Circular route from Jonchey-sur-Vesle via Vandeuil, Branscourt and Hourges

Parking in front of the hotel-restaurant “L’Auberg’inn” on the main street in Jonchery/Vesle (near the post office).

Yellow markings will appear sporadically but do not need to be followed from start to finish.

(S/E) Take the main street eastwards (towards Reims) for 50 metres, then turn right onto Rue Prioux. Follow it to a T-junction.

(1) Turn left onto Avenue Saguet, then go through the tunnel and continue along the tarmac road

(2) Take the path on the right towards Vandeuil. When you reach the road, turn left onto it and cross through Vandeuil, keeping to the left at the junction in the village centre. At the last houses, veer slightly to the left, then continue along this roughly tarmac-surfaced track.

(3) Just after the pond, turn right, then leave the castle on your right and follow the path which climbs towards the forest. When the forest thins out, head left (north-east). Stay on this main path until you reach the road.

(4) Take the road to the right (south-west) and follow it for about 300 m, then turn left onto the vineyard path that descends towards Branscourt, which you can see below. Walk through Branscourt along the main street.

(5) Shortly after the War Memorial, turn right and head uphill along Rue de la Montagne. A picnic table at the entrance to the woods awaits you. Follow this path to the top.

(6) At the crossroads where four paths meet, take the one furthest to the right. When you reach the road, cross it and take the path almost directly opposite. Follow this path, ignoring the various paths to the right or left.

(7) Cross the road and take the path directly opposite.

(8) Turn right, heading due north, onto the path that descends towards Hourges. At the Y-junction, turn right to just ‘skirt’ Hourges.
At this point, the signpost points to Jonchery on the left; do not follow it, but take Rue de Jonchery.

(9) Once past the last houses, turn right onto the grassy track (barely visible) that climbs towards the woods, then stay on this track, ignoring all the paths (some of which are signposted) branching off to the right or left.

(10) Turn left onto the stony track which descends in a long straight line; at the bottom, turn right and follow the N31, keeping it on your left.

(11) Be careful not to take a wrong turn. At this point, head in the opposite direction to the bridge to keep the road on your left.

(12) When you see the road sign for Reims, cross the road, then take the path that runs along the right-hand side of the slip road onto the N31 towards Reims. This path may be difficult to see, depending on how well it is maintained. When you reach the road, turn left to go back through the tunnel.

(1) Before the recycling centre, turn right to rejoin Rue Prioux, then left onto the main road to return to the starting point (S/E).

Do not undertake this walk in very hot weather, as there is very little shade.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring walking poles, as there are some stony paths.
The Visorando app or a GPS will be useful in addition to the map.
Bakery and restaurant near the start/finish point. Supermarket with petrol station if required.
Picnic table on the outskirts of Branscourt.

Domaine d’Irval. Views of the higher ground.
Independent winegrowers.