Discover Chevillon, Haute-Marne: hidden gems

Several greenways crisscross the Der area: the loop around the lake (38km) runs along the dykes and provides visitors with beautiful views over the 4800 ha of water. The loop can be extended by several segments that link up to Saint-Dizier (12km), Montier-en-Der (12 km) and Vitry-le-François (20 km).

Promenade de la Dhuys - duration: 3h - marking white and green - easy level. Untamed but chanelled by man, the water draws us in to share its mysteries...

Des coteaux du champagne aux sources de la Dhuys "“ 58 km "“ mean level. To see during your trip: Soulaines-Dhuys, Bar-sur-Aube and its church, Champagne cellars, Colombé-le-Sec : a typical 4 flowery village

Mean level - To see during your tip: Timber-frame churches of Bailly-le-Franc, Lentilles - Panoramic view of the lake Amance and its Marina in Dienville - Potteries in Amance - Bar sur Seine: the tower of clock, the vestiges of the feodal chateau - The Tourist Route of Champagne.

La Venise Verte - duration: 1h - marking: white and yellow - very esay level.

Promenade des Colombé - duration: 2h45 - easy level - marking: white and green. Champagne: the land steeped with history producing the results of man, pure ambroisia!

This trail, located in the high woods of the Western Vosges, leads to sensitive natural environments, to the remarkable flora and fauna. From the ancient Froide-Fontaine 12th century abbey to the limestone grassland of Villouxel, the smallest of the Western Vosges, you will discover historical and natural treasures. A beautiful walk not to be missed !

Promenade du Bocage - duration: 2h45 - easy level - marking white and green. Discover fauna and flora in the "Champagne humide"...

In the heart of the forest of Sionne and of Frebécourt, there are 4 indomitable dwarf beeches. You will encounter these fantastic trees with their fairytale appearance, but also another equally strange phenomenon : the sinkhole. The images intermingle, in a few metres the landscape can change rapidly. Generous and verdant nature, meadows, where flows the Saônelle stream are part of the landcape.

Take to the skies during a hot air balloon flight over Reims and its surroundings!  You will enjoy an exceptional view of the Champagne region, taking in all of its distinct natural and architectural heritage. TAKE TO THE SKIES DURING A HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER REIMS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS! You will enjoy an exceptional view of the Champagne region, taking in all of its distinct natural and architectural heritage. Upon your arrival, attend the inflation of the balloon before climbing into the basket and leaving Taissy behind for an escapade in the skies above Reims. Rising with the wind, you will fly over Reims at high altitude to gaze down on its renowned architectural heritage from the sky. You'll then be treated to spectacular views of the iconic vineyards and hillsides of Champagne as you fly over the Champagne Tourist Route or the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park. Once you return to solid ground, you’ll share a traditional balloonists toast to celebrate your adventure. A charming interlude in the airs of Reims to discover the landscapes of Champagne.

Take a trip back in time aboard a vintage 2CV, the iconic French mid-century automobile, to discover the must-see sights of Reims and the nearby vineyards. In the company of your driver-guide, set off on an original 2-hour ride. ON THIS QUIRKY 2-HOUR TOUR, YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE WILL TAKE YOU INTO THE HEART OF THE CITY OF REIMS AND OUT TO THE FAMOUS VINEYARDS OF CHAMPAGNE COUNTRY. From the car, you’ll be able to admire fine examples of the city’s rich heritage including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Your driver will then head out to Hautvillers in the Montagne de Reims, home of Dom Perignon and the birthplace of champagne. Take advantage of this original tour to see the best of historic Reims and the prestigious champagne vineyards! 

Discover the unmissable sights of the “City of Kings” and its surroundings thanks to this 1-hr-15-min. tour in a classic 2CV car. Fall under the charm of Reims and the surrounding countryside on this tour with a private chauffeur-guide. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS UNUSUAL TOUR IN A VINTAGE 2CV TO ADMIRE REIMS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. ACCOMPANIED BY YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF FOR A 75-MINUTE RIDE THROUGH THE TOWN AND COUNTRY. You’ll be able to admire the valleys and hills that characterize the region of Reims as you make your way out of the city. Stop off on a hillside close to some vineyards, where your guide will reveal all the secrets of the history and production of champagne. As you head back into Reims, you’ll pass some of city’s most important heritage sites such as the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Altogether, this tour by vintage car is a novel and efficient way to discover the “City of Kings” and the champagne vineyards! 

Experience an original tour lasting 2 hrs. 30 mins aboard a vintage Citroën car. Take advantage of this activity to discover the must-see sites of Reims in an original way and visit a cellar to taste some excellent champagne! TAKE A TRIP INTO THE PAST ABOARD A VINTAGE 2CV, THE ICONIC FRENCH AUTOMOBILE. Accompanied by your driver-guide, set off for a 2-hr-30-min ride through the town and country. Sit back and take in the major historical sites of Reims. From the car, you’ll be able to admire fine examples of the city’s rich heritage including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Your driver will then head out of town on the winding country roads that lead into the heart of the Champagne wine region. Take advantage of a visit to a local cellar to taste some excellent champagne! Make the most of this original trip to discover the “City of Kings” and Champagne Country!  

Enjoy a unique trip aboard an iconic 2CV vintage car to discover the best of Reims and the nearby countryside. It’s also the occasion to visit a cellar in the Champagne wine region and taste some of the excellent champagne! IN THE COMPANY OF YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF ON AN ORIGINAL 3-HR-30-MIN RIDE. ENJOY THIS FUN TOUR TO DISCOVER ESSENTIAL REIMS AND THE FAMOUS VINEYARDS OF CHAMPAGNE COUNTRY. From the car, you’ll be able to admire fine examples of the city’s rich heritage including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Abbey of Saint-Remi, a registered historic monument, also lays on the tour circuit.  Your driver will then take you to meet a local winemaker, where you will visit the winery and cellar before tasting some of the champagne produced on-site! Make the most of this original trip to discover the “City of Kings” and the Champagne wine region! 

Spend an hour aboard a vintage Citroën 2CV to discover the must-see sites of Reims in an original way, stopping off to taste some champagne en route! Your driver-guide will take you on a journey through the city’s streets and through its history.  THIS ORIGINAL RIDE WILL TAKE YOU TO THE HEART OF THE “CITY OF KINGS”. IN THE COMPANY OF YOUR DRIVER-GUIDE, SET OFF FOR A 1-HOUR TOUR OF CENTRAL REIMS. From the car, you’ll be able to admire the rich heritage of the city including the Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll also see the Abbey of Saint-Remi, another listed historic monument.  Take a look at the champagne houses located in the Crayères, and make the most of a break to taste some champagne! You will continue towards the historical boulevards and cross the Place du Forum to finish at Place Royale. Take advantage of this quirky tour to see the best of historic Reims! 

Discover the city of Reims with the City Pass: unlimited transportation and free access to cultural and leisure activities! DISCOVER THE CITY OF REIMS WITH THE CITY PASS: UNLIMITED TRANSPORTATION AND FREE ACCESS TO CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES! This pass offers you access to 18 tourist services for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Discover the list of free sites below with the Reims City Pass. You will notably be able receive: * Entry to the Tau Palace (recognised by UNSECO) * A guided visit in Reims Cathedral (recognisd by UNSECO) * A circuit of the city by bus with an audioguide * Reductions to visit the champagne caves and vineyard caves * Lots of other activites and reductions! You will be able to use the CITURA public transport (all bus and tramway lines in Reims included) without limit during your chosen time period. You will also be able to receive shopping discounts and discounts for different shows, trips and excursions in the surrounding vineyards. You will also be able to discover the largest wine cave of the whole region at a reduced price!

Built in a courtyard adjoining the cloister, protected from the frost and the wind, the "jardin des simples" has been designed according to typical abbey gardens : medicinal and aromatic plants.

This old ornamental ironworks has been turned into an experimental centre "to promote lifestyle in a rural environment". It includes a museum, a high-quality programme of cultural events and agricultural activities (nettles, fruit and vegetable growing). The general public is invited to follow a footpath across the 9-hectare site, past the old abbey and factory. They can also see the shop, with its outstanding collection of cast iron models. An exhibition illustrates the history of this site and the Bar-le-Duc area as a whole. Guided tours are available on Sundays and with advance booking. There is also a shop selling local products. Audioguides are available in French, German and English. A discovery kit is available for children.

12th-century Premonstratensian abbey rebuilt in the 18th century in Stainville between Ménil-sur-Saulx and Juvigny-en-Perthois. The remaining parts of the abbey include the outbuildings, covered well, splendid vaulted cellars and some of the abbey building itself with some fabulous rooms. The church still has its West Front, with two massive square towers. Guided tours available throughout the year on request. Minimum of 10 people required for groups.

The job of the Agence nationale pour la gestion des déchets radioactifs (Andra, national agency for the management of radioactive waste) is to design and install an industrial geological storage facility for radioactive waste at a depth of 500 metres in clay rock. On the site of the underground facility, you can see a model of a storage gallery and find out about the scientific tests conducted on the rock. In the technology gallery, see prototypes of machinery illustrating the principles of deep geological storage. The visit lasts from 2 to 2½ hours.

In the 16th century, the aristocracy of the Duchy of Bar owned country-châteaux in the "Vallée de la Saulx", a few miles away from Bar-le-Duc. In 1506, Pierre Merlin, auditor of the Duke of Bar, had his castle built in Haironville. The general architecture of the castle de la Varenne is sober, the proportions very harmonious. The pigeon-house, a royal privilege, ends the left wing, proud of its 3000 pigeeon-holes. In the main hall, both the magnificent and rare Renaissance stone panelled ceiling and the 18th century main staircase are vivid witnesses of the history of la Varenne. The grounds, surrounded by the river "la Saulx", include a terrace in the French style and a romantic park with remarkable trees.

Considering the age of the plantations, one can come to the conclusion that the park has been designed around 1880, probably by the great-great grandfather of the actual owners... It is hard to imagine the gardens of Pierre Merlin, when he lived there, at the turn of the 16th century ! We only own a fairly simple plan of the gardens, dated 1793 : the terrace was then divided into four grass-plots, which became in the 19th century one single grass-plot, surrounded by a box rim; The grounds show definitely two different approaches : the terrace "à la française" and the park itselsf, a vast meadow dotted by distant clumps of trees, as far as one can see... A romantic walk along the shaded banks of the river Saulx, stone benches now and then, allowing some rest and gorgeous points of view on the castle, the river ot the 17th century stone bridge of the village : all is combined to gratify the visitors.

Within the boundaries of the three towns of Naix-aux-forges, St-Amand-sur-Ornain and Boviolles. The Cité des Leuques Association gives visitors a fascinating look at local and regional history every summer through the work carried out here. There are bucolic guided walks from June to the end of September to see the Roman town or the capital of the Ancient Gauls. On some weekends, the walks include a visit to the archaeological digs where you can meet researchers and see their latest finds. During the summer, you'll find the legionaries of the 22nd Nasium Legion here, as well as their craftsmen. Their costumes, equipment and work have been carefully copied from items in the museum or the region's unique archaeological research. There is also a field gun, a faithful replica that is the only one of its kind in France. Throughout the year, visits and events can be arranged on request for adults or school groups: walks, an archaeological dig for beginners, pottery workshops, mosaic work etc.

The 22-metre Valéran Tower is all that remains of the fortified outer wall which protected the Counts of Ligny's castle. The tower remains the most significant example of mediaeval architecture. Building began in the 12th century but was not completed until the 15th century. Major features of the system of defence include the slit windows and machicolations. The tower was used as a local prison in the 18th and 19th centuries. Open throughout the year for groups with advance booking.

Opened in 1946, Bergère de France is France's largest knitting wool producer. It controls the entire process from production to marketing and is one of the leaders in its market sector. In fact, it produces more than half the wool sold in France. The company occupies premises covering an area of 40,000 sq. metres. The guided tour takes visitors through the various workshop areas, from the arrival of the raw material to the packaging of balls of wool and the preparation of orders for despatch. Visitors are given an opportunity to buy wool at the factory shop at the end of the guided tour. For safety reasons, visitors must be at least 18 years of age. Available throughout the year for groups with advance booking.

Winepress typical of the XVth century reminding us "Pineau de Bar"production until the begining of the XXth century. At that time a dozen press wines were said to be located in our town. This thriving business was abruptly put to an end when all the vineyards on the hill - now called “Ste Catherine” were destroyed by the Phylloxera in the XIXth century. This wine-press is now listed as part of the National Heritage

The restaurant has 2 menus at weekends. During the week, there is a lunch special.

Bar, hotel, restaurant, cafeteria. Open 6 days a week from 7am to 10.30pm. Cafeteria open for lunch, Mondays to Fridays. Menu from €24 or set menu at €18 in the restaurant + a la carte. Free WiFi.

Located beside the Parc des Luxembourg, the restaurant du Parc welcome guests every day. The atmosphere is family-oriented and the restaurant serves traditional fare as well as the chef's specialities.

Sandwiches, salads, toasted sandwiches, ice creams, milkshakes, waffles, pancakes, and seasonal home-made cakes / pastries.

L'Athéna is a restaurant, bar and brasserie ideally located for a break. You'll be warmly welcomed by the staff, who will be able to discuss the menu with you. Located in the town centre, its busy summer alfresco dining area is a pleasant place to sit and watch the world go by.

Located in the centre of Ligny-en-Barrois at the gateway to Lorraine, Le Cheval Blanc has all the charm and conviviality of a restaurant with its own character. It's a gourmet stopover combining traditional, copious cuisine with an appeal to the senses.

Inventive cuisine. The 5 styles of decoration make this the only restaurant of its kind in the region. Outstanding value for money. Kids' play area and area for baby. Ideal for functions, birthday parties, weddings and meetings. Catering service available.

"Welcome to Fabulous Frenchy's Diner"! Typical American decor including a real school bus and a Ford Mustang. On the menu: hamburgers, hot dogs, bagels, fajitas, American specialities, salads, pasta, omelettes, grilled meat etc. Not to mention a huge choice of desserts! Outside meal times, the ambiance is one of a bar and tearoom, with a veranda. Located in the Grande Terre area close to the E. Lerclerc hypermarket.

As soon as you walk into the Buffalo Grill, you'll find yourself in the atmosphere of the Wild West in the days of cowboys and Indians. This is a high-quality steak house that specialises in grilled meat.

Dressed in a high-tech jacket and equipped with a laser pistol, your mission is to put your opponents out of action. Thrills and special effects guaranteed!

Between Saint-Dizier and Ligny-en-Barrois. Enjoy a break in quiet surroundings and charming rooms in the country. 1 double room (double bed) and one suite for 2 people (double bed) with a double bed settee and babycare equipment (cot, changing table). They each have a private shower and toilet. Living room with balcony, TV lounge with fireplace.

7 spacious bedrooms with en-suite (6 double rooms and 1 triple), common room with table, chairs and lounge area, well-equipped kitchen. Rentals available per room or for the entire gîte.

Saint-Dizier 25 km - Bar-le-Duc à 25 km. 2 bedrooms in a very beautiful 19th-century house near the Der Lake (35 mins from Giffaumont-Champaubert, 25 mins from Eclaron). Private, enclosed parking - swimming pool. From mid-May to the end of August.

Well-equipped kitchen, large common room (capacity: 60 people) with open fire. 5 bedrooms on ground floor (3 or 4 single beds per room), 4 bedrooms upstairs (3 to 5 single beds per room). Booking required.

At the heart of a small village in the Saulx valley with a population of 170, the Gîte de la Goélette was built partly in a former stable. The accommodation on two levels comprises four separate rooms and a small terrace where you can take breakfast and other meals. You will be welcomed by the owners, Evelyne and Francis, who will be on hand to ensure you have a pleasant stay. This small, cosy 3-star gîte is fully equipped, with TV, Wifi and air-conditioning in the bedroom. There is space for two adults, plus two children, and the owners can provide a cot if required.

Bar le Duc 30 km, Ligny en Barrois 16 km - 15 km from main road (Route Nationale 4). Renovated house at the heart of a former “Cité du Cheval” – or equestrian – village. 2 upstairs rooms with separate entrance: 1 suite for 4 people comprising 1 double bed (180 x 200), lounge area and room with 2 bunk beds, shower room with washbasin and WC ; 1 room with twin beds, lounge area, shower room with washbasin and WC. Communal living room reserved exclusively for guests with fully fitted open-plan kitchen with breakfast bar, TV, board games and books. Private parking. Horses and ponies in the nearby carriage-driving school. Stabling available for horses. Rambling/riding trails nearby. Restaurants in village and 4 km away. Open all year.

Overnight gîte sleeping 10 people in bedrooms (1 bedroom with 6 beds and 1 bedroom with 5 beds) and 14 beds in a dormitory. Close to the equestrian tourism centre in Biencourt, the Joan of Arc Trail. Booking required.

Gîte including 1 bedroom and 8-bed dormitory. Upstairs, lounge, well-equipped kitchen, 2 dormitories (4 single beds), 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 2 toilets. Booking required.

Enjoy a quiet stay in the delightful Auberge d'Hévillers between Ligny-en-Barrois and Bure. You'll love the family atmosphere, the authenticity of the surroundings and the wonderful flower-decked patio providing a shady place to sit and relax in fine weather. Francine and Thierry offer 11 well-appointed rooms on two floors, most of them overlooking the garden and the heated indoor pool (April to October). As for meals, the Chef prefers traditional cuisine and home-made food, producing a wide selection of dishes that are prepared with care and full of taste.

Le Bindeuil hotel and restaurant offers guests a chance to explore the area and enjoy the beauty of the natural environment, whatever the season. Located on the outskirts of the village of Bure (Meuse) on the Joinville-Nancy road, the hotel has 14 bright, modern rooms with country views and all the amenities you require for a comfortable stay (HDTV, WiFi, hair dryer etc.).