From Avenay-val-d’or to Epernay
Back to the east side of the Montagne de Reims at Avenay-Val-d’Or.
Avenay is beautifully situated in a valley, surrounded by vineyards. As you can see in the photos, the landscape is stunning.
Avenay is also of historical importance. A number of Roman remains have been discovered nearby. It was also 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.
Midway through the walk, we arrive at the village of Aÿ, which makes the transition between the hill side slopes and the river, between the Montagne de Reims and the suburbs of Epernay.
Aÿ is a nice village and home to well-known champagne houses like Veuve-Clicquot, Bollinger, and Moët et Chandon, as well as many smaller producers.
The walk from Aÿ into Epernay is rather flat and less attractive, although it does offer some beautiful vistas of vineyard hill slopes.
Links
Champagne village profile: Avenay-Val-d’Or
Aÿ-Champagne – Aÿ commune
Aÿ-Champagne
Logistics
TGV to Reims, then a local train to Avenay-Val-d’Or