Visitors to Verzy will find a clear focal point in the Faux de Verzy: a forest with nearly 800 Faux borders the village, and La balade des Faux runs through the Réserve biologique dirigée. The 3-kilometre circular trail offers the chance to admire around fifty contorted beeches. Other highlights include the Observatoire du Mont Sinaï and a chapel dedicated to Saint Basle. The forest, distinctive tree forms, and named natural and cultural sites provide different points of reference for planning your trip.
The Faux de Verzy and their distinctive growth form
The figure of nearly 800 Faux refers to the forest bordering Verzy. The Réserve biologique dirigée des Faux de Verzy includes more than 90 percent of the massif’s Faux. These figures therefore describe, on the one hand, the trees in the forest by the village and, on the other, the share of the massif’s Faux within the reserve. The reserve was expanded in 2021 and is entirely covered by a type 1 ZNIEFF.
A Fau de Verzy is a contorted beech, botanically known as Fagus sylvatica var. tortuosa. Twisted oaks or chestnuts are sometimes also referred to by this name. The unusual form is thought to result from a natural genetic mutation. Those interested in trees will find not only a forest with a large number of Faux, but also a distinctive growth form whose origins are explained with due caution.
La balade des Faux and other hiking routes
La balade des Faux runs through the Réserve biologique dirigée and allows walkers to admire around fifty contorted beeches. As a 3-kilometre circular trail, it offers a specific way to see the trees along a clearly defined route. The path is accessible to families with pushchairs and to people with reduced mobility.
If you are considering other local hiking routes, PR 63 Entre vignes et Faux is another option. It is listed as one of the local hiking routes. So choose according to the specific circular route you wish to take, rather than planning to do both routes as one continuous hike.
The Observatoire du Mont Sinaï
The Observatoire du Mont Sinaï is another notable destination: at 286 metres, it is the highest point in the Marne département. The observatory is also classified as a historic monument. This gives the site a specific elevation and recognised historic status, making it a different kind of highlight from a walk through the reserve.
The Observatoire du Mont Sinaï can be reached from its car park. If you plan to use this starting point, check the current parking arrangements before setting out. This keeps your plans tied to the named starting point without assuming a specific visit duration or any additional facilities.
Getting there and discovering more
The Faux de Verzy site is signposted from the D944, the road connecting Reims with Châlons-en-Champagne. A chapel dedicated to Saint Basle contains the saint’s relics, adding a distinct cultural connection to the natural attractions. In choosing what to see, the Faux and the trail represent the woodland landscape, the observatory its elevation and historic status, and the chapel its dedication and relics.
Discover more destinations: Vauclerc, Courtisols, Mareuil-Sur-Ay, Arcis-le-Ponsart, Caurel, Hermonville, Blaise-sous-Arzillières, Romery.
For the main travel guide: Marne.
