For this micro-adventure, your car stays warm in its garage. But your walking shoes will get a breath of fresh air! Over the course of two days of hiking, this route takes you through magnificent landscapes of the Montagne de Reims, between forest and vineyard. And that's not all: a multitude of villages and exciting visits also await you. Happy discoveries!
💡 To make the most of this getaway, don't forget the 4 golden rules of the micro-adventurer: equip yourself well, plan your route (topoguide and GPS tracks), consult the opening hours of the different establishments and reserve your accommodation in advance.
Day 1
Departure: Rilly-la-Montagne station
To reach this station, let your car rest, and take the train instead from Reims and Épernay !
Morning: hike between Rilly-la-Montagne and Mailly-Champagne
Let's go for an invigorating morning of walking! Borrow for this the GR® de Pays (GRP) of the Montagne de Reims. Move towards the heights of Mailly, in the forest. There, once you arrive at GPS point 49.1481, 4.10907, continue straight on the forest road to GPS point 49.14843, 4.12027. Then take the path on the left, which allows you to follow the Mailly-Champagne geological trail (in the opposite direction) to go back down to the village.
This route will offer you the opportunity to enjoy the observation platform and discover “the Venus of Mailly” (work of art created by the artist Véronique Matteudi), as well as various interpretation panels to better understand the unique geology of the Montagne de Reims.
Noon: picnic near the Vénus de Mailly
Why not take advantage of this peaceful place for a well-deserved lunch? For this, the picnic tables near the Vénus de Mailly are ideal! Of course, remember to plan your snack and take away your waste with you when you leave, to preserve the place.
Afternoon: hike between Mailly and Verzenay
Are your stomachs now full? So here we go again! Continue on the GRP®. Once you arrive in Verzenay, take a detour: it's time for an unmissable stop at its famous Lighthouse! A curiosity surrounded by a sea of vines, this building houses a vine and wine museum, a shop, a tasting area and landscaped gardens. Allow between 1 and 2 hours for a complete tour of the Verzenay lighthouse, and thus understand its history and the Champagne wine tradition!
Evening: dinner and night in Verzenay
After this day full of discoveries, it's time to rest! Of the restaurants, lodges or guest rooms welcome you to the village. But remember: booking in advance is strongly recommended. On site, you will also find a mini market and a bakery which will allow you to make purchases in preparation for your picnic the next day.
Day 2
Morning: hike between Verzenay and Verzy
After this good night's sleep, resume your route from Verzenay towards Verzy, taking the southern part of the Walking and Hiking Trail (PR) “entre Vignes et Faux” : the perfect opportunity to admire Mount Sinai Observatory (highest point of the Montagne de Reims, at 286 meters) in full Verzy national forest, labeled Forêt d’Exception®. Another extraordinary treasure to contemplate: the famous Scythe of Verzy, these captivating twisting beech trees…
Noon: picnic as you wish
Depending on your walking pace, your desire to linger in certain landscapes of this day, or even your place of overnight stay, choose where to have lunch. Because if there is one thing that is not lacking in Montagne de Reims, it is many peaceful places to picnic !
Afternoon: hike through the villages of the Park
After exploring the surroundings of Verzy, once you arrive at GPS point 49.13634, 4.1799, turn right at the crossroads to join the GRP® of the Montagne de Reims towards the next villages.
In Trépail, do not hesitate to deviate from the GR® P for a few kilometers: you will then be able to cover the Loges de Vignes trail. This 5 kilometer loop is an invitation to immerse yourself in the local wine heritage, through several lodges and interpretation panels.
Evening: dinner and overnight in the village of your choice
As for lunch, it's up to you to define your accommodation location according to your organization. The lodges and guest rooms in the villages of Trépail, Val de Livre or Fontaine-sur-Aÿ make great stopovers.
Day 3
Morning: hike to Mutigny
On this third and final day, continue to tread on foot GR® P of the Montagne de Reims, direction Mutigny. In the heart of this village, you won't get tired of the superb view from the Saint-Martin church! Then, leave the GR® Pen using the Cubray PR (preferably in the opposite direction if you want to go the shortest way: descent towards Aÿ-Champagne through the vineyard).
Noon: lunch at Aÿ-Champagne
At table ! Once you arrive in this pretty town, several dining options are available to you.
Afternoon: visit to Pressoria
To end this micro-adventure in style, there's nothing like a multisensory journey to the heart of champagne! welcome to Pressoria, a true educational and fun temple dedicated to the secrets of Champagne bubbles.
Return: Aÿ-Champagne station
This escapade is coming to an end! To reach your starting point while prolonging the pleasure, board the TER from “La Ligne des Bulles” (direction Reims or Épernay). And see you soon for other adventures!
💡 Thanks to the Marne Departmental Hiking Committee and the French Hiking Federation, whose many volunteers develop and maintain a large part of the hiking trails on the Montagne de Reims! For other itinerary ideas, check out the MaRando mobile application.