Montagne de Reims

The parc natural régional de la Montagne de Reims was established in 1976 after lobbying for it commenced in 1970.  It is considered as an exceptional territoire, a green zone that has to be protected.  It comprises ca. 53 000 ha, of which 9 000 ha vineyards, 20 000 ha forests and 21 000 ha cultivated land.  There are 69 communities living in the park, of which only 8 villages have more than 1 000 inhabitants (Verzenay being one).  The park hosts a variety of fauna and flora and you might see a fox, wild pigs (one once nearly ran into JL as he was cycling in the forest) or some deer.
The park is a paradise for mountain bikers and hikers.  JL loves losing himself in the forest.

On the other side of the montagne is the château de Louvois.  The first castle was built at the beginning of the 13th century.  It was later purchased by Michel Le Tellier, who was the Secretary of the State for the young Louis XIV (the king that reigned the longest period in France and who recalled the Edic of Nantes, thus prosecuting the French Protestants).  In 1776, when the family's riches shrinked, the castle became the property of two daughters of Louis XV.  During the French Revolution it was destroyed and in its place a new, simpler castle was built at the beginning of the 19th century, using some of the original materials.  The castle has gardens of 35 ha, of which a portion was restored according to its former glory.  Today it belongs to the champagne house Laurent Perrier, one of the big brands.  Fortunately Anita could get a snapshot out of the car while I was driving!

And some other photos in the Montagne, taken while driving...

April/May is canola time (this year it was a bit early). 

It is not unusual to see old cars on the road, either on their own or in a group (Russell, we're waiting for your visit...)

As I've already mentioned, this area was heavily affected during both World Wars.  Below is Mont Sinaï - not the one from the Bible!  It was a lookout point during the War and the remnants are still there as witness.

The forest road leading to Mont Sinaï

And two more beautiful photos that Colette took of Verzenay

In my next post I'll cover the forest a bit more and then in two separate posts I'll cover our neighbour village, Verzy and another champagne village, Hautvillers - not only because the pronounciation has so far baffled all our visitors (spreek dit uit ô-wie-lê) but also because it is such a beautiful village - and the place where champagne was born