Tourism

Reims : the city of coronations and champagne

Reims, where the kings of France were crowned, and home to champagne, is only 26 kms from Concevreux.

The city owes its fame to the Gothic Cathedral where the coronations took place, and of course to the famous wine of Champagne. The Cathedral, the Palais du Tau and Saint Rémi basilica are all UNESCO World Heritage sites, as are the cellars of six of the large champagne houses.

You can visit Reims according to your desires : a cultural visit with an official guide or a greeter ; tour the cellar of one of the famous champagne houses ; go on an excursion in the vineyards in the company of passionate professionals ; discover champagne expertise with local winemakers ; dine in one of the city’s authentic restaurants – there’s so much to explore.

The tourist route of champagne

The route is fully signposted and winds among the vineyards that cling to the slopes among typical villages, castles and churches.

Drop in on the winemakers in their cellars, and share their enthusiasm for their craft.

The Chemin des Dames

The Chemin des Dames is part of the local D18 road in the Aisne département. When Madame de Narbonne was to receive the visit of Louis XV’s daughters at her Château de Boves, she wished to have the road resurfaced in order to improve access, hence the name « Chemin de Dames ».

But the name owes its tragic reputation to a quite different event. In spring 1917 General Nivelle conceived and oversaw a disastrous operation which has remained engraved in the collective memory for all time. An obstinate man, he opted for a brutal offensive strategy, aiming to pierce through the German front, and thus make lightning progress. The attack failed, the German front being hardly affected. For several months, the German and French armies fought over the plateau. The death toll was huge : the French took over 200,000 casualties and the Germans no doubt nearly as many. The high French casualty number led to mutinites in several divisions. The famous « song of Craonne » sung by the mutineers is a lasting testament to the butchery.

Link : the song of Craonne.

On the Chemin des Dames road you can explore various historic sites, in particular the « Dragon’s Lair » (Caverne du Dragon).

The Dragon’s Lair – so-called by the Germans because the flames and sparks, (caused by the machine gun fire) emerging from it reminded them of a dragon (Drachenhöhle in German) – was originally an underground quarry in which the forces took shelter. A visitors’ centre is now located at the site.

https://www.chemindesdames.fr/fr/le-musee/decouvrir-le-centre-daccueil-du-visiteur

To locate war cemeteries and memorials: http://fismes.reims-tourisme.com/decouvrir/lieux-de-memoire/laisne/

Educational farm in Concevreux

Opposite our house Chantal and Alain Hautus welcome you in their educational farm and garden. You can admire and stroke the farm animals, and also purchase their farm products.

The medieval city of Laon : an outstanding heritage site

35 kms from Concevreux, the medieval city of Laon stands on a hill and is also known as the « crowned mountain » (la Montagne couronnée). Notre Dame Cathedral, an architectural gem, can be seen from a distance of several kilometres. A visit will enable you to discover its six centuries of history.

Axo-plage : a day at the beach

Axo-plage is a leisure centre open all summer. All the fun of the beach with many activities for all.

A Day at Center Parcs « Domaine de l’Ailette »

The Domaine de l’Ailette is 20 kms from Concevreux and open on a daily basis for 29€ (from age 13) and 21€ (3-12).
Relax on the beach beside the 140 hectare lake, enjoy the Aqua Mundo, heated to 29° all year round, with 13 chutes, 4 of which in the Water Tree.
Lots more activities are available : for children a ride on a mini-quad or a pony. There’s something for everyone : the adventure trail with its zipline, boat rides, etc.

LES GOLFS

The bluegreen Ailette golf course

20 km from Concevreux

Designed by Michel GAYON, this is a very varied course with beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside, especially an unobstructed view of the whole lake. It’s a technical course for those who enjoy a challenge on sloping ground.

Menneville Golf Course

22 km from Concevreux

This 9-hole course covering 20 hectares is known for its technical nature, being very varied and narrow. Strategically sited water hazards and bunkers make it a challenge for even the most hardened golfers.