Aÿ can be explored through several distinct themes: the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne” includes the historic vineyards of Aÿ. Other highlights include the architecture of the Église Saint Brice d’Aÿ, a biographical connection and walking routes of different lengths. As you plan, consider whether you would like to set aside more time for learning about wine, local history or a longer tour.
Vineyards and local history
The Église Saint Brice d’Aÿ is a Gothic building dating from the 15th century; its tower dates from the 16th century. The church has been protected as a historic monument since 1942. These two dates offer a nuanced perspective on the building: the church and tower represent different periods of construction. If you plan to visit the church interior, check visiting arrangements in advance, as opening rules may vary.
René Lalique is also part of the town’s history: he was born in Aÿ-Champagne on 6 April 1860. This biographical connection adds a personal link to Aÿ alongside its architectural history. Together with the World Heritage vineyards, it shows that a stay here need not focus on just one theme.
Walking routes of different lengths
The “Musardises” walk has 19 interpretive stops and gives visitors an insight into the town of Aÿ and its heritage. It offers a themed way to explore the town. As signage may be updated over time, it is a good idea to check the latest information before setting out.
The discovery walk “Si Aÿ m’était conté” is listed as 3 km, while the “Circuit au cœur de l’histoire du Vin de Champagne” is 2.8 km. The difference between these two distances is only 0.2 km; the second walk explicitly mentions the history of Champagne wine in its title. This makes it possible to distinguish between the shorter options by both length and stated theme.
At 9.5 km, the “Circuit du Cubray” is considerably longer. The estimated walking time is 3 hours; allow extra time for stops. Compared with the shorter walks, this route is more than three times as long. This is a useful distinction when deciding in advance whether a longer tour will fit into your stay. Local route details may change: check the latest route materials on site.
Learning about wine and finding accommodation
The Institut International des Vins de Champagne is based at the Villa Bissinger in the heart of Aÿ. Together with the École des vins de Champagne, it develops wine tourism. Visitors interested in wine can learn about Champagne wines in a fun and interactive way. This adds another perspective on the Champagne region to the story of its historic vineyards.
If you are looking for a hotel in Ay, your planned focus can help guide your choice: learning about wine, local history or allowing extra time for the longer Circuit du Cubray each offers a different emphasis. The named themes and route lengths provide concrete points of reference without combining the different walks into a single route.
Discover more destinations: Villiers-Aux-Corneilles, Sillery, Dommartin-Varimont, Épernay, Moiremont, Sept-Saulx, Dormans, Warmeriville
View the broader travel guide: Marne.
