For the Park, nothing is more important than reconciling the development and preservation of the riches of its exceptional heritage, both natural and cultural! To do this, it ensures that it develops tourism and leisure activities that place its inhabitants and visitors at the center of an environmentally friendly approach. So, are you ready to follow us?
The exceptional landscapes of the Montagne de Reims
At the Parc, we are proud to have accompanied and supported the registration of the Hillsides, Houses and Cellars of Champagne as UNESCO World Heritage in 2015: an application led by the eponymous Mission. The historic hillsides of wine-growing Champagne, which are located to the south of the Park between Cumières and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, indeed form one of the heart areas of this inscription!
Since 2017, alongside the National Forestry Office (ONF), the Park has also been co-pilot of the Forêt d’Exception® label, attributed to the 3 state forests in its territory (those of Verzy, Chêne à la Virginie and Hautvillers). This distinction recognizes in-depth work carried out in partnership with numerous stakeholders, in order to reconcile the different functions of forests, including their reception of the public.
These two labels promote the identity of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, which is distinguished by its landscape triptych “forests, vineyards, crops”. Enough to offer nature lovers lovely moments of escape!
The Park, alongside tourism stakeholders
The Park works hand in hand with all tourism stakeholders, to enable them to promote the identity and values of the territory. Among the heritage sites to discover in the Montagne de Reims, let us mention the Champagne vineyards, nature and the forest, or even the heritage of memory and the built environment. Thus, voluntary tourist providers can be supported by the Park to develop and diversify a qualitative and sustainable offer.
Outdoor activities
Want to explore the natural environments from the Montagne de Reims? You are quite right ! For this, hiking and non-motorized outdoor activities are ideal. Find out about the existing trails on the territory !
The Park has concocted for you several discovery trails and interpretation, such as the Mailly-Champagne geological trail, the Loges de Vignes trail in Trépail, or even 7 marked mountain bike circuits through the Montagne de Reims. Educational panels also await you along the route. Cycle route of the Marne Valley, between Reuil and Tours-sur-Marne.
Furthermore, the Park supports municipalities or associations for their route development or enhancement projects.
Responsible and traceless sports practice is possible!
Do you love practicing outdoor activities? We understand you! To reconcile them with the preservation of natural environments and biodiversity, it is however essential to adopt a responsible and “leave no trace” approach.
We reassure you: it’s easy! here are the 7 good reflexes to remember :
- Prepare
- Use designated and adapted spaces
- Do not leave any waste
- Do not make a fire
- Leave the environment intact
- Respect wildlife
- Respect other users
A simple memo to organize your sporting events
In order to limit damage to natural environments, organizers of sporting events are invited to draw inspiration from our 7 good reflexes to remember. For example: no paint markings or no nails or staples in the trees.
Urban artist the Park guides the organizers who wish it. Here are the 3 key points on which we can support you if you contact us:
- Before your authorization requests (in most cases a request must be submitted to the Sous-Préfecture of Épernay via its dedicated site), the Park advises you on the development of your routes.
- The Park checks that your event avoids high-stakes natural environments.
- The Park helps you fill the Natura 2000 Incidence Study, when you are concerned.
These requests for support can sometimes result in our teams being scouted in the field. The opinion they issue does not constitute “authorization”. In other words, it does not release you from the obligation to obtain passage authorizations from private owners and the Épernay Sub-Prefecture. This nevertheless asks the Park for an opinion.
In short, to guarantee the sustainability of your sporting events, contact us well in advance!
In short, to guarantee the sustainability of your sporting events, contact us well in advance!
Interreg MONA: reconciling access to nature and preservation of natural environments
The Park actively participates in the development of Interreg MONA European project alongside 12 partners: natural parks (regional and national), tourist destinations and universities from 4 different countries (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France).
For 4 and a half years, between 2023 and 2027, this collaboration will allow the Park to obtain funding of €352, supplementing its contribution of €234 (agent working time and co-financing of investment actions by the Grand Est Region and the Marne Department). In short, these are €586 which will be invested locally to work around the postponement MOdal and du Nudge, for sustainable tourism and leisure in our Anatural ires (MONA)!
The Park will thus carry out operations targeted around two objectives :
- Facilitate and stimulate “modal shift” to access nature (in other words the use of collective means of transport and/or so-called “softer” means of transport than the individual car). This will notably involve work around intermodality (e.g.: train + bicycle).
- Promote “nudge” and engaging communication to encourage responsible and “no trace” practices in outdoor activities. Nudge is a concept that uses indirect suggestions in order to positively influence the habits, gestures and actions of individuals, without this being experienced as a constraint by them. The nudge is therefore a little “nudge” necessary to encourage everyone to adopt virtuous behavior, in a fun and more proactive way than through regulations!
What if we continued together?
