Val-de-Vesle offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: a protected wetland, architectural and local history, and outdoor leisure activities. When looking for a hotel in Val-de-Vesle, you can first think about which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The places and activities each have a different focus—from habitats for wetland animals and plants to active leisure opportunities.
Moorland and Nature
The Marais de Courmelois is a 28.48-hectare protected peat bog and marshland in Val-de-Vesle. It is part of the Natura 2000 site “Marais de la Vesle en amont de Reims”. Its mosaic of habitats provides favourable conditions for the flora and fauna of peatland wetlands. This nature theme therefore focuses both on its protected status and on the diversity of its habitats.
There is no designated discovery trail at the Marais de Courmelois. Check local access conditions before visiting. This lets you include the protected area in your travel plans without assuming that a specific route is available.
Churches and Local History
At the Église Saint-Maur de Courmelois, the crossing and the square tower above it are visible Romanesque features dating from the 12th century. The crossing is the area where the arms of a church intersect. The church in Wez offers a different historical perspective: it is dedicated to both Notre Dame and Saint-Éloi, was completely destroyed in 1918, and was rebuilt following a municipal council decision of 6 January 1928. It also became the place of worship for the new municipality of Val-de-Vesle. Medieval architectural features and a more recent history of destruction and reconstruction thus stand side by side.
Mausoleum and Remarkable Trees
The Mausolée Alexandre de Bary was built in 1903 in the castle park in memory of Alexandre de Bary. It has a 12-metre-wide domed cupola and a front opening 8.5 metres wide. The mausoleum was restored in 2019. Its design, dimensions and commemorative purpose give this place a different kind of historical significance from the churches of Courmelois and Wez.
Two trees also tell the story of the village. The horse chestnut in Val-de-Vesle was planted in 1848 and named an “Arbre Remarquable de France” in 2019. To mark the 50th anniversary of Val-de-Vesle, the municipality planted a bald cypress, known as the “Arbre du Cinquantenaire”. The two trees are associated with different occasions: the horse chestnut is notable for its planting year and award, while the bald cypress is linked to the municipality’s anniversary.
Leisure and Practical Planning
The eight-hectare Zig Zag Parc is located on the riverbank in Val-de-Vesle. Its attractions include corn mazes, play trails in the wheat fields and flower picking, as well as a 200-metre zip line, a pedal go-kart track, inflatables, archery, wooden games and other outdoor games. Opening and activities may vary by season.
The Marais and Zig Zag Parc therefore offer different experiences: one is a protected wetland with a mosaic of habitats, the other a leisure park with a range of outdoor activities. Seven totems were installed in Val-de-Vesle in June 2019 to enhance walks through the village. For your journey, Val-de-Vesle railway station is on the edge of the village at 15 Rue de la Libération. Check train connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Tours-Sur-Marne, Brugny-Vaudancourt, Crugny, Passavant-en-Argonne, Bussy-Le-Château, Chouilly, Vert-Toulon, Le Breuil.
For the broader travel overview: Marne.
