Châtillon-sur-Marne and the famous Urbain II Statue

Welcome to my blog, I’m Sarah, a true lover of the Champagne region, and even more so of Epernay where I host lodgings with my husband Romain. But today, let’s leave Epernay to visit the Châtillon-sur-Marne village and its famous statue which draws tourists every day. 

Just 20 minutes away from Epernay, Châtillon-sur-Marne is one of the typical small wine villages of the Champagne region, near Epernay. 

Although the trip around the village is quite short, the Urbain II Statue is a must-see, and the spot deserves its place in the list of the best places to visit the Champagne region.

By the way, here’s a little anecdote. I’ve been going to Châtillon-sur-Marne every day for several years to bring my daughters to kindergarten, a public school that relies on alternative teaching methods I do find interesting, so it’s worth the 80 km round-trip. So to cheer up my trips, when I have time to do so, I go up to the Urban II Statue, the perfect place to take a solo break. I’m very fond of this moment! 

I can’t get enough of these parentheses of peace and quiet looking at the breathtaking panorama, especially when the sun rises to clear the morning fog. What if it was your turn to make beautiful memories in Champagne? 

Access the Urbain II Statue

Let’s visit a historical monuments of the Champagne region: the Urban II statue in Châtillon-sur-Marne. It was built in 1887 to pay tribute to Pope Urban II, a native of the Marne Valley who was born in Châtillon-sur-Marne, and crowned in 1088.

Standing 33 meters high with its finger raised towards the sky, some people like to call it the Statue of Liberty of the Champagne region. I don’t know for sure if it really looks like it, but what I do know is that it offers the chance to daydream looking at the sumptuous view that every visitor cherishes. 

The orientation table at the foot of the statue is great for children and adults alike as it allows you to admire the different corners of the 360° panorama in front of you. You’ll be able to see the Champagne vineyards, Mareuil-le-Port, Boursault, Oeuilly, and many more landscapes you don’t want to miss. The view is quite simply stunning! 

The luckiest ones will have the opportunity to visit the inside of the Urban II statue, but the occasions are quite rare, and only on sunny days. Make sure you call the tourist office to check the opening dates and reserve a place. It only costs €1.5 per person, so don’t miss out. 

You can also book a private visit throughout the year for a group of at least 8 people, and it will cost €2 per person. Again, more information will be delivered to you by the tourist office. 

• Address: 4 Rue de l’Église, 51700 Chatillon-sur-Marne 
• More information: +33 3.26.58.32.86 | contact@tourisme-paysages-champagne.com 

The best activities in Châtillon-sur-Marne 

Walking and hiking lovers, Chatillon-sur-Marne and its statue offer you a beautiful itinerary I highly recommend. Departure is at the pharmacy and the walk takes you through the forest, the fields and along a small stream. To top it all, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the valley. 

You should put on your hiking shoes and take a bottle of water as it is quite a climb and covers 8 km, enough to spend between 2 and 3 hours there. But  it’s really worthwhile, especially when you reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Champagne region. 

I consider it one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Marne valley, and every time I go there, I never get tired of it, it’s so wonderful.

You can take two different routes to make the trip between Epernay and Chatillon-sur-Marne, namely : 

• Take the D3 for a direct and faster route 
• Take the D1 for a more quiet itinerary and discover some Champagne villages and beautiful views (do I need to tell you this is my favorite one?)

The Chatillon-sur-Marne village is on the road between Epernay and Paris, so I recommend you to take a short break to see the statue before going to Epernay. It’s already time to do the unmissable visits in Epernay. 

Looking for a gourmet experience? Then stop in Damery to taste Maurice Choppin champagne, one of my favorites. Not only does he welcome visitors with great pleasure and in a friendly atmosphere, Benjamin Choppin also produces quite simply exceptional natural wines. 

Tastings in Châtillon-sur-Marne and the surrounding area

Châtillon-sur-Marne

To fully enjoy the wine experience in Châtillon-sur-Marne, it is recommended to book your visit and tasting with the local winemakers by calling ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the producers and taste their exceptional wines for an authentic immersion in the world of champagne.

Villages around Châtillon-sur-marne through Epernay

Damery

Champagne Prévoteau-Perrier

For a delicious sparkling experience, a mandatory stop in Damery is to taste the champagne Prévoteau Perrier, one of my favorites. In addition to welcoming visitors with great pleasure and in a friendly atmosphere, the Prévoteau-Perrier family offers a very nice range of champagne at reasonable prices.

Champagne Blaise Lourdez – The Jardin d’Isabelle

I can only recommend discovering the Jardin d’Isabelle, a true summer gem. As the owner of Champagne Blaise Lourdez, Isabelle welcomes you with contagious enthusiasm from Thursday to Sunday from approximately 11am to 5pm.

This place is simply perfect for an unforgettable champagne tasting.

When I visited the Jardin d’Isabelle, I was amazed by the lively and warm atmosphere. Isabelle puts her heart into her welcome, with incredible energy that adds a unique dimension to this experience.

The prices are affordable, with only 5 euros per glass and 28 euros per bottle on site. You can even bring your own picnic and reserve a small area to share a friendly moment with family or friends.

The garden offers access to the greenway, just after Damery, at the exit of the village, making it an ideal place to relax while enjoying the delicious champagnes of Blaise Lourdez. I highly recommend booking a visit on a sunny day to fully enjoy this memorable experience.

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Well, I think it’s quite clear, Chatillon-sur-Marne and the statue Urbain II are part of the visits to do around Epernay, so I cannot but recommend you to take a tour there. There are many viewpoints in the region, but this one has a very particular charm you’ll love for sure. 

If you decide to visit the Champagne region in autumn, then it is another reason to come and see this panorama that is even more stunning when the Champagne vineyard puts on its warm autumn coat. Of course, it is also a great experience to enjoy the view during sunsets in summer. 

Once you’ve explored the charms of Châtillon-sur-Marne, don’t stop there! I highly recommend continuing your journey to the neighboring villages of Hautvillers and Ay-Champagne, which are also known for their champagne production. You will be enchanted by the beauty of these places and the richness of their vineyards.

If you’d like to discover more charming villages in the surrounding area, I’ve rounded up my favorites in this article about the most beautiful villages around Épernay.

To top it all, I suggest to those who spend the night in Epernay to take a seat at a terrace of the Avenue de Champagne and taste a good glass of champagne. Yes, I know… bubbles have my heart! 

>>> Last but not least, feel free to join our Facebook group Visit Champagne Region where you’ll find all the good tips in Epernay, Reims and the whole Champagne region. <<<

I hope to see you soon at the foot of the Urbain II statue!