Back in the Aisne department, a region we’re starting to know quite well.
In the south of the department, a territory called “Les Portes de la Champagne” (The Gates of Champagne).
The Marne, the longest river in France, winds its way through the Portes de la Champagne, flowing through the heart of the vineyards and numerous villages. You can’t miss it in this region as it leaves its mark on the landscape.
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Table of Contents
Visiting Château-Thierry
Château-Thierry is a lovely small medieval town nestled in the heart of the Champagne vineyards. It is the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine, the town’s favorite son. Château-Thierry has endured many battles, notably those of 1814 and 1918. You will discover the old town, the Thibaud IV Rose Garden, and a panoramic view of the city, the vines, and the surrounding area.
Its location criterion was the Marne, a waterway. A city already present in Gallo-Roman times.
Castle built in the High Middle Ages and town fortifications on the current city center site.
Former Saint-Jacques fort, a 15th-century tower remains, the Tour Balhan (open only for Heritage Days, you can climb to the very top where there is a chapel).
Town Hall Square, former marketplace.
In 1918, the city was on the front line.
Current covered market built in 1926.
Theater with an Art Nouveau facade.
Birthplace of Jean de la Fontaine (in 1621). Jean de la Fontaine’s family had ties to royalty. This mansion is now the Fontaine Museum (currently closed, reopening in 2025) and a Maison des Illustres. A museum has been here since the end of the 19th century.
Castle: 14th-century royal kitchens of Philip the Fair.
Castle damaged by the Revolution and the military campaign of 1814.
The city has several gardens with medieval and medicinal inspirations. At the foot of the medieval castle, you will find the Thibaud IV Rose Garden (medieval castle, rampart walk, Renan courtyard, open all year round), which is a beautiful space for strolling and provides a setting for antique rose varieties as well as the Jean-de-la-Fontaine rose.
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Lunch at La Capitainerie
Located on the banks of the Marne, this spot offers a beautiful view of this river, the longest in France.
La Capitainerie
Av. Jules Lefebvre, 02400 Château-Thierry
Lunch at Chez Nanou
Roadside restaurant. Supplier of local meat.
Restaurant Chez Nanou
25 Avenue de Champagne, 02650 Mézy-Moulins
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Oenotourism visit at the Lévêque Dehan Champagne house
Champagne 5-senses workshop.
In a typical Champagne cellar, you will awaken all your senses through various workshops related to wine.
Development of wine tourism.
Ride through the vineyards aboard an authentic vintage VW T2 Combi to bring tourists into the vines.
The northernmost wine-growing region with a challenging climate.
The “Discovery Bay” will take you on a timeless journey through Eric Lévêque Dehan’s vines, located on both banks of the Marne Valley.
The VW T2 Combi, a true icon of the sixties and a symbol of freedom, comes straight from another era.
In operation since May 2020.
It’s the van that literally climbed to cult status. In 1951, Mr. Dehan, Eric’s grandfather, saw this vehicle as the ideal companion to deliver his champagne barrels to the merchants of Épernay and Reims.
The Marne River is the longest river in France and flows into the Seine at Charenton-le-Pont.
Thibault IV brought back vine cuttings from his crusade to plant them here.
Barzy hillsides. Vines are exposed on the hillsides to get as much sunshine as possible.
Blend of 2 vintage years.
Pinot Meunier + Pinot Noir + Chardonnay.
Vine huts from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Tours available several times a week.
€42 for 2 hours of riding and tasting.
Vines spanning 5 generations.
Discovery visit service includes geographical location + explanations of grape varieties.
Video on the estate covering a full year in 4 languages (English, Dutch, German).
Sensory space.
Questionnaire.
Champagne Lévêque Dehan – 2 rue des Lilas – 02850 Barzy-Sur-Marne
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Where to stay? La Porte d’Arcy Bed & Breakfast
Dinner and overnight stay.
La Porte d’Arcy
Bed & Breakfast
02130 FERE-EN-TARDENOIS
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Visiting the Viels Maisons Gardens
11th-century church.
30 years ago, Ms. Doucette.
3 hectares. The idea of magnifying the space.
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Visiting the Château de Fère-en-Tardenois
The elegant ruins of this castle are hidden in a green setting. A striking blend of medieval towers perched on their motte and the Renaissance gallery bridge (which served as a model for the one at Chenonceau).
Stronghold since the 10th century.
Castle and motte built by the de Dreux family in the 13th century.
In the 16th century, Anne de Montmorency no longer needed to defend the castle and wanted to make it comfortable.
Castle dismantled in the 1790s.
Classified as a historical monument in 1994.
Patron Raymond de la Tramerye bequeathed it to the General Council upon his death.
Jean Gougeon Gate from the late 1530s. A fully Renaissance gallery bridge built by Jean Bulant.
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Thanks to the Tourism Office Les Portes de la Champagne
