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    Montagne de Reims

    France

    Montagne de Reims

    Point of Interest

    The Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park is a forested plateau, known for its Grand Cru vineyards, charming wine villages, and scenic beauty.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Champagne
    9. Montagne de Reims
    The Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park is a forested plateau, known for its Grand Cru vineyards, charming wine villages, and scenic beauty.

    Places of Interest

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Marfaux British Cemetery

    Marfaux British Cemetery

    The Marfaux British Cemetery in the Montagne de Reims is a poignant memorial to the fallen soldiers of the First World War. Here primarily rest members of the British armed forces who lost their lives during the decisive Second Battle of the Marne in July and August 1918. In particular, the 51st (Highland) Division suffered heavy losses in this region. Here you will find the typical, dignified design of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission: immaculately kept lawns, symmetrically arranged rows of white headstones, the Cross of Sacrifice, and the Stone of Remembrance. The cemetery exudes a profound calm and invites quiet reflection on the sacrifices of this conflict. Our Tip: It is best to visit the cemetery in the early morning or late afternoon to fully absorb its special atmosphere undisturbed. Respect the silence and significance of this place. It is an important stop on a tour of the region's war memorials.
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    Dining & Drinks

    Bistr'O Larris

    Bar in 1 Rue du Tambour.
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    Le beau lieu

    Bar in 48 Rue de Cumières.
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    clotaire Hautvillers

    Restaurant in 29 Rue de la Croix de Fer.
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    Pizza Roma

    Restaurant in 2 Rue Aristide Briand.
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    Bidon Claude

    Bar in 4 Pl. Saint-Clément.
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    Food and Drinks

    Die Küche der Marne ist bodenständig, der Ruhm der Region flüssig. Auf den Karten der Dörfer steht, was die Umgebung hergibt — und dazu fast immer Champagner aus dem Ort, in dem du gerade sitzt.

    Champagne from Grand Cru sites

    Nine communes of the Montagne hold Grand Cru status, with Pinot Noir dominating. Many winemakers offer tastings in their own cellars, allowing you to directly taste the difference between a north-facing Verzenay and a south-facing Bouzy side-by-side.

    Coteaux Champenois

    Still wine from the same appellation, without second fermentation. The red Bouzy is the best-known variant and hails from one of the Grand Cru villages on the south slope.

    Ratafia of Champagne

    Liqueur wine made from Champagne grape must and regional brandy, usually Marc de Champagne. Amber-coloured, it is enjoyed as an aperitif or served with melon, cured ham and foie gras.

    Biscuit rose de Reims

    Pink, very dry biscuit from Reims, dusted with powdered sugar. It is dipped in Champagne or red Bouzy without crumbling, precisely its purpose.

    Jambon de Reims

    Champagne-seasoned, mold-baked and breaded ham. Served sliced or as a terrine, traditionally as a starter.

    Potée champenoise

    Stew of winter vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and rutabaga, with smoked ham, bacon, and sausages. The hearty counterpoint to the region's reputation.

    Faux, vines and a lighthouse without sea

    The Faux de VerzyIn the state forest near Verzy, approximately 800 gnarled beech trees stand, their branches twisting, growing downwards, and intertwining. They are called Faux, and this stand is considered the largest known collection of this growth form. Why the trees grow this way is not definitively known; a genetic disposition is considered the most probable explanation. The stand is protected as a nature reserve, the paths are marked, and you must stay on them because the ground above the roots is sensitive.The Slope as a WorkplaceThe vineyards of the Montagne are not just decoration, but an operation. On the north-facing slopes around Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne, and Verzy, Pinot Noir ripens later and yields tauter wines; the south-facing sites around Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Louvois produce rounder, more powerful results. The same grape variety, the same chalk subsoil, two results: The orientation of the slope makes all the difference here.A Lighthouse in the VineyardAbove Verzenay stands a lighthouse, far from any coast. It was built in 1909 as a promotional tool for a Champagne house and today houses a museum dedicated to viticulture. From the top, you can survey the slopes and the plain beyond.

    Directions & On Site

    Getting ThereFrom Paris, take the A4, exit Dormans; the N3 national road runs through the Marne Valley between Château-Thierry and Épernay. Reims and Épernay are both directly on the park's edge and are reachable by train, allowing the northern and southern access points to be reached without a car.Inside the park, the situation is different. The villages on the plateau and slopes are barely connected by public transport — anyone wanting to see Verzy, Verzenay, and Hautvillers in one day will need a vehicle or a bike.On FootThe long-distance hiking trail GR 14 crosses the park, along with its variants GR 141 and GR 142. They connect the forest sections on the plateau with the vineyard edges, from where the view extends over the plain. Elevation differences are small, but the paths are long: The charm lies in the change between dense forest and open slopes, not in climbing.

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    Nearby

    Hautvillers

    Hautvillers

    Hautvillers lies in the vineyards north of Épernay and is considered the cradle of Champagne. In the Abbey of Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers, the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon was cellar master from 1668; he significantly improved cultivation, blending and cellar techniques, even though he did not invent sparkling wine. His tombstone lies in the abbey church. The village, with its narrow lanes, winegrowers' houses and wrought-iron shop signs, invites a stroll. From the slopes you look out over the Marne valley and the vineyards, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Numerous winemakers offer tastings. During the harvest in September the village is busy; spring and early summer are quieter.
    Champagne

    Champagne

    Champagne, in northeastern France, is home to the sparkling wine of the same name. Gentle vineyards, historic cities like Reims and Troyes, and miles of chalk cellars characterize the region. The "Hillsides, Houses and Cellars of Champagne" have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015.
    Reims

    Reims

    As the former coronation city of French kings and home to the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, Reims is the historical and spiritual heart of Champagne.
    Châlons-en-Champagne

    Châlons-en-Champagne

    Châlons-en-Champagne, prefecture of the Marne department, blends historical heritage with waterways. You'll discover the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne and the collegiate church Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site as a stop on the Way of St. James. The city is traversed by the Marne and the smaller rivers and canals Mau and Nau; on a boat trip, you'll see half-timbered houses and old bridges from the water. In summer, the light and sound show “Métamorph'eau'ses” runs evenings on the canals. Explore the old town, visit a champagne cellar, and relax in Grand Jard Park. Spring and autumn are quiet travel times.
    Provins

    Provins

    An exceptional medieval fortress town and UNESCO World Heritage site, which transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved fortifications and historical spectacles.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI