Epernay, 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.

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.

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”).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ideal for a short break and a group photo

Listed as a remarkable garden this venue is worth a detour... The garden overlooks the valley of Petit Morin. Its pièce de resistance is undoubtedly the plant cathedral, an ambitious project carried out over 6 years and inaugurated in June 2017. This verdant temple is open to persons of all spiritual traditions. Consecrated to family love, the cathedral is accentuated by sculptures from Robert Arnoux and stained glass windows by Laurence Weber. The garden also features a unique skeleton, made of steel and stone, rather than bone. It is intended to evolve over time, allowing itself to be immersed in branches and leaves with the passage of the seasons to ultimately become a "natural body"! The garden covers 7 hectares. During the course of your visit, you'll encounter extraordinary plants and unique architectural elements, such as rare trees, wild grasses and secret passages that can propel us to another dimension. You can also find mystical creatures, such as giant fairies, or a swing that harkens back to childhood. Let's not forget the huts that are "not like the others"! Le Point du Jour Garden also serves as a tea room, the perfect boutique for original gift ideas and a venue for concerts and other major events… This garden was voted the 2010 Garden of the Year by the French Association of Garden and Horticulture Journalists (AJJH) and now boasts the French Ministry of Culture's official label of a “Remarkable Garden”.

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.

Moutils ancient castle and remains of the church.

It was constructed in February, 1886, thanks to the citizens ‘application. “…it would be a very useful purpose for the citizens the wash house  to be indoor and not to be expensive…”

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.

Housewives thought that the washing place basic and open air applied for a roof to avoid bad weather.

The Restaurant de la Mairie is located in Berry-au-Bac, 15 minutes from Reims in the direction of Laon and close to the...

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An atypical bar-brewery located on the Chemin des Dames ridge, which offers a la carte specialities.

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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.

The hotel***-Restaurant du Sauvage welcomes you in the heart of the Grand Morin valley in La Ferté-Gaucher! Céline and Cyril Neujean are happy to welcome you to the Logis Hôtel du Sauvage, located in a beautiful building in the centre of La Ferté-Gaucher. The hotel proposes 20 rooms as different as comfortable and a gastronomic and tasty restaurant. There are two cosy lounges with a bar area for relaxing moments, which you can extend by taking a dip in the sauna or in the indoor swimming pool, which is heated all year round, with its areas designed for your well-being.

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

Le Grand Terre offers you the healing comfort you need after the hectic day you experienced by the Aérosphalte's activities. At the foot of the La Ferté-Gaucher racetrack and 80km east of Paris, the Hotel le Grand Terre is ideally located to welcome motor sport lovers! Le Grand Terre offers a warm welcome and numerous facilities for a stay with family, friends or companies: - 19 bedrooms for 1 to 3 pers., all equipped with TV, free Wifi and complete sanitary facilities, including 9 accessible to people with reduced mobility. - 19 bungalows set in a wooded park, including 1 accessible to people with reduced mobility. Each bungalow has a room with a double bed, a room with 2 single beds, a living room, a shower and WC. - A fully equipped seminar room. There is also free private parking. The activities on site: quad bikes, cars, motorbikes, ULM and model making will delight all visitors, individuals and business people. Nearby, the "Ferra Botanica" velorail and the whole of the "Vallée des 2 Morin" will seduce you with their very natural setting.

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.

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.

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.