ACTIVITIES IN CHAMPAGNE

Discover the “crowning city” with its must-see UNESCO World Heritage sites and numerous monuments and museums that bear witness to the history of Reims.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, Palace of Tau, Saint Remi Basilica, Saint Remi Museum, Foujita Chapel.

		CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE-DAME DE REIMS: A masterpiece of gothic art, construction of the Notre-Dame cathedral began in 1211. It was the sacred cathedral of the kings of France in memory of the baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi, probably on Christmas 498. The north side portal is decorated with the famous statue of the Smiling Angel.
		PALACE OF TAU: This archiepiscopal palace, built in 1690 by Mansart and Robert de Cotte, currently houses the cathedral’s Musée de l’Oeuvre with its tapestries, sculptures and objects dating back to the coronation of the kings of France. A high point of interest is the "Salle du Tau", where the royal banquet was held following the coronation.
		SAINT REMI BASILICA: This basilica is the largest Roman pilgrimage church of northern France. Built to house the tomb of Saint Remi, its huge nave was enshrined in 1049 while the choir, built at the end of the XIIth century, is typical of the first gothic art.
		SAINT REMI MUSEUM: The famous Benedictine abbey of Saint Remi, where the Holy Ampula was kept for the French kings’ coronations, is a magnificent building of classical architecture. In the Museum of History and Archaeology of the City of Reims, you can discover rich collections ranging from prehistoric times to the Renaissance, and a large Military History section. The chapter house is from the XII-XIIIth century.

 

 

INEYARDS AND CELLARS, MOUNTAIN AND CHAMPAGNE...

A 60-km excursion in a ½ day or 1 day, depending on the activities chosen. Leave Reims on the N51. At Montchenot, turn left (D26) towards Villers-Allerand. You have entered the Grande Montagne, the land of Pinot Noir, one of the three grape varieties used to make champagne. In Ludes, visit the Ployez-Jacquemart cellars, on Rue Astoin, tel. 03.26.61.11.87 (we will have informed the winegrower of your visit). In Verzenay, visit the lighthouse and the Vineyard Museum. At Verzy, take a forest stroll and discover the dwarf beech, or Faux. You have reached the highest point of the Reims mountain:  Mount Sinai (283 meters). Continue on the road between vineyards and forest to Ambonnay, Trépail and Bouzy, famous for its red wine. Go through Louvois and catch a glimpse of a private XIIth century chateau. The hilly road will take you to Ay and Dizy. Follow the road to Hautvillers and visit the Abbey. Head back to the Marne for Cumières and Daméry, and return to Reims via Venteuil, Fleury la Rivière, Nanteuil la Forêt and Sermiers. On returning to Reims, we will have made an appointment to visit a prestigious Champagne establishment, following by a tasting session.