The Massif de Saint-Thierry

From Reims, set off at full speed towards the Massif de Saint-Thierry! With its vineyards, forests and picturesque villages, it's the perfect place to start this route on the right foot.

Leaving the "Cité des Sacres", Reims, take the road towards Tinqueux, then Champigny. Champigny was the birthplace of the architect who designed the Parc Pommery in Reims! After a few minutes, you'll reach the Massif de Saint-Thierry, a natural Champagne landscape with 15 villages full of character. The Champagne Tourist Route then takes you to the charming village of Merfy, whose Saint-Sébastien church boasts the richest collection of works of art in the Massif de Saint-Thierry. A must-see!

If you're a lover of fine stonework, the rest of the route should appeal to you. Welcome to Saint-Thierry, where you can visit the abbey. A real must-see in the Marne! Here, nuns have brought monastic customs back to life, in the peace and quiet of the wonderfully decorated former chapter house, or the ancient terraced gardens. Then, get back behind the wheel and head for the village of Hermonville, home to a 12th-century gem: the church of Saint-Sauveur (listed as a historic monument); and also a famous Tonnellerie de Champagne, where traditional Champagne barrels are made. That's all there is to it! Continue on to Cormicy, a village rebuilt after the First World War, where the architecture is resolutely urban, with facades of clay-silica brick and red tiles. In fact, this is what earned it the Petite Cité de Caractère®label!

A little further on, trade in your car for some good shoes. The PR 25 Circuit de la Côte Saint-Michel awaits you for a walk between the villages of Pévy and Prouilly in the heart of the vineyards. For a royal stroll, continue on to Trigny, which offers walkers a variety of routes between ramparts, murals in the chapel... and vines, of course! If you still have some strength left, take the PR 20 into the Massif de Saint-Thierry from Chenay. This first stage comes to an end at the sand pit at Châlons-sur-Vesle, with its natural beach in the middle of the countryside waiting for you! So take in the sights... and just leave your footprints in the sand!