The Marne valley around Epernay

This new stage begins in Epernay, the famous capital of Champagne! From here, drive through the emblematic Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the region's charming wine-producing villages!

Before hitting the road, take time to stroll through the streets ofEpernay! The most famous of these is undoubtedly the mythical Avenue de Champagne, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, while the Parc de l'Hôtel de Ville is the perfect place to relax or take a cultural break at the Musée du Vin de Champagne and Musée d'Archéologie Régionale before the fabulous adventure that awaits you in the Champagne region.

Once you're behind the wheel, follow the right bank of the Marne: you'll climb up towards Champillon, where you can enjoy views of the Côte des Blancs and the vineyards of the Marne Valley. Don't forget to stop off at the Bellevue viewpoint!

You then pass through Saint-Imoges, Cormoyeux and Romery, before descending to the south of the Reims Regional Nature Park to Hautvillers, considered to be the birthplace of champagne. Stroll through the narrow streets of the village and visit the Benedictine abbey church, which houses the tombstone of Dom Pierre Pérignon and his statue in the Pierre Cheval park, before admiring the hillsides of the Champagne vineyards from the Dom Pérignon Belvedere. The vineyards are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the heading "Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne"! Then swap the road for the river Marne on a cruise departing from Cumières: the perfect way to discover the Champagne landscape in a different way!

Need a refreshing break? Head for Saint-Martin d'Ablois and its famous Parc du Sourdon, one of the few English-style gardens on the Marne. And if you need to stretch your legs, slip on your hiking boots on the sentier des murmures. It promises some lovely views over the valley!

Head around the forest via Vinay and Moussy, then on to Pierry, home to the richest collection of 18th-century residences in the Epernay region. This is also where you'll find the Château de Pierry, a superb 18th-century property!

Finally, take a stroll through the Jardin de vignes in Chouilly, an open-air museum where you can get up close and personal with the region's famous rows of vines.