Marne is a territory that deserves time to discover all the contours and they are multiple! This land has marked the history of its footprint since antiquity through the Middle Ages or more recently during the two world wars. History, but also cultural, natural or gastronomic heritage make this department an ideal getaway.
Remembrance of the Great War
We often take the direction of Marne to enjoy a memory tourism. And this year is an ideal opportunity since it is marked by the centenary of the beginning of the First World War. Valmy's mill, this prestigious site where the battle of Valmy took place on September 20, 1792, is freely visited. The chapel transformed into a memorial of the Marne battles in Dormans was honored in September to commemorate these important moments of World War I. In Reims, the fort of La Pompelle was new and reopened last summer after seven months of work. A boon to go back to history, since it is the only museum dedicated to the Great War and elected home to the very place where bloody military operations took place. The burial of three foot soldiers was discovered during renovation work. This memory tourism is therefore an all-embracing entrance to enjoy the heritage of the department.
A unique architectural heritage
For you can't visit the Marne without stopping contemplating the beautiful cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims. Originally started in 1211, its realization lasted three centuries, but it remained partially incomplete since arrows were originally to overcome the towers. In addition to its architecture, it is the richness of its sculptures that makes it an exceptional success: You must observe the famous Angel to smile, Saint Joseph or the servant, and to see how the artists have been able to give them life. The cathedral also has beautiful medieval verteries, but also Marc Chagall's stained glass windows, Brigitte Simon and Imi Knoebel. A masterpiece of Gothic art, she is a masterpiece in France's history: Clovis was baptized there between the year 496 and 506, and then the greatest kings of France were sacred there. Unfortunately, the bombings of the First World War did not spare the city and the cathedral had to be restored. In addition to the cathedral, the department also includes other outstanding churches such as Notre-Dame-de-l 'Epine basilica, Saint Etienne Cathedral of Châlons-en-Champagne as well as numerous castles and vestiges of the wood-paneled architecture.
Champagne, effervescent bloom…
And how can we not mention the champagne, the local banner which contributes to French reputation and its prestige worldwide? In Epernay, the Avenue de Champagne houses the most famous houses. Along a surrounding avenue of vineyards, ten champagne houses coexist. Here are great names such as Moët & Chandon, the most commercialized brand and first installed here in 1742, Mercier, Boizel, Countess Lafond, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, De Venoge, Demoiselle… With their dazzling gold leaf signs, several large houses open their cellar (free visit or by appointment). Nicknamed Champs-Elysées sparnaciens, the avenue was ranked in 1994 among the 100 outstanding sites of taste in France. Champagne has a world reputation and the AOC appellation since June 29, 1936. The vineyard is visited by name, the white coast, the bar of the Bar, the mountain of Reims and the Marne Valley, each appellation producing subtly differentiated champagnes. There are about three hundred and twenty wines illustrating the vineyards and their own nuances, located on all the different departments of the region, including the Marne of course. Originally, this mass wine was devoted to history by the baptism of Clovis. Nectar des kings, star of celebrations, champagne accompanies many events and events and enjoys international notoriety today. Dom Pérignon (1638-1715) from Sainte-Menehould, cellerer to the abbey of Hautvillers, develops this white wine trembling from black grapes according to original raw wines. Since then, the selection of grape varieties, yeasts, assembly of various wines and mastery of the effervescence have completed the work of the illustrious monk. From now on, three varieties are permitted for the preparation of the wine: pinot noir for body and power, pinot sucking for flexibility and bouquet, and chardonnay known for its finesse and aroma, all accompanied by thirty-five quality rules. Champagne production is now close to 340 million bottles per year. Large houses and winemakers visit their cellar, taste them and comment on their know-how, but most visits are now paid, which is quite regrettable.
… of a rich gastronomy
The Marne is not confined to the champagne alone and if it declines this flagship product to infinity (sauces, chocolates…), it also offers a rich gastronomy of good local produce, like the foot of the pigs of Sainte-Ménéhould or Reims ham. The department also offers good addresses for gourmet cuisine with no less than eight Michelin star chefs. The opportunity to taste the great classics of local cuisine revisited.
Nature Also to Honor
But Marne is also a land of nature where visitors can practice all sorts of outdoor activities. Walking in the heart of Reims mountain vineyards, hiking in the forest massif of Argonne, bathing and water sports at the Der, Europe's largest artificial lake, there is no time to be bored.
Smart News
When is it? This year 2014 will be ideal for enjoying the latest anniversaries of the centenary of the Great War. Before jamming with a new vintage of his favorite champagne.
Go there. By car, Reims is located about 150 km from Paris by the A 4 and, in TGV within an hour of the capital.
GARE SNCF DE REIMS - More information on the site
Useful. To organize his getaway best.
DEPARTMENTAL TOURISM TOURISM COMMITTEE - More information on the site
REIMS TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the site
