Around Sézanne

Between heritage and greenery, this stage of the Champagne Tourist Route is the ideal itinerary for lovers of fine stonework and nature in the Marne.

On this new stage, make the most of your visit to Sézanne to explore this medieval Petite Cité de Caractère®. Sundials, dormer windows, statuettes, coats of arms - every street corner offers new discoveries. As you stroll along, you'll see a ring of trees stretching for over a kilometre: the ancient fortifications of the Middle Ages.

Are you a history buff? Be sure to visit the Couvent des Récollets, an architectural gem, or the church of Saint-Denis. The latter is easy to spot, thanks to its 42-metre-high square tower. Its perimeter was made up of buttresses, which housed craftsmen's stalls... There are still 4 of them left, so all you have to do is find them.

Then get back in the car and head for Vindey. On the way, don't forget to put on your hiking boots for the Limonière trail, a Natura 2000 site. Between moors and ponds, you'll find a wealth of exceptional biodiversity, including protected species such as the Crested Newt.

On to Barbonne-Fayel, where hiking enthusiasts will be delighted: the Carrefour de l'Étoile is the starting point for 8 circuits in the heart of the Forêt de la Traconne. In the next village, at Fontaine-Denis-Nuisy, admire the Dolmen de Nuisy, known as "Les Pierres de Sainte-Geneviève", in the heart of the fields, a must-see listed monument.

Drive from village to village towards the south-western end of the Coteaux Sézannais, as far as Bethon. It's here that you'll find a curiosity: thechurch of Saint Serein, where the number 8 appears in a multitude of ways. Once you've solved the mystery (or not!), your tour ends in Villenauxe-la-Grande. Take the time to admire its famous ceramics and earthenware or the church of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul and its contemporary stained-glass windows.

Along the way, many winegrowers will open the doors of their cellars to you. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how champagne is made and enjoy some memorable tastings. Don't forget to book ahead to make the most of this unique experience!