Circular route between Vesle and Ardre starting from Hourges

(S/E) From the church car park, turn your back on the church and take Rue Drouot, then turn right onto Rue Lava. Continue along the path that leads uphill.

(1) At the top, turn right and follow the yellow markings straight on. Pass under a power line and cross two roads.

(2) Leave the marked path by turning left, then right onto the path leading down towards the woods, with bramble-covered ground on your left.

(3) When you reach the bottom of the path, turn left.
''A detour to the right offers a shortcut to the edge of the woods.

(4) Turn right onto the sloping path, then take the steep climb straight ahead to reach the Bois de Barbette, which you will go round on the left.

(5) Keep the woodland on your right as you take the grassy path to the right.

(6) Leave the edge of the woodland by taking the gently sloping path heading due north on the left. Cross the road, pass under the high-voltage power line, then continue to a junction of paths.

(7) Turn right down the slope towards Unchair, then left onto the second marked path, indicated by a wooden post. Walk through Unchair.

(8) At the town hall square, turn right at the Stop sign onto Rue du Pontce, then left onto Chemin de Reims. You will leave the signposted route and exit Unchair

(9) After the copse opposite ‘la Maison Rouge’, turn right onto the path leading uphill. At the Y-junction, turn left towards the woods. The signposting resumes.

(10) Continue straight on along the D328 to return to the car park at Hourges church (S/E).

There is virtually no shade. It is best to avoid hiking in very hot weather; higher points can also be very exposed to the wind.
The paths, which are sometimes stony, can be slippery. As always, walking sticks and sturdy footwear are recommended. And, of course, a GPS or the Visorando app for those who, like me, find map-reading difficult.

Two or three independent winegrowers offer their wines.