Those who appreciate walks on forest paths, trail enthusiasts, those who like to discover beautiful panoramas will find what they are looking for in Champagne! Indeed, in the Marne, more than 200 circuits over more than 2,000 km have been developed for walkers or more experienced hikers. So, to your (good) shoes!
"Nature" tours
The Marne is a real paradise for hikers. For a few years now, flower walks have been organised to discover the towns, villages, gardens and parks of France's most flowery department
But that's not all! With its 77 kilometres of shoreline, Lake du Der is the largest artificial lake in Europe and obviously a favourite spot for walkers who enjoy the 38 km of greenways built along the dikes. And, not to spoil anything, the lake is also an ornithological jewel. More than 300 species are recorded: herons, ducks... and grey cranes, which gather here in spring and autumn from 60 to 140,000 individuals for one stage during their migration. Something to delight the whole family during quiet walks around the lake.
Around Reims, after having taken a look at the unmissable Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral, hikers will also have something to do. There is a wide choice of hiking and walking trails in the heart of the vineyard and in the Montagne de Reims regional nature park. With 300 km of marked hiking trails, no time to get bored! In particular, we will be able to meet the enigmatic Faux de Verzy. A "Verzy's fau" is a beech tree called a tortillard 4 to 5 meters high, whose branches form elbows that weld together. In summer, it spreads its leaves into a very dense parasol. In winter, its tormented architecture is revealed: twisted, bent, twisted trunks and branches, terminal branches falling to the ground. The site receives thousands of visitors per year. This forest trail was set up to direct visitors to a few specimens surrounded by fences. The Reims Mountain Regional Nature Park and the Office national des forêts enhance the site, in particular through a mobile application "En forêt de Verzy", available free of charge on Google Play and in the App Store.
Another popular stroll is the Marne Valley cycle route, which is also practiced on foot. Between Condé-sur-Marne and Reuil, there is 30 km of pleasure at the foot of the Champagne hills. We discover some of the department's little jewels: the Romanesque church of Condé, the Château Montebello in Mareuil-sur-Ay, the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, the 140 wrought iron signs of Hautvillers, cradle of Champagne, etc., and recently registered with UNESCO under the Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne.
Lovers of winding paths will also enjoy spending time in the direction of the Argonne forest and its marked trails. In the heart of the wilderness, this is the land of choice for hikers and lovers of large deciduous trees.
Going back in time
The memory circuits are also in the spotlight in the Marne. It must be said that the department has also left its mark on history, from antiquity to the Middle Ages and the two world wars. In Dormans, for example, several paths between river and vineyards and lush forests lead to the national monument dedicated to the dead of the Great War, built in 1921 according to Marshal Foch's wishes in the castle park. Impressive and majestic, a real invitation to silence, the chapel dominates the landscape, and the top of the tower gives a famous view of the Marne valley which was the scene of the fighting, as well as the vineyard and the surrounding villages.
You can also walk in the footsteps of the Champagne Armies in the surroundings of Suippes. This is also where you can visit the Interpretation Centre 14-18. On the old Champagne front, halfway between Verdun and Chemin des Dames, this interpretation centre of a new concept gives great importance to the power of images and testimonies, in a humanistic and educational perspective. Finally, you can walk through the Petit-Morin valley in Mondement and pass at the foot of the monument of the first Victoire de la Marne, which was erected to perpetuate the memory of the victorious battle that took place from 5 to 12 September 1914. In short, with a historical, but also cultural, gastronomic or natural heritage, the Marne is a department rich in discoveries for amateur walkers or sharp hikers.
Smart info
When? When? As soon as the sun comes out, to enjoy the ideal weather for hiking.
Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible
TOURISM IN CHAMPAGNE - More information on the website
And once there:
I BULL - More information on the website
