The north-eastern departement of Marne is located in the Champagne-Ardennes region, home to the famous alcoholic drink, stunning natural scenery and a number of picturesque historical towns. Some of the most famous champagne caves can be found in Marne, and the “Champagne Trail” , taking visitors through the countryside via vineyards is a popular way to explore the area – as well as being able to sample some of the famous local produce. The main town of Chalons-sur-Champagne is situated in the centre of Marne, and is an ideal base for exploring the wine-producing areas, visiting the beautiful city of Reims or heading south the enjoy some of the many outdoor activities on offer in the region.
The Champagne Trail is a route established for tourists who want to explore the area, visit some of the world-famous vineyards and enjoy a taste of their produce. Taking you through green countryside covered in vines, the trail takes you to the home of some of the best known brands of champagne, as well as the town of Verzenay where there is a museum dedicated to the industry and its history. Epernay is where you will find some of the most famous champagne houses, all of which are open to the public, though usually only on guided tours.
The town of Reims is one of the most popular northern tourist destinations, thanks to its magnificent 13th century Gothic cathedral where the Kings of France used to be crowned. The architecture and artwork that has gone into creating the cathedral, both inside and out, should not be missed if you are in this part of France. Not all of the building is medieval, however, as the pretty blue stained glass windows of one of the side chapels was created by the artist Marc Chagall. It is also worth spending some time in the rest of Reims, where the more modern streets open into public squares, where you can enjoy a drink or snack and watch the world go by. These areas are very popular with locals and tourists in the summer months, and there are often musical performances in the lively Place Drouet d'Erlon.
Head to the southern border of the departement and you will come to the Der-Chantecoq Lake, the largest man-made lake in Europe. Whether you want to just sunbathe and swim, or try out some of the more energetic activities on offer, the lake is a great place to spend a sunny day. Unsurprisingly, you can try lots of water sports, such as sailing, canoeing and wind surfing, or just take a stroll along one of the many walking trails around the shore.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Marne? Then below is a selection of gites in Marne and villas in Marne that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
