TranslateOverview
The Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims sits between the city of Reims to the north and the Marne valley to the south, covering roughly 70,000 hectares of hills, forests, and some of the world's most celebrated Champagne vineyards. Despite the name, the 'mountain' is in fact a broad plateau — the Montagne de Reims massif — rising only to around 280 metres, but its slopes produce Pinot Noir grapes that are central to many prestigious Champagne blends.
The park was established in 1976 and is one of France's network of regional natural parks, designed to balance conservation with sustainable human activity. It sits within the broader Champagne Wine Region, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, encompassing the hillside vineyards, historic Champagne houses, and the associated chalk cellars (crayères) of Reims and Épernay.
Beyond wine, the park shelters significant biodiversity: oak and beech forests, wetland areas along the Marne, and the curious 'faux de Verzy' — a forest of twisted, dwarf European beech trees (Fagus sylvatica 'Tortuosa') that are considered one of the natural curiosities of France. Walking trails, cycling routes, and small champagne-producer villages make this an accessible rural retreat that is still only about 45 minutes from Paris by TGV to Reims.
Before You Go
Visas
France is a Schengen Area member. For visa requirements specific to your nationality, consult TravelerPulse's Visas section and check with the French consulate or official immigration authority in your country before travelling.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking or trail shoes; some forest paths can be muddy after rain
- Layers for variable spring and autumn temperatures
- A detailed regional map or downloaded offline GPS trail data, as mobile coverage is patchy in forested areas
- A reusable bag if you plan to visit local producers and purchase bottles
Useful Background
The park has no single 'gateway town,' but Reims serves as the most practical base with the greatest range of accommodation and direct rail links. Épernay, on the southern edge, is the other logical anchor, particularly if Champagne house visits are a priority. Smaller villages within the park — such as Verzenay, Ay, and Hautvillers — are worth exploring but have limited services; verify opening hours for restaurants and attractions locally or on official websites before visiting.
Getting There
By Train
Reims is served by TGV from Paris Gare de l'Est, with journey times typically under 50 minutes. Épernay is reachable by regional train from Paris Est or from Reims, though journey times are longer. Verify current timetables and fares on the SNCF website or at the station.
By Car
Driving is the most practical way to explore the park itself. The A4 motorway connects Paris to Reims, and the D roads through the park are well-maintained. Parking is available in most village centres, though spaces can be limited during harvest season (September–October).
By Air
The nearest major international airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). From there, rail to Reims or a rental car are the most common onward options. Reims–Champagne Airport handles some domestic and European routes but has limited connectivity; verify current services before planning around it.
Getting Around
A private car or rental vehicle is strongly recommended for exploring the park's villages and viewpoints, as public transport within the park is sparse. Many of the most scenic vineyard roads are narrow and best enjoyed at a slow pace.
Cycling is a popular and well-supported option. The park has a network of marked cycling routes including sections of the EuroVelo 5 long-distance route. Bike hire is available in Reims and Épernay; verify current providers and availability locally.
Some organised Champagne-region tours depart from Reims and Épernay and include stops within the park — a useful option for visitors who prefer not to drive. Taxis are available in Reims and Épernay but should be booked in advance for trips into rural areas.
Things to See & Do
Champagne Cellar and Producer Visits
Many of the villages within or bordering the park — Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne, Ay, Hautvillers, Bouzy — are home to independent growers (récoltants-manipulants) who welcome visitors for tastings and cellar tours. Visits typically require advance booking. Fees and hours vary; confirm directly with each producer.
Faux de Verzy
The forest of twisted beech trees near Verzy is free to walk through and is genuinely unusual. A network of trails passes through the forest, and information panels explain the genetic origins of the trees. It is accessible year-round and is a short drive from Verzenay.
Verzenay Lighthouse (Phare de Verzenay)
A lighthouse built as a publicity stunt in 1909 now houses a wine museum (Musée de la Vigne) with exhibits on Champagne viticulture. Verify current admission prices and opening hours via the official site or locally before visiting.
Walking and Hiking
The park's GR and PR trail network covers forest, vineyard ridges, and valley floors. The Grande Randonnée 141 (GR 141) circuits the massif. Trail maps are available from the park's maison du parc (verify the current location and hours online) and from tourist offices in Reims and Épernay.
Hautvillers
This hilltop village is traditionally associated with Dom Pérignon and the Benedictine abbey where he worked. The abbey remains partly active; the church is open to visitors at certain times. The village itself is picturesque and worth a short stop.
Food & Drink
The park sits within one of France's most distinct gastronomic regions. Champagne is the obvious centrepiece, and purchasing directly from small growers within the park is a worthwhile experience — flavour profiles and house styles vary considerably between villages.
Local food traditions lean toward hearty Champenois cuisine: potée champenoise (a pork and vegetable stew), charcuterie, local cheeses such as Chaource and Langres, and andouillette sausages. Reims is also the home of the rose-pink biscuit de Reims, a crunchy biscuit traditionally dunked in Champagne.
Restaurant options within the park itself are limited and concentrated in the larger villages. Several producers offer food pairings alongside tastings. For a wider choice of restaurants, Reims and Épernay offer options across multiple price ranges. As with producer visits, reservations are advisable, particularly on weekends and during harvest season.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
The general European emergency number 112 connects to police, fire, and ambulance services throughout France. The French police non-emergency number is 17, SAMU (medical) is 15, and fire (pompiers) is 18.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from major French carriers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free) is generally reliable in the villages and on main roads, but can be weak or absent in the denser forested sections of the park. Download offline maps before entering the park.
Money
The park's villages have few ATMs; carry cash before leaving Reims or Épernay. Most larger restaurants and wine houses accept cards, but small producers may prefer cash.
Tourist Information
The official park body is the Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims. The Reims and Épernay tourist offices are useful starting points for up-to-date trail maps, producer contact lists, and event calendars. Verify URLs and contact details via an internet search before your visit, as these change.
Safety
The Montagne de Reims is a low-risk destination for most travellers. The main practical cautions are environmental rather than security-related.
During the grape harvest (typically September into October), vineyard roads can have increased vehicle traffic from tractors and harvest equipment. Drive carefully on narrow lanes and give agricultural vehicles space.
Forest walking is generally safe, but trails can become slippery after rain. Inform someone of your planned route if walking alone in remote forest sections. Hunting (chasse) takes place in the forests during the autumn and winter season; look for posted notices at trailheads indicating active hunting days, and wear a bright layer if walking during these periods.
There are no significant wildlife hazards in the park, though ticks are present in long grass and forest undergrowth — check clothing and skin after outdoor activities.
