The best traffic-free bike rides around Muscourt

The Vauclair Abbey near Bouconville-Vauclair in the Aisne department was founded in 1134 by Bernard of Clairvaux as a Cistercian monastery. In the Middle Ages, it developed into an important monastic complex; it was significantly expanded, particularly in the 13th century. During the First World War, Vauclair was located directly in the combat zone of the Chemin des Dames and was almost completely destroyed by artillery fire in 1917. The ruins visible today have been archaeologically investigated, excavated, and partially secured since the 1960s. Directly next to the ruins, there is now a medicinal herb garden with around 400 species and a conservation orchard. This verger conservatoire preserves old regional apple and pear varieties; according to the French Garden Association, there are about 84 different varieties represented there. Together with the monastery ruins, the site thus commemorates not only the history of the Cistercians but also their close connection to agriculture, horticulture, and botany.

Hidden in the middle of the forest, this Cistercian abbey, founded in 1134 by Bernard of Clairvaux, appears like a mirage. Its majestic ruins bear witness to a turbulent past. From the Hundred Years' War and the French Revolution to the First World War, the abbey suffered considerable destruction. In the 1960s, the site was overgrown with brambles and forgotten. Thanks to the archaeological excavation group "Sources" led by Father Courtois, it experienced a rebirth.

Beautiful quiet place for a walk

An Art Deco church, particularly representative of the revival of sacred art in the 1920s. A masterpiece among the churches of the Reconstruction period, visitors will be captivated by the frescoes, mosaics, stained-glass windows and superb bell tower supported by angels. Built between 1928 and 1932 under the direction of architect Paul-Albert Müller, the church is both modern and back to basics. The use of reinforced concrete, a material already used by some architects before the war, is combined with early Christian symbols such as the fish or the pelican

An impressive half-timbered building made of oak. Except for two metal parts, it is made entirely of wood, with wooden dowels (no nails or screws). At the front, there is a washhouse and a well. According to https://www.reims-tourisme.com/activite/halle-de-lagery/: Built in 1543 in the center of the village of Lagery, the hall was dedicated to trade. From the 16th to the 18th century, there was a market every Tuesday and two or three annual fairs: agricultural markets, grain, wine, livestock, firewood, timber, building materials, industrial goods, etc. This building was listed as a historic monument in 1922. The hall, which was in danger of collapsing and had to be reinforced in 1983, was restored between 2003 and 2007. Since 2010, the town hall and the Lagery Festival Association have organized an arts and crafts market there every spring Sunday.

To the northwest of Reims, the Chenay vineyard is made up of a vast plateau on which stretch beautiful champagne vines. In autumn, the spectacle is even more magnificent.

A remarkable remnant of what was once a large and important abbey. Caesar, Napoleon and German troops are said to have passed through this area during the First World War.

Chenay is a village steeped in traditions, narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, a wash house; a gourmet restaurant completes the charm of this village perched on a hill. You can also admire the Champagne valley with its vineyards and the city of Reims in the distance.