Discover Piney, Aube, Champagne-Ardenne Treasures

Les balcons du Parc "“ 63 km "“ easy level.To see during your trip: the market hall in Piney, Viewing point of Villehardouin, the Windmill's Dosches, the wash house of Rosnon in Dosches, the ornithological watching of Géraudot.

La Forêt du Petit-Orient - 3h30 - mean level. To see during your trip: views of the Temple's Lake and ponds. Nearby: golf of Rouilly-Sacey, Piney's hall, timber-frame church of Lesmont.

Promenade des Libellules - duration: 4h30 - easy level - marking: white and green. Discrete and elegant like a shooting star, dragonglies can be found in the lights of the moving and quiet waters.

La Forêt du Grand-Orient - 2h20min - easy level. To see during your trip: The Maison du Parc. Nearby: Orient and Temple's lakes, Mesnil Saint-Père, potterie of Amance.

La Forêt de Larivour - 2h40 - easy level. Many viewing points of the Orient's Lake. Nearby: automate museum in Lusigny-sur-Barse, timber-frame church of Chauffour-les-Bailly.

Circuit des 3 lacs de la Forêt d'Orient "“ 73 km "“ very easy level. To see during your trip: the lakes of the Orient Forest, the cycle track of the Orient Forest lakes, Mesnil-Saint-Père : Espace faune of the Orient Forest, the market hall of Dienville.

Le Balcon du Lac - 4h15 - 18km - difficult level. To see during your trip: ornithological observatories, view of the lake. Nearby: timber-frame church of Mathaux - Brienne-le-Château: Napoléon 1st museum, churches tresure museum - Brienne-la-Vieille: ecomuseum.

Promenade Briennoise - duration: 2h15 - length: 7km - marking: white and green -easy level. Following the traces of bygone days: rural traditions and great history...

Les pans de bois et le Lac Amance "“ 21 km "“ easy level. To see during your trip: The lake Amance, Market Hall of Dienville, Timber-frame church of Mathaux, Church of Dienville.

Promenade des Merisiers - duration: 4h - easy level - marking: white and green. Man shapes nature. Here nature lyricises the work of man... To see during your trop: pond of Ramerupt, forest with remarkables trees, dryed up ponds, washhouse of Petit-Mesnil.

A hotel with 27 rooms, ideally located in the heart of the medieval town!

Provins the mysterious... Come and discover the most mysterious places in the medieval town of Provins! The first purpose of the underground galeries was the explotation of materials for the drapera industry of Provins. Then, they served many others: a shelter, a warehouse, a cave and even a gathering place for occults, as numerous symboles and old writings can witness. Regular guided departures in groups of 25 people maximum, for reasons of security and preservation of the site. Our advice: as the monument is in great demand, we recommend you to book your tour time in advance by phone.

Take an immersive audio tour of Provins' iconic 12th-century keep! Located at the top of the rocky spur, the Tower protects the former county palace and dominates the Châtel and the Val. A true symbol of power for the counts of Champagne, this tower has many purposes: a watchtower, a prison, a bell tower... An immersive audio tour! The model, the pâté aux Anglais, the dungeons, the guards' room, the Governor's room, the wall walk, the roof structure, the lower room... young and old alike will be transported back through the centuries by the captivating tales of the two narrators! At the top of the Tower, you could have a overview of the city ! How does it work? It's so easy to use, all you have to do is scan the QR Code and let yourself be guided! The 10 commentaries will be triggered automatically by wifi sensors. Total duration: 25 min. Our advice: - Don't hesitate to download the application before you come. - To make your visit as comfortable as possible, don't forget your headphones. Pay-per-use headphones will be available at the reception desk.

Audio guided visit of a merchant and medieval crafts exhibition. This former merchant house from the 13th century was used as an indoor fair during the fairs of Champagne, and then as a warehouse for the tithe from the 14th century onwards. This monument has a sophisticated architecture with vaulted halls and capitals. Nowadays, it houses a lively exhibition thanks to the scenography with main crafts and merchants from the Middle Ages.

Welcome to the Ibis Provins Hotel***! Located at the entrance of Provins, the Ibis Provins Hotel*** has been completely renovated. There is no need to take the car again, as it is close to the historical monuments and activities of the medieval city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a wide range of facilities and is ideal for a family or business stay thanks to the fully-equipped, modular and day-lit 50m² meeting room.

Welcome to the Tourist Office of Provins and its region! The Tourist Office of Provins Tourisme proposes numerous services ! t has a large parking lot (paying in high season and free in low season) and motorcycle parking, a welcome area with sheltered picnic area and adventure playground for children, camper area and toilets. Our tourist agents can provide you with information about all tours and activities to do in the region: Provinois and the Bassée-Montois. They will offer you the "Visitor's Guide" to take well profit of your stay! On the spot: souvenir shop, Pass Card sales, rental of electric VTT and VTC bikes, post office and , tourist train stop, and departure for guided tour during the high season to discover the medieval town of Provins.

Provins, UNESCO’s World Heritage List! Located 1 hour from Paris in Seine-et-Marne, discover this medieval town offering visits, historical shows & great events... to go back to the Middle Ages! Inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List on December 2001, Provins is today a wonderfully preserved medieval town. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Provins is at the height of its fame thanks to the famous Trade Fairs of Champagne. The urban structure is organised to accommodate the great number of wholesalers: the wide streets for the transfer of goods and for the stalls, the three level merchant’s houses with sumptuous vaulted low rooms... The presence of water (Durteint and Voulzie rivers) favours also the economic activities and the expansion of many trades such as the woollen cloth manufacturer, the parchment maker, butcher, etc... The impressive fortified wall was built during the 13th century and extended for 5 km (today 1,2 km), and it offers a catalogue of military architecture. Those ramparts protected the inhabitants and the tradespeople, and showed off the power of the Earls of Champagne. Exceptional monuments to visit all year round: > the superb keep of the Cesar Tower with its different rooms and a panoramic view from the top floor, > the Grange aux dîmes (tithe barn), a typical medieval house with an exhibition of merchants and craftsmen of the time to discover with an audio-guided tour available in French, English, German, Spanish and Chinese, > the Museum of Provins and the Provinois, located in one of the oldest houses of Provins, and presenting unique collections since prehistory, > the thousand-year-old and majestic Saint-Ayoul Priory, recently restored, to be visited with an audio guide, Amazing shows of chivalry and falconry, "The Legend of the Knights" and "The Eagles of the Ramparts", will take visitors into the heart of history every day from the end of March to All Saints' Day. Not forgetting the little train, the Provins Rose Garden, guided tours, rental of electric bikes, hiking, major events, and a whole region to discover to prolong the pleasure and the experience, to live with family or friends! Pass Cards formulas allow you to visit the monuments and to benefit from reduced rates for other activities. The Tourist Office team will be happy to offer you the "Visitor's Guide", a very complete brochure to enjoy your stay...

Live the adventure of Ferra Botanica, an electric-assisted railbike in a protected green space! Bike + Rails + Fun + Nature = Ferra Botanica! With family or friends, set off to discover an astonishing 13 km route (round trip) aboard your rail bike! Ferra Botanica is the successful marriage of bicycle and train, of Man and Nature for an experience rich in emotion! Pedal at your own pace thanks to the electric assistance, on a straight, flat route without much difficulty. Ferra Botanica is a fun outdoor activity, in the heart of the Sensitive Natural Area of ​​Val du Haut Morin, where, here and there, poetic and intriguing installations appear on the theme of plants and animals. Arts lovers will appreciate this aesthetic scenography for an enchanted interlude! How it works ? Each rail bike can accommodate 2 to 5 people, beyond that, you will need to rent another one. Only 2 people are pedaling, but nothing prevents changing teams between the outward journey and the return journey. Departure by small train from the La Ferté-Gaucher Tourist Office, which will take you directly to the site. (supplement of 2€ per person) The different formulas by reservation only (48 hours in advance): > Ardoise Fertoise: from €15: aperitif formula with local products, from homemade foie gras to sausage or ham on the bone (depending on availability) which will delight gourmets and discerning palates! > Farm Plate: from €15: picnic package offering the best products from our farms with raw vegetables, free-range chicken fillet and seasonal dessert. > Vegetarian Plate: from €15: picnic formula offering the best products from our farms with raw vegetables and mixed salad and seasonal dessert. > Sandwich formula: from €10: different types of sandwich are offered (buttered ham, raw chicken, tuna mayonnaise, Brie de Meaux) and seasonal dessert. On-site services: shop and sale of local products, relaxation and picnic area, water points and WC.

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.

Discover the city of Reims with the City Pass: unlimited transportation and free access to cultural and leisure activities! DISCOVER THE CITY OF REIMS WITH THE CITY PASS: UNLIMITED TRANSPORTATION AND FREE ACCESS TO CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES! This pass offers you access to 18 tourist services for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Discover the list of free sites below with the Reims City Pass. You will notably be able receive: * Entry to the Tau Palace (recognised by UNSECO) * A guided visit in Reims Cathedral (recognisd by UNSECO) * A circuit of the city by bus with an audioguide * Reductions to visit the champagne caves and vineyard caves * Lots of other activites and reductions! You will be able to use the CITURA public transport (all bus and tramway lines in Reims included) without limit during your chosen time period. You will also be able to receive shopping discounts and discounts for different shows, trips and excursions in the surrounding vineyards. You will also be able to discover the largest wine cave of the whole region at a reduced price!

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.

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.

By the 40th day after mobilisation the German High Command expected to have brought the French and British armies to a decisive battle and destroyed them. This conclusion to Schlieffen’s famous Plan relied on the Russians taking at least this length of time to mobilise via their poor railway system. The BEF played a small but significant part in the battle of the Marne even though Field Marshall French had seriously contemplated removing his men from the action to reform and rest. However, this major battle was largely won through the determination and courage of the French soldiers and their leaders. The French snatched a conclusive victory from what looked like an imminent defeat. The German High Command failed in its attempt to capture Paris and force the French government to capitulate. The ‘race to the sea’ now followed, in which the Allies and Central Powers atempted to outflank each other. The line of trenches was then settled from the North Sea to Switzerland. The Allies and the Central Powers now knew that the war would continue far longer than they had thought. The next few years would be spent in learning how to fight a new kind of war with new weapons in the air and on the ground. The price of this process would be paid in blood.

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.

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.

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.

Built in a courtyard adjoining the cloister, protected from the frost and the wind, the "jardin des simples" has been designed according to typical abbey gardens : medicinal and aromatic plants.

12th-century Premonstratensian abbey rebuilt in the 18th century in Stainville between Ménil-sur-Saulx and Juvigny-en-Perthois. The remaining parts of the abbey include the outbuildings, covered well, splendid vaulted cellars and some of the abbey building itself with some fabulous rooms. The church still has its West Front, with two massive square towers. Guided tours available throughout the year on request. Minimum of 10 people required for groups.

This old ornamental ironworks has been turned into an experimental centre "to promote lifestyle in a rural environment". It includes a museum, a high-quality programme of cultural events and agricultural activities (nettles, fruit and vegetable growing). The general public is invited to follow a footpath across the 9-hectare site, past the old abbey and factory. They can also see the shop, with its outstanding collection of cast iron models. An exhibition illustrates the history of this site and the Bar-le-Duc area as a whole. Guided tours are available on Sundays and with advance booking. There is also a shop selling local products. Audioguides are available in French, German and English. A discovery kit is available for children.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Well-equipped kitchen, large common room (capacity: 60 people) with open fire. 5 bedrooms on ground floor (3 or 4 single beds per room), 4 bedrooms upstairs (3 to 5 single beds per room). Booking required.

In a quiet village close to all amenities, the Appart des Chevreuils comprises an equipped kitchen, a living room, 2 bedrooms and a sofa bed, a shower room and a separate toilet. Parking is available nearby. Reduced rate for 1 person only, please contact us.

Charming little house in the heart of the village, easily accessible from the N4. The house has one bedroom (bed 160x200) and a sofa bed with comfortable mattress in the living room. 12 km from Saint-Dizier, 22 km from Bar-le-Duc.

Between Saint-Dizier and Ligny-en-Barrois. Enjoy a break in quiet surroundings and charming rooms in the country. 1 double room (double bed) and one suite for 2 people (double bed) with a double bed settee and babycare equipment (cot, changing table). They each have a private shower and toilet. Living room with balcony, TV lounge with fireplace.

Provision, by arrangement, for groups of minors, school groups and associations. Overnight gîte rental: lounge, meeting room etc. Sleeps 30. Dining room seats 48.

Overlooking the grounds of the Château de la Varenne, 12 km from Bar-le-Duc, the gîte La Petite Varenne is located in the pretty village of Haironville, in the Saulx valley. This family home offers 4 bedrooms, including 2 suites, 1 bathroom and 3 shower rooms. The chateau's 20-hectare park is ideal for a stroll in the countryside. A swing and slide are at your disposal. You can also fish in the Saulx (fishing card offered for 1 week, depending on the stay booked, to be specified). Minimum 2-night rental. The gîte is rented in its entirety for a maximum of 8 people. A cleaning charge of €100 is compulsory, in addition to the rental price. Bed linen and towels provided. Beds made up on arrival. For longer stays, please contact us.

The gîte is located in Saudrupt, a small village in the Saulx valley in Meuse, 12 km from Bar-le-Duc and 12 km from Saint-Dizier in Haute-Marne. This vacation home comprises 3 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom with bath and a separate toilet. Office space upstairs. The house has a large enclosed garden (outdoor games: pétanque, badminton...). The Saulx is a beautiful river for fishing enthusiasts. The 18-hole Combles-en-Barrois golf course is just a few kilometers away.

Bar-le-Duc 12km. Modern detached family house, very comfortable, located on the estate of the former master blacksmiths (Forges d'Haironville). The gite overlooks 3.5 hectares of fields (with animals), surrounded by the River Saulx: a kilometre of river banks for the exclusive use of the guests (Fario trout, fishing card by the day, fortnight etc). Large terraces and arbours beside the river. Two living rooms with views: on the ground floor (50m²), and on the first floor (25m²). Fitted kitchen, 4 bedrooms: 1 160x200 bed, 1 140x190 bed, 4 90x190 beds. 2 bathrooms (2 baths, 2 showers). 2 separate WCs. Laundry room. Electric heating. Enclosed garden in front of the house.