Hautvillers, Damery and Cumières through the vineyards and along the banks of the Marne

This is a short hike through vineyards offering magnificent views of the Marne Valley. The return journey is along a pleasant path that runs alongside the river.

Details

99710
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.51 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 178 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 178 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 214 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 67 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The departure point is the Hautvillers picnic area behind the abbey, next to the tennis courts. There is a panoramic view of the valley.

(S/E) Take the GR®15 between the picnic area and the tennis courts towards the west. It first crosses the vineyards and passes in front of the Croix Bidet.

(1) It then goes around the Bois de Saint-Marc and leads to Damery. Be careful to take the map with you, as the markers are not easy to follow. This is a tricky spot as it is poorly marked, so make sure you don't get lost.

(2) Once in Damery, stay on the GR®15. When you reach the D22, do not cross it but turn left towards the Marne.

(3) Cross the village to the port of Damery, where you can take a break under the tall trees.

(4) Follow the Marne eastwards and walk along the canalised section.

(5) You will arrive at the village of Cumières.

(6) When you see the bridge, turn left onto Allée d'Épernay, then right for a few metres and finally left onto Rue de la Coopérative.
Pass the restaurant "Le caveau" and follow the marked path that climbs up through the vineyards.

(7) After a steep climb, you will arrive at the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 194 m - Aire de pique-nique de Hautvillers
  2. 1 : km 1.42 - alt. 205 m - La Croix Bidet
  3. 2 : km 4.5 - alt. 169 m - Signposts are not easy to spot
  4. 3 : km 6.43 - alt. 89 m - Crossroads D22
  5. 4 : km 6.91 - alt. 71 m - Damery port - Marne (la)
  6. 5 : km 9.1 - alt. 72 m - The canal
  7. 6 : km 11.29 - alt. 69 m - Cumières bridge
  8. 7 : km 11.66 - alt. 83 m - Marked trail climbing through the vineyards
  9. S/E : km 12.51 - alt. 194 m - Picnic area in Hautvillers

Notes

Picnic areas at the start and at the port of Damery.
Water point at the starting point.

The banks of the Marne have become the "Véloroute de la Vallée de la Marne" cycle route and the path has been paved. No cars, but bikes, especially at weekends. Be careful, you can't always hear them coming.

Country restaurants in Damery and Cumières, on the banks of the Marne.

Worth a visit

Visits to Champagne cellars in the three villages.
Visit the abbey in Hautvillers and the village.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 39 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
virgule
virgule

Thanks to the FFRP

Hautvillers has become a major tourist destination in Champagne. Do not attempt to park anywhere other than the designated area, as it will be impossible.

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TIQUET
TIQUET

Hello
Part of the route is on the GR 15 between Damery and Hautvillers (marked by the FFRP Marne). Please thank the FFRP for this section. The rest of the route is provided by the route manager
SI FFRP Marne manager
Bruno TIQUET

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Romain 51
Romain 51

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The circuit is now clearly marked with FFR signs.
Please note: avoid riding in direct sunlight as there is little shade.

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virgule
virgule

Thanks for the tip.

On Easter Sunday, you're bound to come across people, but it's usually quiet. Except in Hautvillers, which has recently become a tourist hotspot. I was there two days ago and there were crowds of tourists, but very few people in the vineyards and woods.
Even on weekends, you can park next to the picnic area, as it's a bit hard to find.

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Roland@
Roland@

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely mixed walk through vineyards and along the Marne. We didn't encounter any difficulties and enjoyed the views and stops along the route.

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TIQUET
TIQUET

Hello
GR 14 should be replaced with GR 15.

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Zfar
Zfar

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant route for exploring the Champagne vineyards and the banks of the Marne. No particular difficulties except perhaps the final steep and muddy climb to the finish. On Sundays, everything is closed in the villages, so make sure you stock up on supplies in advance.

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OlivierL
OlivierL

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Overall, the signposting isn't great. At the end of the section through the vineyards before arriving at Damery, the path isn't really signposted, but as you can see the village, it's impossible to get lost. The road along the Marne is pleasant and the climb up to Hautvillers at the end of the hike is a little steep, so you'll have earned a well-deserved break at the picnic area (with a fresh water fountain) in the shade of magnificent trees, admiring the view of the valley.

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Karinette51
Karinette51

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A bit slippery on the vineyard paths despite dry weather due to the stones.
Great views at different points along the route.
Walking along the greenway is pure bliss.

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chipie33290
chipie33290

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A popular route along the Marne.
A superb route, especially in autumn colours.
Thanks for sharing this route.

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Benoit W.
Benoit W.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A route with varied landscapes: vineyards at first, then along the Marne river. Perfect description and very reliable!
A walk to recommend to lovers of nature and rejuvenating landscapes.
The part of the route along the Marne is particularly beautiful.

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Planeu
Planeu

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice hike through the vineyards, beautiful village of Damery, then along the Marne riverbank (a bit long) and finally a very steep 1 km climb to get back to Hautvillers, a very beautiful village

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virgule
virgule

Hello and thank you for your review.

The car park is indeed next to the picnic area. There are also numerous spaces a little further back, along the abbey wall. Unless there is an exceptional event, there are never more than two or three cars parked there.

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tpluvina
tpluvina

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 29, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Initially, there is no longer a car park, but it is very easy to park along the picnic area
A beautiful, pleasant route that I highly recommend

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virgule
virgule

Thank you for your kind review.

The Hautvillers picnic area is a beautiful spot with a stunning view. They've just added some tables because it's become very popular. I often see people sharing a bottle of Champagne and enjoying life.

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