Exceptional forests
A remarkable forest heritage!
National recognition
The three state-owned forests on the Montagne de Reims (Chêne à la Vierge, Hautvillers and Faux de Verzy) were awarded the Forêts d’Exception® label in September 2016.
This award from the Office National des Forêts (French National Forestry Office) recognizes a concerted and exemplary working approach by 35 local players to preserve and enhance our remarkable forest heritage.
Since 2008, seventeen forests have been selected from among the state-owned forests managed by the ONF. They are committed to offering an appropriate and sustainable response to the public’s expectations: landscape appeal, welcome, nature education and a place to recharge your batteries!
Maiden oak
The Chêne à la Vierge forest is the result of the merger of two state forests: Chêne la Vierge to the east and Sermiers to the west. It owes its name to a legend from the Middle Ages, when lumberjacks found a statuette of the Virgin Mary in the heart of the tree… This “miracle” is the subject of an annual pilgrimage on the 3rd Sunday in September.
To the north-west, you can discover the Noëlle sector with its pleasant botanical trail, and enjoy a walk through six of the remarkable trees of the Montagne de Reims massif.
New! Don’t miss out on discovering this place with the ONF application “Le Secret du Chêne à la vierge”.
Verzy
The Verzy forest abounds in beech trees with twisted branches and trunks whose origin remains a mystery. They are commonly known as Faux de Verzy or Faux de Verzy beeches.
The 57-hectare Verzy Biological Reserve welcomes visitors to a site that is unique in the world, with over 800 individuals!
A Tourisme & Handicap (Tourism & Handicap) accredited trail allows walkers to discover these astonishing trees during a two-hour stroll through this protected area.
You can also discover the site via the “En forêt de Verzy” app, available free of charge on the AppStore and GooglePlay. A fun, educational tool that broadcasts archives, old postcards, interviews and more along the way. You’ll know almost everything about these mysterious trees!
Hautvillers
The historic vineyards of Hautvillers are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne label. Its 408-hectare state-owned forest, a veritable promontory overlooking the Champagne vineyards, plays a structuring role in the landscape that must be preserved and guaranteed over time.
Mainly made up of sessile oak (63%), it is located entirely within the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park. Discover it on your walks with :
- A fun and educational trail, accessible to all and about 2 kilometers long, awaits you with the “Black Woodpecker Trail“.
- Flora lovers will prefer the “Rinsillons botanical trail
- The forest can also be discovered through the “Bellevue Loopan 8-kilometre trail between vineyards and forest…
YOUR CONTACT
PARC NATUREL RÉGIONAL DE LA MONTAGNE DE REIMS
MAISON DU PARC – 51480 POURCY – 03 26 69 44 44 – www.parc-montagnedereims.fr
Playlist – Grid
Les Faux de Verzy
Verzy
Coteaux historiques de Champagne
Hautvillers
Within the area of Champagne making, the property inscribed on the List of UNESCO’s World heritag…