Campsites in the Marne
Only 45 minutes by TGV from Paris, the Marne is the perfect destination for a stay that may surprise you. Between the historical heritage of Reims, the regional national park of the Montagne du Reims and the vineyards, what could be better than to stay at one or more campsites? There are 22 campsites in the Marne. A fun, pleasant and practical way to stay and explore the area.
The must-see cities
The particularity of Reims is that it is the most populated city in the Marne region of France, yet it does not play the role of a prefecture. Nicknamed "the city of kings", it is here that Clovis was baptized, and that several kings were crowned during ten centuries within the Notre-Dame cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the facade with its 2,303 statues and the famous "smiling angel". The Saint-Rémi basilica and its museum located in a former Benedictine abbey are also worth a visit.
Located 30 minutes south-east of Reims and known for its annual fair, the city of Châlons-en-Champagne is the prefecture of the Marne. Discover this city with its rich heritage through the Fine Arts and Archaeology Museum, the collegiate church of Notre Dame-en-Vaux and the Sainte-Croix gate. Nicknamed "the sparkling Venice", the town can also be visited by boat, a fun way to explore it with your children.
Epernay is the third most populated town in the department and is located in the middle of a wine region. You should see its Avenue de Champagne, populated by prestigious companies such as Mercier, Moët et Chandon, De Castellane, Perrier-Jouët...
Champagne and nature encounter
The Marne is a land of many facets, here champagne can be discovered both in the cellars and through its vineyards, an opportunity to explore the richness of this land and nature.
The Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park is one of them. A grandiose forest of more than 53,000 hectares that can be explored on foot or by bike to discover hillsides covered with vines and fields as far as the eye can see. The Sentier des loges de Vignes, small buildings in the heart of the vineyards, should be spotted.
To the east of the department lie the Argonne hills, rich in forests and dotted with gentle hills, offering a large number of walks punctuated by river fishing sessions for enthusiasts, ideal for families.
The twisted branches of the scythes (trees of the beech family) of the Verzy forest will give you the impression of having drunk champagne, or of having landed in the heart of a tale of legends. Children will enjoy cycling on the cycle paths in this forest.
Finally, since 1974, families have been enjoying the Lac du Der (located in Haute-Marne) in summer, water sports, swimming, lazing around, a majestic landscape... What more could you want for a successful family holiday?