The 286m missions consist of bringing together different tourism stakeholders with the common objective of enhancing and promoting the Montagne de Reims through collective actions.

Every month, the Park invites you to meet the people who make up the Park! This month, we invite you to discover André-Florian Clarenne, President of the 286m association.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is André-Florian Clarenne, I am President of the association 286m since 2022, but also manager of the Groom Company (Chauffeur in Champagne, 2022 Winner of Young Talents in Tourism in the Wine Tourism category).
The 286m missions consist of bringing together different tourism stakeholders (accommodators, winegrowers, champagne houses, leisure and transport activities) with the common objective of enhancing and promoting the Montagne de Reims through collective actions.
This year the 286m team is very happy to present its event: Blida's en Folie ! This is a local know-how market which will take place on Saturday July 1st at the Guillon Distillery with the possibility for participants to win a Methuselah.

Tell us about your journey!

Child of the Sparnacien basin, I grew up in the Marne valley and studied communications and commerce in Epernay.
After a first professional experience in Châlons-en-Champagne, I obtained a work opportunity in 2014 in Épernay which gave me my first foothold in tourism and which allowed me to rediscover my city, its region, its riches.
In 2015, when it was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, I realized the full potential of our destination. This is how a project idea came to fruition in 2020 by creating Groom, a transport company that wants to be the elegant connection between winegrowers, cellars and champagne houses, hotels, castles and guest rooms. 'host.

I organize days for my clients to help them discover Champagne. My concept also won over the Young Tourism Talents Jury in 2022. In 2023, I moved to the other side of the barrier by being a jury myself with the talented team of professionals alongside the two-star chef Philippe Thousand. I joined the 286m association in 2020 after meeting Séverine Couvreur, the former President of the association with whom I learned a lot.

I am also part of the board of directors of the Épernay Pays de Champagne tourist office, with which I have strong links. Today I am fully fulfilled in the wine tourism sector, I am very happy to be part of a motivated and motivating team to carry out festive and sparkling events. It is a real pleasure to maintain quality relationships with the institutions of our beautiful Champagne!

What are your links with the Montagne de Reims Natural Park?

It was through the association that I made my first discovery of the Maison du Parc during which I was able to meet the team, discover the Park's missions and its board games like “Kivaou”.
The Park was unfailingly supportive during our 2021 “Vignotrésor” event, giving us valuable advice and attending our preparation meetings.


Can you share with us your favorite place in Montagne de Reims?

My favorite place in the Montagne de Reims is the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne for several reasons. For me, it is one of the most beautiful gateways to Champagne from Paris. The Urban II statue and its view are magnificent, and the welcome at the Tourist Office is remarkable for its kindness, attentiveness and skills!

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