The “Le Parc au fil de l’eau” discovery trail, Saint-Martin Church and two Champagne producers give Reuil three distinct points of interest: a cycling route with information panels, local history and winegrowing. You can tailor your stay to your interests by choosing which of these themes to focus on. A particularly concrete comparison is between Champagne Hucbourg-Bertrand and Champagne Alliot-Vincent: both work with Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but use the varieties differently.

Cycling route with information panels

The “Le Parc au fil de l’eau” discovery trail runs along the cycling route in the Marne Valley between Tours-sur-Marne and Reuil. Reuil is therefore one of the two named endpoints; the trail has 31 information panels. Its route and panels give this point of interest a concrete framework. This makes it possible to consider the route as a distinct Reuil theme, separate from the history of a building or the grape-variety profiles of the Champagne producers.

Church and local history

Saint-Martin Church was partially destroyed during the First World War, then restored and listed as a historic monument. The sequence of wartime damage and restoration makes Saint-Martin a specific point of cultural and historical interest in Reuil.

Champagne: history, varieties and visits

The Bertrand family from Reuil was among the first families to press grapes for major Champagne houses in the 1900s. Fanny and Bertrand, the founders of the Champagne Hucbourg-Bertrand brand, began this venture in 1999. This means the Champagne connection can be explored through more than grape varieties and vineyards: the family history points to pressing grapes for major houses, while 1999 marks the beginning of the venture by the brand’s founders.

Champagne Hucbourg-Bertrand works mainly with Pinot Meunier and also uses Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in its cuvées. Champagne Alliot-Vincent grows Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These offer different perspectives on the producers: for Hucbourg-Bertrand, the focus is on its main variety and the use of other varieties in cuvées; for Alliot-Vincent, it is on the mix of grape varieties grown. When comparing the producers, therefore, pay attention to whether a detail refers to use in cuvées or to cultivation.

For Champagne Alliot-Vincent, vineyard conditions are also part of the description. According to the producer, sunlight and clay-limestone soils promote grape ripening. This adds a second aspect of winegrowing to the description of the grape varieties: the interplay of soil, sunshine and grape ripening.

Champagne Hucbourg-Bertrand’s range also includes vintage Champagne from good vintages. Availability may vary. If you are looking for a particular bottle, it is best to check with the producer in advance.

Champagne Alliot-Vincent welcomes visitors to its winery in Reuil; visits are by appointment. Arrange an appointment before travelling. Champagne Hucbourg-Bertrand shares its Champagnes with visitors; visits are by reservation. Plan the visits separately: an appointment is required for Alliot-Vincent, while a reservation is required for Hucbourg-Bertrand.

Discover more destinations: Mailly-Champagne, La Chaussée-Sur-Marne, Saint-Remy-En-Bouzemont-Saint-Genest-Et-Isson, Fontaine-En-Dormois, Autigny-Le-Grand, Prunay, Sézanne, Mondement-Montgivroux

For the regional travel overview: Marne.