Discover Champagne in a different way...
The vineyard gardens!
The vineyard gardens, open-air museum spaces, present the Champagne region in all its aspects in a friendly manner and as close to nature as possible.
6 other experiences, 6 ways to immerse yourself in the “champagne” myth.
Jardin des vignes
Chouilly
Following on from the Avenue de Champagne, the Jardin de Vignes de Chouilly is the introduction to the network of open-air museums, and showcases the vine as a liana, the way it has been cultivated through the ages, and the types of Champenoise pruning allowed.
Learn more about the vine through educational panels illustrated by the “life-size” plant itself, in free form or pruned, with or without supports… and with a little quiz for children to whet their curiosity!
A rare opportunity to get up close with the rows of vines, and to better understand how they grow. the richness and the requirement of the Champagne wine know-how. An exhibition of giant photos immerses the visitor in the world of the vine and the Champagne.
Belvedere Pierre Cheval - Mount Bernon - Epernay
Classified as a natural monument since 1963, Mont Bernon is a place for relaxation and walking. Reaching a height of 208 m, it offers a 360° panoramic view of the wine-growing region and the urban and rural landscapes shaped by the champagne industry.
At the end of some sixty wooden steps, the Pierre Cheval belvedere invites you to contemplate, with views of Epernay’s Avenue de Champagne and the historic hillsides from Hautvillers to Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interpretation panels provide an understanding of the fauna, flora, geology, history and landscape.
Jardin des vignes
Le Clos Saint Vincent- Mesnil-sur-Oger
A sort of Mesnil-style “Walk of Fame”, Square Saint-Vincent pays tribute to the village’s stars: its winegrowers.
Situated in the heart of Old Mesnil, it’s a vineyard garden with a large tasting table offering a breathtaking view of the Clos du Mesnil, a prized parcel of Champagne land owned by Champagne Krug. Engraved stainless steel hands on the floor represent 45 local winemakers and Maison Krug as négociant. Quite a symbol, given the importance of manual labor in champagne production: 500 hours per hectare!
A “clos des arômes” will also allow you to explore the different grape varieties in a fun, olfactory way!
Jardin des vignes
Belvedere of Cramant
Here, it’s the vineyards that make up the garden… as far as the eye can see!
From the panoramic belvedere, time seems to stand still: a bird’s-eye view of the vineyard and its villages, the work of men and the evolution of the vines through the seasons.
Panels, an orientation table and a telescope help visitors to decipher the different aspects of the landscape and wine-growing culture, and to refine their visual understanding of the area.
A vineyard hut, with an exhibition on the subject, provides shelter and bears witness to the vernacular constructions that once dotted the vineyards.
To go further
Discover the banks of the Marne: the Jardin de Vignes at Cumières
The quay of the Marne of Cumières is a place where it is good to live… This walk along the water, on foot or by bike, on the edge of the Marne, evokes the spirit of the guinguettes of yesteryear.
Stroll along the steel sculptures of more than 2 meters high evoking the traditional gestures necessary to the elaboration of champagne, conceived with passion by Eric Sléziak, regional artist (famous for his giant boar Woinic at the doors of the Ardennes).
And take advantage of this calm, soothing place to (re)discover the charm of a typical Champagne village.
Balcon sur la Champagne - Monthelon
The Jardin de Vignes des Demoiselles in Monthelon overlooks the limestone cliffs of Cuis and Grauves.
Equipped with a long picnic table, this unique spot lends itself to a convivial get-together with friends.
A tasting table is also available for winegrowers to enjoy their champagnes in the heart of nature.
Children can relax in the play area or build huts on the edge of the forest.
Vines Garden in Vinay
Discover the plants used by local winegrowers before the invention of the wire along a 4 km trail (approx. 1 hour’s walk).
Departing from the Vinay church, you’ll reach a rest area following the vine leaves. From the Jardin de Vignes, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the 3 grape varieties.