Mountain of Reims

Between Epernay and Reims lies the Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims. It consists of forests with vineyards on the slopes. The highest peak is only 287 meters high, but it still means a significant climb from the Marne valley. In this 20,000 ha of forest, a unique tree species grows. You need to go to Verzy for this, and you follow the signs 'Faux de Verzy'. There is parking provided, and after a short walk, you will see the first unusual birch tree, surrounded by a fence to protect it from overly curious tourists.
Not far from there is Verzenay. Besides the fact that there is a windmill here, you also get a beautiful view of the vineyards. Montagne de Reims has about 6000 ha of grapevines and counts a few Grand Crus such as Verzy and Verzenay.

On the other side of this nature reserve lies Hautvillers, the birthplace of Dom Pérignon (1638-1715). He was a Benedictine monk who accidentally discovered the 'bubbles' in wine. Whether it is a myth or the truth, we will leave unaddressed. Hautvillers is located by the Marne and offers you a picturesque village with an old abbey church where you can find the gravestone of Dom Pérignon.

Magny