Around Avenay-Val-d’Or and Mutigny
Avenay-Val-d’Or is a charming village, accessible by the little train that loops around the east side of the Montagne de Reims. It nestles in a valley, surrounded by vineyards, perforated by wood and crossed by the Livre river. A number of Roman remains have been discovered nearby, including a fort and medals showing Emperors Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus.
It was formerly the site of a Benedictine abbey founded by Bertha of Avenay at the end of the sixth century CE, later destroyed during the French Revolution. Architectural highlights include a wash-house, a fountain, and the Church of Saint Trésain from the 12th century, evidence of the dominant role of the church in medieval France.
After wandering around Avenay, I then accepted the challenge of walking up the hill to Mutigny, where I took a little rest at Saint-Martin’s 15th century church, with its unique stone porch unique in the region. As you can see in the photos, this viewpoint offers spectacular sweeping vistas of the vineyards of the Marne Valley and the Champenoise Plain.
Logistics
TGV from Gare de l’Est to Reims. Then local train to Avenay.