First flowered department of France, the Marne is also discovered through its flowery towns and villages. Here, the discovery of the emblematic sites is also made at the bend of a flowered stroll or a visit to one of the many parks and gardens. A tour of these green spaces that invite you to relax and recharge your batteries...
The "jards" of Châlons-en-Champagne
Châlons-en-Champagne has pretty green spaces in the city centre, which we call here the "jards" which constitute in the heart of the city, a green lung of about 11 hectares, located between two rivers, the Mau and the Nau: small garden, large garden and English garden between two rivers.
The Great Jard. On sunny days, young and old alike, can enjoy the many activities on offer: pedal boat, outdoor sports, pony shows, sandbox, reading...
Or simply relax in a sun lounger... Indeed, every summer, the Town Hall organizes Châlons-Plages for the greatest pleasure of all.
Near Avenue du Général-Leclerc, where you can park for free, the Grand Jard stretches to the canal. This garden, built in the 18th century, has a 19th century music kiosk. All generations cross paths along the paths lined with chestnut trees, and in the pools, children invent games while boulistes and fishermen indulge in their own pleasure, creating passing activities
Twice a year, the fair sets up its attractions, music and lanterns, and on occasion, you can also see tents being erected: during the Furies Festival, for shows and balls
The English Jard. Through the canal footbridge, we reach, between the canal and Marne, the Jard Anglais, with water features and paths that can be walked, rollerbladed or cycled for pleasant walks under old chestnut trees; we continue the walk along the towpath to the lock or in the other direction to the bridge of the Louis XII canal
Le Petit Jard. Labelled Remarkable Garden, laid out in 1861, refurbished in 2001 following the storm. Le Petit Jard, allows you to reach the city centre from avenue du Maréchal-Leclerc in an enchanting setting. It hosts a public arboretum created in 1938 that houses many botanical curiosities
Epernay, a green paradise
In Épernay, on the edge of Avenue du Champagne, you can stroll through the gardens of the town hall (created in the mid-19th century to decorate the Moët et Chandon family's mansion) or the horticultural park. The latter was built in 1873, and invites you to take a bucolic walk around a welcoming duck pool. It also houses an arboretum and a specimen of Verzy's fau
Very pleasant, these two gardens of Epernay have been classified as "Remarkable Garden". A green break after discovering the cellars and tasting Champagne, on Avenue de Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nanteuil-la-Forêt, a remarkable garden
In Nanteuil-la-Forêt, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, lies the botanical garden of La Presles, which has received the labels "Jardin remarquable" and "Jardin botanique" and is renowned as the most beautiful garden in Champagne. It is dedicated to willows, of which it is the headquarters of the national collection. Today, La Presle has a collection of several hundred varieties of old roses, including the evocative La Marne rose, a symbol of resistance during the fighting in 1914-1918. It may also be due to its sumptuous beds of herbaceous perennials and old roses that the garden owes its reputation as a regional centre for horticultural education, garden art and enjoyment. The labelling of the plants, the discovery of the different rooms of the garden and the comments posted are one of its assets, not to mention the seasonal activities linked to the successive flowering of the plants. An unmissable discovery!
Reims, gardens so different
In Reims, the Champagne Park, the Crowsfoot Park and the Horticultural Garden or the Léo-Lagrange Park offer very different atmospheres
The Patte d'Oie park is located between the Congress Centre, the riding school and the circus, as an extension of the Promenades. Pleasantly arranged and designed, it is both sober and elegant. An English garden, then a modern one, water became its major element, declining in all its forms: streams, rivers, waterfalls, fountains...
Not to mention its kiosk, its playgrounds and its fau de Verzy, which make it one of the favourite parks of the Rémois.
At the eastern entrance of the city, we discover the Champagne Park. This "remarkable garden" is ideal for walking, picnicking and spending a day with the family. On 22 ha, planted with about 3,000 trees, this enclosed green space offers many possibilities: fitness area, table tennis table, canine freedom area, playgrounds and even a "beach". Many events and exhibitions are scheduled: nature day, photographic exhibitions, Easter egg hunt... Not to mention the picnic concert of Les Flâneries musicales (from 22 June to 12 July 2017), a blend of champagne and classical music revisited. Unique!
The Léo-Lagrange park is the largest park in the city. Near the centre, next to the Auguste Delaune stadium and the skating pool, it was designed by landscape architect Jacques Sgard in 1978, who organized it around a lake. In the eastern part of this green space, you will discover a semi-natural wetland. Note that you also have a bird recognition course here, as well as two playgrounds for toddlers and older ones. We meet families, joggers and team sports enthusiasts. It is pleasant to walk in the spring, sometimes have a picnic and, not to spoil anything, there are a few outdoor events every year, as soon as the sun comes out.
Smart info
When? When? As soon as the sun comes out, to make the most of the department's superb green spaces.
Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.
TOURISM IN CHAMPAGNE - More information on the website
