Photography, horse racing, glassmaking and brewing, and a walk to remarkable trees give a visit to Montier-en-Der several different themes. The ways to visit also vary: the festival takes place during a set period, races are held at the Hippodrome every year, and the abbey church can be explored independently. When planning, you can therefore start by choosing based on your interests and dates.

Photography festival in November

The Festival Photo Montier is an international wildlife and nature photography festival. In 2026, it will take place in Montier-en-Der from November 19 to 22. If photography or nature observation is the reason for your trip, these specific festival dates provide a clear timeframe. The festival and the nature walk in the Forêt du Der have different focuses: wildlife and nature photography on the one hand, and a route to named trees on the other.

Horse racing and the Haras

The Hippodrome de la Crouée was established in Montier-en-Der in 1849. Every year, the track hosts a leg of the Trophée Vert racing series. The racing association at the Hippodrome de Montier-en-Der also organizes five summer race meetings each year. The annual program and specific dates may change. The racecourse thus brings together a historic founding date and a recurring event; if you want to attend a race, the date is what matters.

The grounds of the Haras de Montier-en-Der offer a different way to explore the area’s equestrian heritage. They feature 19th-century architecture, large courtyards and stables. The former Haras National has been modernized as a tourist center. While the Hippodrome is chiefly defined by its founding year and race dates, the Haras is notable for its grounds and architectural features.

Glass, beer and the abbey church

During opening hours, visitors to La Verrerie du Der can watch molten glass being worked; the workshop is open to the public free of charge. The Verrerie also offers introductory sessions for visitors aged seven and up. The Brasserie artisanale du Der has a different craft focus: its guided tour covers the brewing process and the history of beer. These offer different ways to gain insight—watching glass being worked, or taking a tour that brings together brewing and beer history.

The Abbatiale Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul can be visited independently throughout the year; its opening arrangements may change. This is a different way to visit from a guided tour of the brasserie or an introductory session at the Verrerie. If you are comparing guided and unguided options, the abbey church offers another opportunity for an independent visit.

Walk to remarkable trees

The nature walk to remarkable trees in the Forêt du Der starts in Montier-en-Der and leads to the Chêne d’Apostole, the chêne de Mertrud and the Gros Chêne. These three named tree destinations give the walk a specific focus, while the Forêt du Der provides the natural setting. Dates and booking conditions may vary. This offers two different ways to explore a nature theme: through the photography festival on set dates in November, or by walking to specific trees on dates that may vary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pisseloup, Daillancourt, Villiers-Sur-Suize, Vignes-La-Côté, Saint-Dizier, Semoutiers-Montsaon, Bourg, Villars-Santenoge

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Marne.