To immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the Montagne de Reims, nothing beats stroll through its traditional villages, sometimes peaceful, sometimes animated by a delicious effervescence! Observant walkers will enjoy detecting every detail of this typical rural architecture : red terracotta tile roofs, brick frames, small intimate courtyards hidden behind subtly decorated facades... Don't hesitate to get lost in their streets, visit their welcoming shops or even take your stroll to the town neighbor: there is no shortage of lovely surprises! In the meantime, here is a sample of 3 of these unmissable villages...
The village of Hautvillers and the Abbey of Dom Pérignon
It's difficult to think of champagne without imagining the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon, busy in the darkness of theHautvillers Abbey to the production of the future wine of kings... Moreover, the village of the same name has retained its old-world charm: a wonderful stopover is yours!
Yes, in Hautvillers, your eyes have an appointment with streets steeped in history, which shelter lovely brands (flea market, wine merchant, champagne capsule depot, honey sale, etc.). Even more, the village overlooks the Marne valley, and thus offers you a amazing views on the unique landscape triptych of the Montagne de Reims: a teeming forest plateau, a sea of vineyard hillsides and vast crops embracing the Marne.
After your visit to this place full of tranquility, don't forget to head towards the Hautvillers national forest, labeled Forêt d’Exception® by the National Forestry Office. Under the canopy, several walking and hiking trails (PR) take place under the feet of young and old alike: among them, the Pic Noir discovery trail and the Bubbles and Sketches course.
The village of Aÿ-Champagne, Small City of Character
Another village, other gems! Halfway between the Montagne de Reims and Épernay, this Small Town of Character has seen the birth of several champagne houses now established on the street. So, if you have a penchant for (good) bubbles, you will definitely enjoy paying tribute to local producers…
In addition, the visit of Pressoria will be another unmissable stopover during your visit to Aÿ-Champagne: your senses will travel with delight through this interactive and fun experience, while your knowledge of sparkling wine will increase in the blink of an eye!
This typical village is also full of rich heritage, which you can explore at your leisure thanks to two thematic tours of 3 kilometers each, concocted just for you: the Musardises Agéennes route with 19 interpretation panels, and theEsprit Lalique itinerary, during which the famous Master Glassmaker René Lalique will tell you his story and his inspirations.
Finally, walkers or cyclists eager for nature can reach from Aÿ-Champagne the Véloroute, for example towards Tours-sur-Marne to discover the Nambly natural site. This protected wetland, nestled in the meanders of the Marne, is a truly refreshing stopover!
The village of Germaine, fruit of the surrounding forests
Behind this pretty name hides a village full of charm! Surrounded by forests, Germaine maintains a close bond with trees : until the 1950s, the vast majority of people who lived there were loggers or carters. Their task? Cut and transport the wood to the town station or the road linking Reims to Épernay, before it is used for vineyard work.
Nowadays, even if this forestry tradition is less present in the lives of the villagers, it remains strongly anchored in the architecture of Germaine and in the atmosphere that reigns there: several hiking trails in the forest or in the village allow you to immerse yourself in this unparalleled atmosphere…
Otherwise, residents and visitors like to relax in the center of the town, whether in its welcoming bistro or in its grocery store selling local products (Le Cerf à 3 Pattes) : join them without delay, especially during the many friendly events that mark the year!
What if we continued together?
