Spécial familles
Châlons-en-Champagne
Etape 6
Around Châlons-en-Champagne
Highlights
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Les Jards (large, small and English), the gardens of Châlons-en-Champagne
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The collegiate church of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Champagne cellars
From the impressive collegiate church of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux to the famous cellars of the Champagne vineyards, take the route of Châlons-en-Champagne's finest treasures.
Along the way, make sure you stop off in Châlons-en-Champagne for a well-earned break! Start your visit at the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, whose immense spires you've no doubt already seen from the road. Don't miss the cloister and the 56-bell carillon (one of the largest in Europe!). If you start to feel a little hungry, head to the heart of the city to the Jards, 11 hectares of greenery divided into three uniquely styled gardens: the Grand Jard, the Petit Jard and the Jard anglais, perfect for an impromptu picnic.
Setting foot in Châlons-en-Champagne is also an opportunity to take in some culture in museums such as the Fine Arts and Archaeology Museum. Then, why not swap your steering wheel for a rudder as you navigate the Mau and Nau rivers? Aboard boats guided by an experienced pilot, let yourself be carried along by the water for a unique ride. It's a chance to discover the Champagne region in a whole new way!
You can also discover the "Duduchothèque" in Châlons-en-Champagne, a unique place dedicated to CABU, the famous cartoonist from the town! Immerse yourself in his youthful drawings, drawn when he was at secondary school, and admire the beginnings of his humour and talent. Through themed exhibitions, this not-to-be-missed venue pays tribute to the mischievous and committed universe of this great name in French caricature.
Another must-see on your visit: the medieval champagne cellars of Châlons. These historic treasures, accessible only on guided tours, bear witness to several centuries of history, from the rise of vineyards on the limestone soils on the banks of the Marne. Follow your guide as he plunges into the impressive network of cellars dug into the chalk by the champagne houses, providing ideal conditions for their precious nectar to age. A true symbol of local craftsmanship and traditions, these cellars invite you to discover the fascinating world of the Champagne winegrowers, guardians of this unique heritage.
Practical info
- Discover the historic centre of Châlons and its rich built heritage using the IDVIZIT application.
- Maps of the town are also available free of charge from the Tourist Office at 3, Quai des Arts, 51000 Châlons-en-Champagne, tel: 03 26 65 17 89.
- The Tourist Office also offers exhibitions by local artists throughout the year, as well as local products and a terrace where you can quench your thirst and relax with a local drink.
- Audio-guided tours are also available directly on your phone via the QR codes on the Tourist Office maps.
- The village of l'Epine, famous for its Basilica of Notre-Dame de l'Epine, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only 8km away by bike.
