. Basketball. Swing. Bakery, newspaper store nearby. Shops in Vouziers, 15km away.

A 25 m swimming pool and a paddling pool with games for children. A fitness area (cardio training, muscle strengthening: rowers, elliptical bicycles, treadmills, classic bicycles, bicycles with back support). A wellness area with sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi.

Learn how to make your own cosmetics and household products during workshops (workshops can be done at home, on request) and how to take care of yourself through energy treatments with Karine (Natural creator). In turn, Barbara offers you the opportunity to discover laughter yoga and her individual and group meditation workshops. Registration and appointment required: Barbara 06 42 70 54 88 & Karine 06 75 81 60 53 Instagram @lesmeditationsdalisea @crea_au_naturel

Take to the skies during a hot air balloon flight over Reims and its surroundings!  You will enjoy an exceptional view of the Champagne region, taking in all of its distinct natural and architectural heritage. TAKE TO THE SKIES DURING A HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER REIMS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS! You will enjoy an exceptional view of the Champagne region, taking in all of its distinct natural and architectural heritage. Upon your arrival, attend the inflation of the balloon before climbing into the basket and leaving Taissy behind for an escapade in the skies above Reims. Rising with the wind, you will fly over Reims at high altitude to gaze down on its renowned architectural heritage from the sky. You'll then be treated to spectacular views of the iconic vineyards and hillsides of Champagne as you fly over the Champagne Tourist Route or the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park. Once you return to solid ground, you’ll share a traditional balloonists toast to celebrate your adventure. A charming interlude in the airs of Reims to discover the landscapes of Champagne.

This house is located in a quiet village in the South of the Ardennes, nearby historical sites (WWI and WW2) of the Argonne. Garden, swimming pool, games for children. 4 bedrooms (1 double bed, 4 single beds, 2 double beds). 2 shower rooms (1 is equiped with a washing machine), toilets. Fully equiped kitchen (ceramic hob, microwave oven, dish washer), large living room, TV, DVD player, hi-fi system, telephone, 2 single sofa beds. Terrace with BBQ and garden furniture.

*COVID-19 Special measures*The measures above cancel and replace the usual informations- The museum is closed on mornings and opened on afternoons on appointment.- Visit of 10 people maximum - Mandatory mask - Guided tour and signposted route in the museum - Open bistro with social distancing - Installation of tables in the garden (for bistro) - Setting up the rental of the rosalies (by reservation only) for the Interpretation Trail. ------------------------------------------ Verlaine traveled a lot, yet, of all the places he frequented, very few are still standing. Among those few buildings, only one is still intact and accessible to the public: the Auberge du Lion d'Or (the Golden Lion's Inn) in Juniville. Located in front of the house Verlaine used to rent, not far from his farm, the inn has become the Verlaine Museum today. In this accommodation "for walkers and riders", the furniture has not moved: time has stopped and the soul remained intact.  More than just a simple reminder of the poet, this 1500m² place will make you revisit his life and work thanks to a unique iconographic collection, a quality commented visit, the provision of his complete works (prose, poetry and letters) and, of course, the particular atmosphere we can feel as we walk in.  After your visit, you'll still have to discover the 1000m² old garden, the temporary exhibitions and the pub. From 1st November to 31st March, Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm or the morning on appointment From 1st April to 31st October, Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm to 6pm or the morning on appointment  Commented visits: Individuals 6 €, Groups 4 € (10 people), Schools 2€ educational booklets on request). INTERPRETATION TRAIL Departing from the Verlaine Museum, the Juniville interpretation trail invites you to discover the heritage of Juniville by walking in the footsteps of Paul Verlaine while retracing the life and work of the poet. 9 viewpoints have been created in the village, each of them with informative consoles, silhouettes, informative slides or poems whisperers. To go further in your stroll, your knowledge of Verlaine or simply have fun with your family, ask for the booklet "Fair day in Juniville with Verlaine" at the museum. Through its riddles, illustrations and anecdotes, you will learn more about the beautiful heritage of Juniville! Booklet available for free at the Verlaine Museum RIMBAUD-VERLAINE ROUTE Juniville is the first stop on the 300-kilometer Rimbaud-Verlaine tourist route that leads to Belgium and offers a true poetic pilgrimage, evoking the wanderings of these great names of the French literature. The landscapes along this route are in perfect harmony with these unusual characters.

Take a trip back in time aboard a vintage 2CV, the iconic French mid-century automobile, to discover the must-see sights of Reims and the nearby vineyards. In the company of your driver-guide, set off on an original 2-hour ride. ON THIS QUIRKY 2-HOUR TOUR, YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE WILL TAKE YOU INTO THE HEART OF THE CITY OF REIMS AND OUT TO THE FAMOUS VINEYARDS OF CHAMPAGNE COUNTRY. From the car, you’ll be able to admire fine examples of the city’s rich heritage including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Your driver will then head out to Hautvillers in the Montagne de Reims, home of Dom Perignon and the birthplace of champagne. Take advantage of this original tour to see the best of historic Reims and the prestigious champagne vineyards! 

Discover the unmissable sights of the “City of Kings” and its surroundings thanks to this 1-hr-15-min. tour in a classic 2CV car. Fall under the charm of Reims and the surrounding countryside on this tour with a private chauffeur-guide. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS UNUSUAL TOUR IN A VINTAGE 2CV TO ADMIRE REIMS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. ACCOMPANIED BY YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF FOR A 75-MINUTE RIDE THROUGH THE TOWN AND COUNTRY. You’ll be able to admire the valleys and hills that characterize the region of Reims as you make your way out of the city. Stop off on a hillside close to some vineyards, where your guide will reveal all the secrets of the history and production of champagne. As you head back into Reims, you’ll pass some of city’s most important heritage sites such as the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Altogether, this tour by vintage car is a novel and efficient way to discover the “City of Kings” and the champagne vineyards! 

Experience an original tour lasting 2 hrs. 30 mins aboard a vintage Citroën car. Take advantage of this activity to discover the must-see sites of Reims in an original way and visit a cellar to taste some excellent champagne! TAKE A TRIP INTO THE PAST ABOARD A VINTAGE 2CV, THE ICONIC FRENCH AUTOMOBILE. Accompanied by your driver-guide, set off for a 2-hr-30-min ride through the town and country. Sit back and take in the major historical sites of Reims. From the car, you’ll be able to admire fine examples of the city’s rich heritage including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Your driver will then head out of town on the winding country roads that lead into the heart of the Champagne wine region. Take advantage of a visit to a local cellar to taste some excellent champagne! Make the most of this original trip to discover the “City of Kings” and Champagne Country!  

St. Remy’s is an outstanding Flamboyant Gothic church with ornate hanging keystones, richly carved pinnacles and gargoyles and a carved, painted and gilded altarscreen with shutters depicting scenes from Christ’s Passion.

The estate remembers its monastic past in its name. Dotted with ponds, a lake and a stream, the park has some beautiful statues, a rocky grotto, a beehive, angling grounds, a wash-house built in a style typical of the Argonne and a wine cellar with an old wine press and grape grinder in the old Champagne-style outbuildings. The park also has a number of rare trees and numerous hydrangeas. Outside the summer period, tours can be arranged for groups with advance booking.

At the Village Musée du Der, you can discover the incredible story of the three villages that disappeared to make way for the construction of Lac du Der (the largest artificial lake in Europe). Several typical buildings were saved from destruction or drowning and rebuilt on the museum site: the church in Nuisement-aux-Bois, the Blacksmith's House, the dovecote, etc.

Considering the age of the plantations, one can come to the conclusion that the park has been designed around 1880, probably by the great-great grandfather of the actual owners... It is hard to imagine the gardens of Pierre Merlin, when he lived there, at the turn of the 16th century ! We only own a fairly simple plan of the gardens, dated 1793 : the terrace was then divided into four grass-plots, which became in the 19th century one single grass-plot, surrounded by a box rim; The grounds show definitely two different approaches : the terrace "à la française" and the park itselsf, a vast meadow dotted by distant clumps of trees, as far as one can see... A romantic walk along the shaded banks of the river Saulx, stone benches now and then, allowing some rest and gorgeous points of view on the castle, the river ot the 17th century stone bridge of the village : all is combined to gratify the visitors.

In the 16th century, the aristocracy of the Duchy of Bar owned country-châteaux in the "Vallée de la Saulx", a few miles away from Bar-le-Duc. In 1506, Pierre Merlin, auditor of the Duke of Bar, had his castle built in Haironville. The general architecture of the castle de la Varenne is sober, the proportions very harmonious. The pigeon-house, a royal privilege, ends the left wing, proud of its 3000 pigeeon-holes. In the main hall, both the magnificent and rare Renaissance stone panelled ceiling and the 18th century main staircase are vivid witnesses of the history of la Varenne. The grounds, surrounded by the river "la Saulx", include a terrace in the French style and a romantic park with remarkable trees.

Winepress typical of the XVth century reminding us "Pineau de Bar"production until the begining of the XXth century. At that time a dozen press wines were said to be located in our town. This thriving business was abruptly put to an end when all the vineyards on the hill - now called “Ste Catherine” were destroyed by the Phylloxera in the XIXth century. This wine-press is now listed as part of the National Heritage

The church of Saint-Etienne, an elegant flamboyant building, nuanced by renaissance details, shelters an uncanny sculpture by Ligier Richier, the Transi - a decaying corpse proudly offering this heart to God - whose disturbing realism and morbid representation are haunting. A Must-see !

Once part of the Duchy of Bar and Upper Lorraine, Bar-le-Duc is steeped in culture and history. Come wander through upper town area,one of the most outstanding Renaissance urban ensembles in France. Part of the "Towns and countries of art and history" network. Bar-le-Duc reveals treasures of 17th century architecture - sculpted pediments, fluted pilasters or overhanging gargoyles and other must-sees remind us of the town prestigious past.

Lac du Der is a natural area of national and international importance, where more than 310 species of birds can be observed throughout the year, depending on the migration season. Located opposite the lake, the Chantecoq observatory is the largest of the Lac du Der observatories. It is the largest of the observatories on Lac du Der, offering early-morning viewing of Sandhill Cranes during the migration period (October to March). Birdwatching guides are available to help you discover this incredible wildlife.

Opened in 1946, Bergère de France is France's largest knitting wool producer. It controls the entire process from production to marketing and is one of the leaders in its market sector. In fact, it produces more than half the wool sold in France. The company occupies premises covering an area of 40,000 sq. metres. The guided tour takes visitors through the various workshop areas, from the arrival of the raw material to the packaging of balls of wool and the preparation of orders for despatch. Visitors are given an opportunity to buy wool at the factory shop at the end of the guided tour. For safety reasons, visitors must be at least 18 years of age. Available throughout the year for groups with advance booking.

Fast food, alpine specialities, pizzas. Chef's special on weekdays.

Le Carré Gourmand welcomes guests in a convivial family atmosphere. Simplicity and generosity are the keywords here. So stop for a while and taste traditional fare from days gone by.

Located on the outskirts of Bar-le-Duc, the Auberge du Val d'Ornain offers pleasant, rural surroundings in which to enjoy dishes with a Spanish flavour.

Next to the bowling alley. Plancha grill and rotisserie. Wood-fired pizzas.

Located in the Renaissance district in the upper town, Le Grill de la Tour has 2 rooms in which the fire is always lit. Specialities: meat grilled over a wood fire in the restaurant, in view of diners. There is a beautiful alfresco dining area in summer. Lunch menu at €16.50 during the week (starter, main course and dessert). Menus at €24.90 and €30 at lunchtime and in the evening during the week and at weekends.

Located in the heart of the Renaissance district. Breathtaking view of the town. A new look at traditional cuisine with a hint of the exotic.

In the heart of Bar-le-Duc's upper town, in the Renaissance district, Le Bouchon des Halles offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Here, you'll discover the style and atmosphere of the Lyonnais bouchons, and enjoy specialties such as offal. On the menu each day: 4 starters and 3 or 4 offats. Dishes are made with fresh produce, and the menu changes several times a week. Relax and have a good time at the Bouchon des Halles!

Restaurant, pizzeria, Italian and French cuisine, fresh, home-made products.

Japanese restaurant. On-site (all-you-can-eat buffet) or takeaway.

In Contrisson in Meuse, not far from Lac du Der and Revigny-sur-Ornain, Marie-Elise Schuster welcomes guests to her renovated farmhouse, the Gîte du Chaurupt.

Well-appointed B&B accommodation in a delightful, walled property. Towels provided. Copious breakfast included in the price. Guests have access to the conservatory. Private garden. Quiet street. Gift: guests receive a packet of butter biscuits at the end of their stay. Bar-le-Duc 17 km, Sermaize-les-Bains 10 km.

A quiet campsite near all amenities and the sports centre. 3 mobile homes available for rent throughout the year.

Room in a pretty cottage in a small town 20 km from Bar-le-Duc. Comprises a double bedroom, bathroom, separate WC, private living room.

Bar-le-Duc 17 km - Verdun 60 km. This very fine residence in the centre of the village, first owned by the Duke of Bar, and then by the Duke of Lorraine. Indigo room (1 double bed), Tour (Tower) room (1 double bed) with wheelchair access, Pourpre (Purple - Gîtes de France) room on 1st floor of the tower (1 double bed) and the suite: apartment with upstairs bedroom (1 double bed) and lounge at garden level. All the rooms have private bathroom and WC, as well as TV. Lounge for guests.

Enter the soft, sweet world of this gîte set in an ancient building dating from the late 12th century. The charm of the ancient fortress blends with the warm atmosphere of this vacation rental. Cosy living room, fully-equipped kitchen, private terrace with barbecue, 2 bedrooms upstairs, separate toilet and bathroom with walk-in shower.

Come and stay with family or friends at the Gîte du Val d’Hipp’Saulx between Saint-Dizier and Bar-le-Duc, in the village of Beurey sur Saulx in the Saulx Valley in Meuse. The owner, Renaud Robert, offers guests a chance to breathe in some fresh, clean country air in his spacious chalet sleeping 10 people.

Bar-le-Duc 20 km. Close to the Argonne and Champagne, Reims 80 km. Single-storey gîte with 105 sq. metres of living space, located in one of the outhouses of a castle included in the additional list of historic monuments dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. It consists of a double living room, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Very quiet setting in a 22-hectare estate with “jardin remarquable” (outstanding garden) status. Tennis court and swimming pool on site, shared with the other gîte, Via Romana.

Bar-le-Duc 20 km. Located in the outhouses of a castle that was once a fortified house built to guard the border between Champagne and Lorraine, “Via Romana” has 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a spacious living room with open-plan kitchen. The gîte has been renovated throughout. It is situated on an estate with “jardin remarquable” (outstanding garden) status so guests have the added enjoyment of superb surroundings. Tennis court and swimming pool on site, shared with the other gîte, La Leurande.

Gîte in a lovely 1920's mansion renovated in a contemporary country spirit with all mod cons: perfectly equipped kitchen, two lovely rooms, one bathroom, lounge, living room… all you need for a lovely holiday with your family or friends, around a Bonzini football table, or make the most of some lovely moments in the garden. Robert Espagne is a lovely little town with all amenities, situated 13 km from Saint-Dizier and Bar-le-Duc, 40 km from Lake Der. In the heart of the Saulx Valley, you will be able to go riding (equestrian centre 2 km away), canoeing (in the summer), potholing (supervised outings part of the year, lovely Karstic networks in the area), visit Bar-le-Duc, town with rich artistic and historical heritage… Rates: €59 for two people/night, €10 per additional person.