The oppidum of "Vieux Reims" between Condé-sur-Suippe and Variscourt

Free parking in front of the town hall in Condé-sur-Suippe.

(S/E) Opposite the town hall, turn right into Rue de la Suippe. Ignore Rue de Sapigneul on your left and continue for 250 m until you reach the church. Turn left, then immediately right into Rue de l'Écluse. At the end of the street, after about 150 metres, climb a few steps, then go down the embankment that leads to the old towpath of the Canal Latéral à l'Aisne (be careful, the embankment is steep and slippery).

(1) Turn right and follow the path to the lock.

(2) Turn left and cross the canal. Once you have crossed the bridge, turn right onto the old towpath, cross the Suippe and continue along the same path for a little over three kilometres before reaching a second structure that allows you to cross the canal.

(3) Cross the canal. Immediately after the bridge, take the rural path on the right, cross a picnic area and continue for 250 metres until you reach the next intersection.

(4) Turn left onto a rural path and continue until you reach a T-junction.

(5) Take the right fork, then immediately turn left onto Rue du Mur de Rome, which is opposite a playground. Continue until you reach Rue de Condé.

(6) Turn left and, after about 250 m, turn slightly right onto Rue de l'École (signposted). Continue straight on to Place de la Mairie.

(7) Turn left to pass between the town hall and the church. Continue straight ahead to Chemin Rural du Mont Larry.

(8) Turn right and follow it to an intersection.

(9) Turn left onto Chemin Rural du Parquier. After turning 90° and passing an outdoor chicken farm on your right, you will reach another T-junction.

(10) Turn left onto Chemin Rural du Champ Bitarde and follow it to the first intersection. Turn right onto Chemin Rural de la Vigne, which runs alongside a hedge of shrubs on the left. Continue for about one kilometre until you reach a crossroads.

(11) Turn right onto Chemin Rural d'Aguilcourt à Bertricourt, which runs alongside a wood on your left. Continue for one kilometre until you reach Chemin Rural de Variscourt à Aguilcourt, near a level crossing. Turn left, cross the level crossing and after about 50 metres you will reach a crossroads.

(12) Turn right onto Chemin Rural des Éluzelles, which runs alongside the railway line. Continue for just over a kilometre until you reach a tarmac road (D623).

(13) Turn left and follow the left-hand side of this road for about one kilometre (see Practical Information) - Caution: straight road with light but fast traffic - After ignoring the first path on the left, you will reach an intersection of two tarmac roads (D62 and D623).

(14) Cross the D62 with caution and turn left onto a paved pavement, cross the Suippe river and return to the car park (S/E).

A very pleasant picnic area (boules, numerous tables) a few dozen metres after (3)

350 m after (13) and up to (14), you can take a disused railway line on the right-hand side of the road, which keeps you away from traffic.

The oppidum of "Vieux Reims" - The oppidum of "Vieux Reims" does not have a specific site to visit, as it is a vast Gallic stronghold covering more than 200 hectares, located on the lower terrace of the Aisne valley, at its confluence with the Suippe. It is one of the most important Gallic settlements known in Europe.

The most recent excavations date back to 2012: 2012 excavations.

The Sainte-Geneviève Fountain: in the hollow of the Suippe valley, the Sainte-Geneviève fountain oratory was known for its healing properties. Renovated by the local association for the preservation of rural heritage, Variscourt/Bertricout. To get there: from (11), turn left and drive 600 m along the edge of the woods.