Saint-Germain-la-Ville circular walk

The circular walk follows, on the one hand, the towpath of the Marne side canal, and on the other, the^GR®654.
You can park opposite the village exit sign on the D280 road towards Mairy-sur-Marne. There is space here for two or three cars.

(S/E) Head towards Châlons-en-Champagne along the towpath and follow the Marne side canal on your right.

(1) Pass the first bridge and continue along the towpath towards Châlons.

(2) At the second bridge, turn left and leave the towpath. Turn right and you’ll immediately come to a junction with three^{GR® trails} running alongside each other.

(3) Turn left here and follow the^GR® trails alongside a pond on your right.

(4) Turn left to follow the Marne on your right. The route continues through a succession of fields and woods, and the^GR® trails move away from the river before returning to it.

(5) Leave the banks of the Marne via the small road on the left.

(6) Take the first path on the right.

(7) Near some ponds, turn left. Join a path running parallel to the towpath and turn right. Follow this parallel path until you reach the D280 road.

(8) Then turn left towards Saint-Germain-la-Ville and you’ll immediately come back to the car park (S/E).

- Park on the grass at the village exit heading towards Mairy-sur-Marne on the D280.
- Around mid-August, take a small bag to put the blackberries you’ll be picking along the way into.
- Take a pair of binoculars to spot the many herons that have made their home in the Pré Saint-Mange.

- Pick blackberries when they’re in season.
- Watch the herons.