Marne, the department

Avenue de Champagne in Épernay

Known as «the most prestigious avenue in the world,» the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay is the beating heart of the Champagne region. It is home to the most illustrious champagne houses, which have vast cellars carved into the chalk, housing millions of bottles as they age.

Visit these historic cellars for a tasting of the famous champagne and admire the elegant architecture of the mansions lining the avenue.

The Verdun Memorial

The Verdun Memorial, dedicated to the Battle of 1916, is a place of remembrance and education about the realities of World War I. It features an immersive and interactive exhibition that recreates the experiences of soldiers and civilians. More than 300,000 soldiers lost their lives in this battle, and the Memorial is located near the Douaumont Cemetery and Ossuary, the final resting place for 130,000 unknown soldiers.

Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park

This protected natural park spans more than 50,000 hectares, offering a mosaic of landscapes that include forests, vineyards, meadows, and ponds. It is home to a rich biodiversity, symbolized by the blackcap. The park is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing, offering an idyllic setting to reconnect with nature.

Cultural and historical activities

The Marne department is distinguished by its rich cultural and historical heritage, embodied in its many museums, memorial sites, architectural gems, and local traditions. Whether your passion lies in art, history, architecture, or folklore, the Marne offers a wide range of opportunities to spark your curiosity and satisfy your thirst for discovery.

Museums of the Marne

With about twenty museums, the Marne region covers a wide range of fields, from contemporary art to viticulture, including metallurgy, ceramics, earthenware, lace, textiles, photography, transportation, medicine, paleontology, and prehistory. Among these cultural treasures, discover the Rentilly – Michel Chartier Cultural Park, which celebrates contemporary art through exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, and festivals; the Musée Plein Air, which immerses you in the history of rural life in the Marne; and the Marne and Gondoire Tourist Office, your guide to the region’s best activities and attractions, among many other captivating museums.

Historic Sites of the First World War

The Marne, the site of crucial battles during World War I, preserves the memory of these tragic events. Visit the Verdun Memorial to learn about the Battle of Verdun, which claimed more than 300,000 lives and left 400,000 wounded. Discover the Douaumont Cemetery and Ossuary, the final resting place of 130,000 unknown soldiers, and Fort de la Pompelle, a symbol of resistance against German assaults. Don’t miss the Museum of the Surrender of May 7, 1945—where the German surrender was signed—among other iconic sites.

Architectural heritage

The Marne region takes pride in its architectural heritage, which reflects the eras and styles that have marked its history. Admire Reims Cathedral, a jewel of 13th-century Gothic art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Palais du Tau, the former residence of the archbishops of Reims, which houses the cathedral’s treasury; the Villa Demoiselle, representative of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, the Château d’Étoges, an elegant 17th-century structure, and the Château de Montmort, a 13th-century fortified castle that was remodeled in the 18th century. Each building will amaze you with its beauty and history.

Discover local traditions

The Marne region, deeply rooted in its local traditions, invites you to discover its identity and culture. Immerse yourself in the world of champagne production—the world’s most renowned sparkling wine, produced in the vineyards of the Marne. Savor the cuvées from famous houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Pommery, and many others. You can also take part in festivals and cultural events, such as the «Itinéraires» festival, which features theater, dance, music, and circus performances in unique settings, «Les Habits de Lumière,» which lights up the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, and «Les Musicales de la Vallée,» which celebrates classical music in churches and chapels, for a complete immersion in the richness and diversity of the Marne region.

Leisure and Outdoor Activities in Marne

The Marne department is a true playground for lovers of leisure and outdoor activities. With a wide variety of options sure to delight enthusiasts of hiking, biking, water sports, nature, and wine, the Marne promises moments of relaxation and fun for everyone.

Walking and cycling tours

With more than 2,000 km of marked trails, the Marne region is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Its landscapes—ranging from vineyards to forests, plains, and valleys—offer a diversity that caters to all tastes and difficulty levels. The bike paths, greenways, and long-distance bike routes offer splendid views of the vineyards, picturesque villages, churches, and historic castles. The Marne Valley bike route, which stretches over 100 km along the river, will take you to iconic sites such as Hautvillers, the birthplace of champagne, and Dormans, famous for its memorial to the Battles of the Marne.

Nautical activities on Lac du Der

Lake Der, Europe’s largest artificial lake at 4,800 hectares, was built in 1974 to regulate the flow of the Marne River and prevent flooding in Paris. Today, it is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts: sailing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and more. The lake is also lined with developed beaches, picnic areas, restaurants, and lodging options. It is also an important ecological site, welcoming thousands of migratory birds each year, including common cranes, which can be observed from designated viewing spots or during guided tours.

Green spaces and family leisure areas

The Marne region is home to a variety of green spaces and recreational areas designed for family fun. The Tremblay Interdepartmental Sports Park offers a wide range of sports and recreational activities: golf, tennis, archery, mini-golf, go-karting, paintball, and more. The farm at Parc des Gondoles invites visitors to discover rural life through its animals, crops, workshops, and games. The Marmousets Departmental Park features an adventure course, a petting zoo, a miniature train, and a carousel. Accrocamp, a tree-top adventure park on Créteil’s recreational island, welcomes adventurers of all ages and skill levels.

Tastings and cellar tours

As a leader in champagne production, the Marne department offers unmissable tasting experiences and cellar tours. These tours allow visitors to uncover the mysteries of champagne production and explore the terroirs, grape varieties, and unique cuvées. The great champagne houses, with their historic cellars carved into the chalk, such as Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, and Pommery, welcome visitors for enriching experiences. Independent winemakers also share their passion and expertise, offering tastings of their champagnes and spirits, such as ratafia or fine de la Marne.

Marne - Conclusion

The Marne department stands out by its richness and diversity, offering visitors an unforgettable experience, no matter what their interests may be. Whether you’re passionate about its rich historical and cultural heritage, charmed by its unspoiled natural landscapes, a fan of its cuisine and famous sparkling wine, or looking for outdoor activities and recreation, the Marne will surprise and delight you.

Don't delay, plan your trip to the Marne now to explore the unique treasures and attractions of this remarkable département.

Département de la Marne - FAQ

Which is the most beautiful town in the Marne?

Choosing the most beautiful city in the Marne is subjective, but considering aspects such as heritage, charm, nature and champagne, Reims and Hautvillers stand out:

• Reims, capital of the Champagne region, is famous for its Gothic cathedral, where the kings of France were crowned. Its rich historical past is evident in its monuments and museums.
• Hautvillers, the cradle of champagne thanks to the monk Dom Pérignon, charms with its half-timbered houses and wrought-iron signs.

What department is number 51 in?

Department No. 51 is the Marne. Located in the Grand Est region, it is an integral part of the history and geography of Champagne.

Where can you find Marne?

The Marne can refer to two different things:

• A river that crosses several départements, including Marne, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne and Seine-Saint-Denis.
• The Marne department, part of the Grand Est region, borders several other departments.

Does the Marne pass through Reims?

Yes, the Marne River flows through Reims, winding from the southeast to the northwest and encircling the city center. The river is also connected to the Aisne River by the Aisne-Marne Canal, which supplies water to Reims.