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4 winter outings to enjoy within 1 hour of Reims

undefined undefined 24 février 2026 undefined 19h00

undefined undefined 25 février 2026 undefined 19h48

The Editor

© Gérard Blondeau

No ski trip this year? How about a getaway to Champagne? We've found 4 spots to visit, just about 1 hour from Reims!

Caves, lakes, trails through the vineyards right in the middle of the Montagne de Reims… Winter can really surprise you in Champagne! Doubt it? We’ve uncovered 4 perfect walks to enjoy the scenic Champagne landscape during winter.

1. Admiring Migratory Birds at Lac du Der

Did you know that one of the largest bodies of water in Europe is located in Champagne, about 1 hour from Reims by car? Created by humans in 1974 to regulate the waters of the Marne that feed into the Seine, Lac du Der is classified as a National Reserve for Hunting and Wildlife, and it’s one of the most popular spots for locals during the summer.

In winter, the lake welcomes large migratory birds that come to spend the season on our shores or head south in migration. Common cranes, corn geese, laughing geese, white-tailed eagles, wild swans, goldeneye ducks: these migrants arrive by the thousands and it’s a beautiful sight to behold… Bring your binoculars!

2. Explore the Mysterious Underground Cellars in Épernay

A visit to Champagne without a cellar tour...? That's a missed opportunity! We invite you to embark on a winter pilgrimage beneath the streets of the Champagne capital. Why? Because it stays a cozy 12°C all year round: the perfect spot when it's freezing outside.

Underground, you'll be...discover a true maze: 110 kilometers of galleries where millions of bottles sleep. In Reims, there are the chalk pits, and in Épernay, the iconic Avenue de Champagne (a.k.a. the richest avenue in the world) filled with cellars.

In the city, you can also explore a museum dedicated to the history of champagne. And when night falls, the Avenue de Champagne lights up... A perfect winter plan just 40 minutes from Reims by car or train.

3. Enjoying a « grand cru » stroll in Chigny-les-Roses

Classified as a « grand cru » for over a century, the village of Chigny-les-Roses and its patchwork of vineyards are the perfect starting point for a winter hike. Located just 16 km from Reims, the village is right in the heart of the Champagne vineyard. And during winter, the scenery blanketed in white is simply stunning. We love the breathtaking views of the plains: vineyards pruned over a frosty ground, winding paths revealing the Reims mountain…

In short, it's a vintage outing to enjoy all bundled up in your puffy coat!

4. Discover the statue of Pope Urban II in Châtillon-sur-Marne

A little historical adventure that’s a bit out of the ordinary, just 30 minutes from downtown Reims. How about it?

Let’s meet in Châtillon-sur-Marne to admire a unique curiosity: the colossal statue of Pope Urban II (a local boy) overlooking the Marne valley.

And do you know what’s the most intriguing part? You can climb inside the arm of this Christian figure. From the top of the statue, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the resting vineyards and the rooftops of the villages below. It’s THE ultimate photo spot you won’t want to miss in the area…