During your wanderings through the Montagne de Reims, you cannot miss the magnificent landscape triptych which outlines the silhouette of the territory: a vast forest plateau high up, wine-growing hillsides which spread out on the sides of the mountain and agricultural crops which cover the chalky plain. Different landscaped sets are also to be discovered, including the Marne valley, its secondary valleys and the Tardenois valleys. And to savor the most beautiful pieces
1. At the foot of the statue of Urban II in Châtillon-sur-Marne
Here, we guarantee it: you will be as happy as popes! Normal, since you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the vineyards of the Marne Valley, an orientation table indicating the 22 surrounding villages and the statue of Pope Urban II, 33 meters high…
A local child, Eudes de Châtillon (his real name) grew up in Châtillon-sur-Marne, before becoming the head of the Catholic Church in 1088. It even seems that he played an important role in the choice of Reims as an essential city for the coronation of the kings of France… Once a month, the Paysages de la Champagne tourist office invites you to climb to the top of the statue: try the experience!
After greeting Urban II, launch yourself onto the hiking trail “Around Châtillon-sur-Marne”, untilBinson-et-Orquigny picnic area. There, take a seat on the comfortable wooden armchairs that await you. In front of you, a sublime landscape unfolds its shades of green and blue just for your eyes...
2. From the Saint-Lié chapel in Ville-Dommange
Nothing like the tranquility enveloping a chapel to immerse you in a landscape of divine beauty! Built in the XNUMXthe century, this church dedicated to Lié de Micy underwent architectural developments in the XNUMXthe century.
Thanks to its construction on the heights of Ville-Dommange, it enjoys a fantastic view of the surrounding area and the vineyard. Besides, it is no coincidence that an observatory was installed there during the First World War, protected by two blockhouses. Consequence of this strategic status: the chapel was seriously damaged by German bombs during the Ludenorf offensive in 1918.
This atypical destiny is at the origin of the classification of the church and its two blockhouses under the Historical Monuments in 1922.
3. At the top of the Verzenay Lighthouse
Proudly erected on Mont-Boeuf facing the Lighthouse, in the middle of an ocean of vines, the Moulin de Verzenay is one of the most represented landscapes on the postcards of the territory !
It is a couple, the Tinot-Vincent, who are at the origin of its built in 1818. The windmill was then used to grind various cereals, such as wheat, barley or rye. But after the end of his activity at the very beginning of the XNUMXthe century, it had other functions, notably that of an observation post during the two world conflicts.
If it is now private and closed to visitors, take the time to stop at the foot of the building to contemplate the fabulous wine panorama which extends as far as the eye can see. Then, of course, go back down the hill to immortalize this beautiful building which has survived the centuries, the only survivor of the region's old mills!
4. From the Moulin de Verzenay
Proudly erected on Mont-Boeuf facing the Lighthouse, in the middle of an ocean of vines, the Moulin de Verzenay is one of the most represented landscapes on the postcards of the territory !
It is a couple, the Tinot-Vincent, who are at the origin of its built in 1818. The windmill was then used to grind various cereals, such as wheat, barley or rye. But after the end of his activity at the very beginning of the XNUMXthe century, it had other functions, notably that of an observation post during the two world conflicts.
If it is now private and closed to visitors, take the time to stop at the foot of the building to contemplate the fabulous wine panorama which extends as far as the eye can see. Then, of course, go back down the hill to immortalize this beautiful building which has survived the centuries, the only survivor of the region's old mills!
5. At the foot of the statue of Notre-Dame du Gruguet in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
In the heart of wine-growing Champagne, this captivating viewpoint overlooks the Marne valley and the typical village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, located on the hillside. At your feet, the rows of vines hanging on an almost 45° slope are simply dizzying!
This beautiful natural setting welcomes the statue of Notre-Dame du Gruguet since 1946. Legend has it that it was built on the initiative of the local abbot, following a miracle that occurred in 1944: after the monk's promise to the Virgin Mary to offer her a statue if she protected the village from the horrors of the Second World War, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ escaped destruction and its fighters all returned safely...
Bonus: the views from the Panoramic Tour!
You haven't yet had your fill of nature and breathtaking views? That’s good: a real landscaped getaway awaits you with the Panoramic Tour ! Champillon, Hautvillers, Mutigny… On the program for this 40 kilometer circuit: 8 panoramas exceptional !
What if we continued together?
