Around Château-Thierry

Champagne vineyards as far as the eye can see and historic villages, the area around Château-Thierry offers something to discover at every turn.

This new leg of the tour starts in Château-Thierry. This is a bucolic town on the banks of the Marne, surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see. For a royal visit, head for the town's medieval castle. Here you can admire the Thibaud IV rose garden (a tribute to the Damascus rose) beneath the ramparts. The perfect place for children to play knights for a day. Did you know? The birthplace of the famous Jean de la Fontaine is also in Château-Thierry. It was here that he developed a taste for observing nature and animals. There is also the Musée du Trésor de l'Hôtel-Dieu, which houses a fine collection of objects and paintings donated by Pierre Stoppa, Lieutenant General in the armies of Louis XIV, and his wife.

As you drive towards the heights of Château-Thierry, you will come across a gigantic building: the American monument on Hill 204, donated by the Allies during the First World War as a sign of friendship between France and America. You'll be able to take in the many images, interactive terminals and period materials on this memorable tour.

From Château-Thierry you can visit Chézy-sur-Marne, one of the oldest villages in the area. Take a stroll through the centre of the village, near the village church, to admire a work by the famous international sculptor Paul Landowski, who created the "Christ the Redeemer" in Rio de Janeiro. Other must-sees include the remains of the ramparts in rue du Jeu d'Arc and the magnificent round tower of the former manor house of the Lords of Chézy.

Your journey ends on the Mont de Bonneil. Keep your eyes peeled for an exceptional view of the vineyard belt. It's the perfect spot to eat your picnic overlooking the panorama!