Coteaux Vitryats
A landscape swinging between ponds, crops, prairies, and vineyards...
CHAMPAGNE, NATURE, AND HERITAGE
A NEW FRONT DOOR TO THE CHAMPAGNE REGION VINEYARDS
The Vitryats are located on the Côte de Champagne, and more precisely in an area called the Perthois wine-growing region.
Enjoying a central location in the Champagne region, about 50 kilometres from the Sézannais hills and the Côte des Blancs and 70 kilometres from the Côte des Bar in the Aube, it offers very open vantage points.
Fifteen or so cellars, carrying the "Vignobles & Découvertes" label, open their doors to you and reveal the secrets of their champagne over a tasting and/or a visit of their property.
Planted mostly with Chardonnay grapes, the 480 hectares sitting on chalky soil reveal the nuances at play in the wines...
By following the small roads of the Route Touristique du Champagne, across hills, mountains, and plains, you will see villages with timber-framed architecture characteristic of the Champagne region bocage (farmland criss-crossed by hedges and trees).
You can also take advantage of your stay with a little getaway to the Lac du Der, which is right nearby and is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Europe!
The route starts from Vitry-le-François, the “rose” city, which owes its name to François I.
Don’t forget to visit the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church (a beautiful example of the classical style), then go by the Porte du Pont (18th century) toward Châlons-en-Champagne. The first vineyards appear around Couvrot and the coast at Gravelines.
TO SEE ON THE WAY
- The Route Touristique du Champagne starting from Vitry-le-François
- The Roman church and the car museum at Saint-Amand-sur-Fion
- Vavray-le-Grand and its retaining wall fitted with imposing arches
- Bassuet and its winemakers on the main street of the village
- The Mont de Fourche at Vitry-en-Perthois
- The church overlooking the village of Huiron
- Glannes and its vineyards...
BUBBLES AND BEAUTIFUL STORIES
Every year, on the first Sunday of July, "Bulles et Belles Histoires du champagne Vitryat” (Bubbles and Beautiful Stories of champagne in Vitryat) invites you to dive into the heart of the terroir and the history of the Champagne region.
One after another, the villages along the Route Touristique du Champagne of the Vitryats Hills become the site of the festivities to honour the regional artisans and winemakers.
During this bubbly weekend, you can enjoy themed and sporty entertainment: tastings, cellar tours, and even walks or trails around the vineyards!
CHAMPAGNE IS THE ONLY WINE THAT LEAVES A WOMAN BEAUTIFUL AFTER DRINKING IT
The Marquise de Pompadour
QUIZ
Which country first made brut Champagne fashionable?
- France
- England
- Russia
ANSWER
It was England that requested less sweet wines. From the 1870s, certain producers sell their vintages with more or less defined levels of sugar: 30 to 60 grams for the English style, 60 to 90 grams for the French style, and up to 200 grams for the Russian style.
YOUR CONTACTS
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LAC DU DER TOURISME OFFICE - MAISON DU LAC - 51290 GIFFAUMONT-CHAMPAUBERT - +33 3 26 72 62 80
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VITRY-LE-FRANÇOIS INFORMATION OFFICE - 8 ESPLANADE DE STRASBOURG - +33 3 26 74 45 30
WWW.LACDUDER.COM
SELECTION OF GETAWAYS
Some suggestions for tours to explore the Vityrats Hills and the surrounding area, for a short walk or a longer stay!
Collégiale Notre-Dame
The biggest classic church of the Marne (XVIIè-XIIIè centuries). This ancient memorial shelters a real museum by significant number of...
Parc du Château de Bignicourt sur Saulx
The Château de Bignicourt sur Saulx, with its neoclassical architecture, was built in the spirit of the Venetian villas by Andrea Palladio...
Église de Saint-Amand-Sur-Fion
Come and visit this 12th- and 13th-century church. Guided tours by arrangement only.
Village Musée du Der
A small village of authentic rebuilt timber-frame houses helps you explore the incredible history of the lake's creation and the three...
Porte du Pont de Vitry-le-François
At the time when it still stood at the entrance to Vitry-le-François, the Porte du Pont saw all the European aristocracy file by: Stanslas...
