Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park
Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park - 4 different landscapes in an exceptional area
With forests, agricultural plains, exceptional vineyards and rivers, the Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims offers visitors rich diversity like no other with four different landscapes in the middle of the Champagne Plain.
The Marne Valley
The Marne Valley in the south of the Park has been shaped by the Marne which, along with its lateral canal, runs across the Park from east to west. Follow the Champagne Tourist Route through villages of the wine-growing region with stunning views like Mutigny, Hautvillers, Châtillon-sur-Marne and then on to the agricultural plain. The Coteaux de Cumières hillsides at Mareuil-sur-Ay, the birthplace of Champagne, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2015.
The Marne Valley has lots to see and do. The old towpaths have been converted to a traffic-free greenway (voie verte) so you can cycle from Condé-sur Marne to Cumières through villages like Bisseuil, Tours-sur-Marne and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ while discovering the beautiful countryside of Champagne. Producers are always delighted to let Champagne buffs taste their famous wine, with moderation of course, and maybe let them into some trade secrets. If you prefer cruising to cycling, then why not take a boat trip along the Marne from Cumières.
Montagne de Reims hills
The Montagne de Reims hills are in the north of the Park between Vrigny and Trépail. They separate the Ile de France ridge from the Champagne Crayeuse. Most of the land is taken up with vineyards and the Champagne Tourist Route runs through it, allowing visitors to discover typical villages, wonderful views and passionate wine-growers ! The Montagne de Reims hills also played a part in the Great War. The highest point, Mont Sinaï, on the hills above Verzy was an ideal observation post to watch German movements. It was part of a network of observation posts which included Moulin de Verzenay windmill and also Moulin du Mont-Grippé further south at Villers-Marmery. Today Mont Sinaï is a listed historic monument.
Walkers take note ! Look around you at Verzenay and you will see the 25-metre high Phare de Verzenay lighthouse surrounded by a sea of vines ! This century-old lighthouse was built by Monsieur Goulet to promote his Champagne and today it is an Ecomuseum about wine-growing.
Forest areas and the Forêt de Verzy
The mysterious forest areas of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park are right at the heart of the Park and represent 40% of its surface area. Walk along forest paths to discover the Forêt de Verzy, a wood of 800 twisted beech trees called ‘faux’, the most remarkable site of these dwarf beech trees in the world. The different areas of the huge forest have remained wild and preserved and are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna ! Walkers and cyclists can explore the forest but are asked to be discreet so as not to harm this wonderful, untamed habitat.
Tardenois in the Vallée de l'Ardre
Tardenois in the Vallée de l’Ardre is an area of vines, woods and crops. Champagne is still very much the order of the day and the Champage Tourist Route runs through villages from producers’ cellars to cooperatives. The area was deeply affected by the Great War and the large number of military cemeteries and burial grounds bear witness to the fierce fighting which took place. The architecture of the sector has a strong Romanesque influence which can be seen in the churches of Rosnay, Reuil, Crugny, Fismes and Sarcy.
A little tip from Gites de France : I never tire of discovering and re-discovering the wonderful countryside along sign-posted trails. Stopping in a village, visiting a Champagne cellar or shop, listening to a wine-grower talking lovingly about his product, trying to work out mysteries and secrets of this marvellous drink. I also love the autumn when the sun is low on the horizon, the vines are ablaze with gold, copper, red and yellow hues and there’s a little nip in the air… That for me sums up the Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims !
Discover Marne with Gites de France de la Marne : Argonne, land of remembrance, Lac du Der-Chantecoq.
