Argonne
If I have to define Argonne the words forests, valleys, remembrance, nature and history come to mind.
Argonne on the edge of Champagne – holidays at one with nature
If I have to define Argonne the words forests, valleys, remembrance, nature and history come to mind.
Argonne ! Errm, where’s that, I hear you say ! In fact it is an area on the borders of 3 départements, Marne, Ardennes and Meuse on the edge of the Champagne region, an area shaped by history, marked by mysterious forests, rolling countryside, lakes and typical village. Welcome to Argonne !
Let’s go back to my first definition of Argonne …
Forests and nature … the Forêt d’Argonne extends over almost 25km and is marked by deep ravines and narrow valleys. It is home to a lot of wildlife including wild boar, stags, foxes, deer, birds of prey and other birdlife like herons. In autumn you may be surprised to hear the roar of rutting stags, but please take care as the forest has remained relatively wild. Walkers and mountain bikers who venture there to unlock its mysteries are asked to be discreet so as not to harm this wonderful, untamed habitat !
Fishing and bird watching enthusiasts will be delighted with the many ponds, lakes and marshy areas in forest clearings. Sports fans are well catered for in Argonne with a trail running resort, fitness trail and plenty of sports facilities!
History and remembrance … Argonne has been at the centre stage of French history on several occasions.
Let me tell you a little secret about the town of Sainte-Menehould… Very few people know this but Dom Pérignon was born there in 1638. He was the first person to discover and implement the Champagne method so it was thanks to him that bottled Champagne came into existence ! But I digress, we were talking about history. In 1791 when Louis XVI and his family were fleeing from Paris they stopped to rest at Sainte-Menehould, capital of Argonne Champenoise. They were spotted and denounced by a revolutionary named Jean-Baptiste Drouet and were arrested at Varennes.
In 1792, at the height of the Revolution, France and Prussia met at the Battle of Valmy at the heart of Argonne Champenoise ! The French army led by General Kellerman won the battle. History buffs really shouldn’t miss this historic site where a working windmill and history discovery centre take you back right to the heart of the revolutionary torment, under the piercing gaze of the statue of General Kellerman.
In 1914, Argonne became a theatre of confrontations of the Great War and many remains can still be seen throughout the Argonne region. The site of Main de Massiges, a major battle zone, is spine-chilling. When the trenches were re-dug just as they were originally, items belonging to soldiers, weapons and bones were uncovered. Visiting the site allows you to understand the strategic importance of Massiges and why it remained impregnable for so long. The Musée de Suippes, the 14-18 interpretation centre, takes you to the heart of the fighting during the Great War as does the Camp de la Vallée Moreau at Vienne le Château.
A little tip from Gites de France ""I think you will agree that Argonne, land of nature and remembrance, has yet to give up all its secrets. Whether you come to enjoy its preserved countryside or to discover and remember its history, Argonne will live up to your expectations and share its secrets with you ! You will want to come back again and again to figure out all the many facets of this part of the Champagne region !""
Photos : crédits ADT Marne
Discover Marne with Gites de France de la Marne : Lac du Der-Chantecoq, Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park
