Chenay – Vineyards, Trails and History

Chenay lies on the slope of the Massif de Saint-Thierry, with the Champagne vineyards in the background. The landscape and local history offer two perspectives on the commune: from footpaths through varied scenery to the church, memorial sites and marshlands. The places and topics below provide concrete starting points for choosing the focus of a stay in Chenay.

Landscape and Footpaths

From the heights near the Croix de la Résistance, you can enjoy a green panorama shaped by vineyards. It adds a direct view of the landscape to the impression of the hillside setting: Chenay lies on the slope, while the heights open up views across the vineyards. The character of the landscape can thus be seen both in the village’s surroundings and from a viewpoint.

The many footpaths near Chenay pass ponds and wind through woods, fields and vineyards. This network of paths complements the views from above with other landscape features you can experience while walking. For orientation, a hiking car park is located 900 metres from Place Boisseau, on the road towards Trigny. As parking arrangements may change, it is best to check the parking situation before your visit.

Marshland and Access

Located between Chenay and Trigny, the Marais du Vivier is part of the Natura 2000 site “Marais et pelouses du Tertiaire au Nord de Reims.” The Marais de Chenay is an alkaline fen. Both names are therefore among the landscape features that define the area around Chenay.

From the village, you can reach the Marais de Chenay via the D26 towards Trigny. A designated car park provides access to an authorised footpath. As access conditions and parking arrangements may change, check the conditions before your visit.

Church and Local History

The Church of Saint-Nicolas is distinguished by the slender spire of its bell tower and a west façade with Italian influences. Its history dates back to an earlier chapel from the 7th century: the church took its place in the 12th century. It was badly damaged during the bombings of the First World War.

The Chemin de la Mémoire is a historical walking route about Chenay’s history during the First World War. It runs along the commune’s streets and paths. Information panels along the route illustrate life in Chenay during the four years of the war. The route thus brings together the history of the village and a portrayal of life at the time.

The Croix de la Résistance was inaugurated in 1946 in memory of Chenay’s resistance fighters and the combatants of 1939–1945. The Monument aux Morts was created in 1930 by the Reims sculptor Edouard Sediez. The dates refer to different events: 1946 is the year the Croix was inaugurated, and 1930 the year the monument was created.

The Saint-Fiacre washhouse is also part of the village’s history. It is one of the commune’s three historic washhouses. The history and development of Chenay’s fountains and washhouses are also presented. This individual washhouse thus sits alongside a broader look at the village’s water sources and their development.

Discover more destinations: Sillery, Mareuil-Sur-Ay, Isles-Sur-Suippe, Avize, Beaumont-Sur-Vesle, Orconte, Hermonville, Vert-Toulon.

For the broader travel overview: Marne.