Discover Montbre, Marne, Champagne-Ardenne

Day 2 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 second stage starts in the village of Mutigny and ends in Châlons-en-Champagne, the capital of the Marne. The route begins in the vineyards and passes through the charming little town of Aÿ, before following the cycle path to Châlons-en-Champagne, where a range of cultural activities await you.

The Berry-au-Bac region bears the imprint of the dramatic hours of its past, as evidenced by the white crosses in the military cemetery, visible on the way back, a Second World War air camp, and a tank monument at the entrance to Chemin des Dames. After the lock and the banks of the canal, the tour returns via the chapel and the Saint-Rigobert devotional fountain.

From marshes to rivers or waterfalls, from woods to crops, the Sarrins' walk evolves between the villages of Roucy, Guyencourt and Bouffignereux. The first one has a feudal mound, a church of the Reconstruction and an old priory, the second one a restored wash-house, the last one a church with a portal of the 13th century and a farm-castle.

In the mid-12th century, the Latin name for the commune seems to have been Curtis Superior – rather posh, isn't it? – but it is now known as Concevreux. Almost bordering the Marne (we are here in Champagne Picarde), its location near the Chemin des Dames and in the Aisne valley made it a rear base for French troops during the First World War. This walk will take you to the outskirts of the Petit Marais area, towards the heights overlooking the town, before returning to the church along the canal running alongside the Aisne. Enjoy your walk! 

From an old railway line to a towpath, this route follows the path of two ancient means of transport: the train and river transport via the Canal Latéral à l'Aisne. At Évergnicourt, another possible starting point for the walk, an 1830s lock bears witness to the region?s river past.

This trail takes you on a journey back in time - to around 7,000 years ago - starting from the village of Cuiry-lès-Chaudardes. In the 1970s, this cillage - and others in the vicinity in this part of the Aisne valley - became the subject of archaeological research and acquired a real scientific reputation. In the wake of these experimental practices, a first Neolithic village was rebuilt, but unfortunately destroyed by fire a few years later. So it's thanks to a new initiative by the local council that we have this new prehistoric house (rebuilt on a smaller scale), along with explanatory panels detailing the settlement and way of life of these sedentary farmers, who settled here 5,000 years before our era... This loop on the road and through the fields will then take you to the nearby village of Chaudardes, before returning to your starting point...

Head for the outskirts of Beaurieux, a charming hilltop village just off the Chemin des Dames! This excursion will take you to its heights for a walk in the fresh air, filled with vast open spaces and superb panoramas. As far as history is concerned, this commune - and the Aisne valley in general - is a key site for European archaeology, revealing Neolithic, Protohistoric and Gallo-Roman remains thanks to intensive excavations since the 1970s (a Protohistoric Iron Age enclosure and a Gallo-Roman villa have been unearthed here). And just for the record, even though the commune was spared more than others in the area by the fighting of the 14-18 war, it was nonetheless helped by Winnipeg in its reconstruction. Indeed, the Canadian capital of the province of Manitoba wanted this to serve as a reminder of its links with the Marquette family (Claude, brother of Jacques Marquette, discoverer of the Mississippi in the 17th century, was Lord of Beaurieux...).  So enjoy your visit to this place steeped in history!

Day 1 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 first stage starts at Dormans station, which can be reached by train from Paris, and ends in the charming village of Mutigny, surrounded by vineyards. The route follows the cycle path to Damery, before branching off to Fleury-la-Rivières and then Hautvillers. It then descends to Dizy and briefly picks up the V52 to Aÿ-Champagne before continuing through the vineyards to Mutigny.

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!

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!  

Enjoy a unique trip aboard an iconic 2CV vintage car to discover the best of Reims and the nearby countryside. It’s also the occasion to visit a cellar in the Champagne wine region and taste some of the excellent champagne! IN THE COMPANY OF YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF ON AN ORIGINAL 3-HR-30-MIN RIDE. ENJOY THIS FUN TOUR TO DISCOVER ESSENTIAL REIMS AND 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 take you to meet a local winemaker, where you will visit the winery and cellar before tasting some of the champagne produced on-site! Make the most of this original trip to discover the “City of Kings” and the Champagne wine region! 

Spend an hour aboard a vintage Citroën 2CV to discover the must-see sites of Reims in an original way, stopping off to taste some champagne en route! Your driver-guide will take you on a journey through the city’s streets and through its history.  THIS ORIGINAL RIDE WILL TAKE YOU TO THE HEART OF THE “CITY OF KINGS”. IN THE COMPANY OF YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF FOR A 1-HOUR TOUR OF CENTRAL REIMS. From the car, you’ll be able to admire the rich heritage of the city including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll also see the Abbey of Saint-Remi, another listed historic monument.  Take a look at the champagne houses located in the Crayères, and make the most of a break to taste some champagne! You will continue towards the historical boulevards and cross the Place du Forum to finish at Place Royale. Take advantage of this quirky tour to see the best of historic Reims! 

*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.

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.

In Champagne Ardennes, in a renovated old forge, beautiful luxury apartment with terrace and garden, LDS and BB. Kitchen (MO muli-function, LV, 2 burner hob) open living room (double bed + 1 pull-out 90, TV). SE with walk-in shower, WC. 1 bedroom with 140 x 200. In the property, indoor heated swimming pool all year long and jacuzzi in common with another rental, children's games. Bicycles on site. Private parking. Wifi.

Ideal for a short break and a group photo

Listed as a Historical Monument, the Baroque style Saint-Didier church of Asfeld is the strangest church in Champagne-Ardenne and even in France. It was built at the end of the 17th century on the site of the old church of the village according to the will of the Earl of Avaux Jean-Jacques III of Mesmes. Extravagantly shaped, designed by two talented architects: the Dominican Brother François Romain and Fleury, an architect who lived on the spot. The structural work was completed in 1683. The church was finished, received and blessed in 1685. The plan is quite original since it was imagined in the form of a viola da gamba. Entirely built in bricks, its architecture with colonnades, domes and cupolas is really bold. None of the walls of the building follows a straight line. The church has 138 pillars and columns, a length of 44.82 meters and an outer perimeter of 145 meters. The church also has a 7-stops organ built around 1900 by Clovis Renault. Open every day from 9am to 7pm | Audio guides available in French, English, Dutch and German | Commented visits by appointment INTERPRETATION TRAIL Take a journey back in time to discover the village of Asfeld in the 17th century! Thanks to the 10 viewpoints in the village, dive into Asfeld's past and uncover the secrets of its rich heritage and illustrious families. To enrich your walk, get the booklet "Versailles' Style" and solve the fascinating and mysterious investigation that is proposed to you. During your investigation following the footsteps of the Marquis, you will meet the characters who made the history of the village and thus perfect your knowledge of the monuments of this beautiful village. Booklet available for free at the Town Hall and the Relay House

The destiny that took Verlaine to Juniville is the story of his life and his work. After a tumultuous two-year period with Rimbaud which took him to London and Brussels and led to his imprisonment in Mons, Paul Verlaine returned to the Ardennes to soothe his heart. At the Lion d’Or inn, he wrote and finished the collection of poems entitled ‘Sagesse’. He also prepared a virulent book there. In this anthology, he was to publish works by poets as yet unknown: Stéphane Mallarmé, Tristan Corbeer and Arthur Rimbaud. In the preface, he introduces the latter as the great genius of poetry. He was to give his work a name intended to shatter his image as a Parnassian poet. ‘Les poètes maudits’ (The Accursed Poets) was to become inextricably linked with the decadent scene and prove a resounding success. His poetry was finally recognised.

*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.

The Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul church has a Romanesque nave with five bays dating from the 12th century. The transept (13th century) and the choir (15th century) stand out for their Gothic style. Inside the church is the head stone of Pierre de Machault, lord of the village and his wife. The church is open every day of the year.

The monument was inaugurated on 5th July 1925. It pays tribute to the children of Herpy-L'Arlésienne who died for their country, and also, which is more unusual, to the "French soldiers who fell in battle in the Municipality."

A little further south, in the hamlet of Orfeuil, you may discover the necropolis located on one of the very places where terrible clashes took place. The Necropolis of Orfeuil houses the bodies of 1312 French soldiers who died in the fighting at Vouziers in 1918. It was built until 1935 to accommodate the bodies exhumed from isolated graves or temporary military cemeteries south of Vouziers. This memorial site is located near a German cemetery where 3088 soldiers are buried.

The former town hall of Rethel, built in 1750, was destroyed on 1st September 1914 in the fire started by the invader on the night of 31st August 1914, as well as three quarters of the town and the archives of the town. The Town Council did not establish an order for the reconstruction of municipal buildings until 13th October 1922, priority being given to schools. Among the 11 projects presented for the new Town Hall, Mr Boulenger’s one (an architect from Reims) was chosen. The building, in Louis XIIIth style, measures 40 meters by 14 and its height is 40 meters too. The materials used (white stone from Vierzy, red brick from Dizy and blue slate) bring out the colours of the national flag on its façade.  The building started in April 1925 and finished in November 1931. The official inauguration took place on 30th April 1933. The monumental staircase at the centre of the façade leads onto a wrought iron portal, the official entrance to the building. The main reception room is entirely covered by paintings of Eugène Thiéry from Rethel. 

The monument is an allegory of Victory, framed by panels bearing the list of Rethel’s civilian and military dead.

This plot of land of 4 hectares, where more than 500 trees have been planted, is called the Promenade des Isles. It has been the site for different public events for several years. The most well-known is the Sainte Anne Fête, which has been held since 1805 at the end of July. For ten days the animation (the cavalcade, the fireworks display, the balls, the fairground attractions) attracts huge crowds, who come from all over the region. We must not forget to mention other public events, which have become traditional too like the horse show, the Foulées Rethéloises (cross-country running race), etc.. The first trees were planted on the meadow here in 1623 on a former cemetery. The town bought the neighbouring meadow (called the Cannevière) to extend the park in 1646. In 1775 the line of trees, which was in the middle, was cut down to create a central walkway. An entrance to the park from the town was made for pedestrians. Since this time the Promenade des Isles has always been used as a meeting place for local festivities.

Une pause « gourmande et tradition » au cœur du golf de Menneville ! (40 couverts + 25 en terrasse)

L'endroit idéal pour découvrir la gastronomie picarde ! (80 couverts + terrasse / animaux acceptés)

Découvrez une cuisine inventive, traditionnelle et régionale ! (110 couverts / animaux acceptés)

De vraies pizzas cuites au feu de bois ! (43 personnes en salle + une véranda pouvant accueillir 20 personnes / animaux acceptés)

LE point de restauration en pleine forêt de Vauclair !

Si vous êtes de passage sur le Chemin des Dames pour une balade à pied, à vélo ou en moto, Le Poilu vous accueillera chaleureusement !

Plongez dans une expérience culinaire authentique au cœur d'un cadre verdoyant exceptionnel, niché sur un magnifique golf !

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.

In Champagne Ardennes, in a renovated old forge, beautiful luxury apartment with terrace and garden, LDS and BB. Kitchen (MO muli-function, LV, 2 burner hob) open living room (double bed + 1 pull-out 90, TV). SE with walk-in shower, WC. 1 bedroom with 140 x 200. In the property, indoor heated swimming pool all year long and jacuzzi in common with another rental, children's games. Bicycles on site. Private parking. Wifi.

Sales to order at the farm and on the markets of Reims. Mara des Bois strawberries from May to September.

Anne Champenois produces red berries, she selects the best varieties for their taste and the quality of the fruit. Try these delicious products made from raspberries, blackcurrants, blueberries and blackberries: jams, coulis, syrups, nectar... Raspberries are sold directly from the farm to order during the production period in June and July, and are available on the Drive Fermier.

Farm sales to order: 5 to 10 kg boxes of beef and/or veal. Home-cooked dishes in dishes of veal blanquette, beef goulash, veal pie or pure beef lasagna. Several quantities are possible. As well as the Charobon, thin slices of dried beef, you should discover the Saucibon! All these products come from their farm. You can visit the farm all year round by appointment.

Discover the Loupin'up, a blond beer with character, exclusive to L'Abreuvoir aux Loups. Sale of beers and other regional spirits, wines and rum. Wine accessories. Gift baskets and articles. For your family meals, between friends, festivities of all kinds, for individuals / professionals, associations. We can provide drinks and take back any that are not consumed. (See conditions). Open from October to March from Tuesday to Saturday except Wednesday morning and from April to September from Tuesday to Saturday.

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.