Val-de-Vesle: Natural Environment and Village History

Val-de-Vesle combines a protected wetland with churches, a mausoleum and seasonal leisure activities. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between these different themes: the Marais de Courmelois represents the landscape, the churches and mausoleum tell the story of the area’s architecture, and the Zig Zag Parc offers its own selection of activities. This can help you decide which aspects of the village suit your stay.

Marshland at the Marais de Courmelois

The Marais de Courmelois is a protected marsh and wetland covering 28.48 hectares and forms part of the Natura 2000 site “Marais de la Vesle en amont de Reims”. A mosaic of different habitats provides favourable conditions for the flora and fauna of peatland wetlands. Its focus is therefore a natural habitat, rather than a single building or leisure attraction. No discovery trail is designated for the Marais. Check local access arrangements before visiting.

Notable trees in the village

Individual trees are also among Val-de-Vesle’s named features. The horse chestnut was planted in 1848 and received the “Arbre Remarquable de France” designation in 2019. The tree thus brings together two distinct points in time: its planting in the 19th century and its later designation. A bald cypress recalls another chapter in the village’s history. The municipality planted it to mark the 50th anniversary of Val-de-Vesle; it is known as the “Arbre du Cinquantenaire”.

Churches and their history

At the Église Saint-Maur de Courmelois, the crossing and the square tower above it are recorded as Romanesque features dating from the 12th century. These visible elements are central to understanding the building’s history. The church in Wez has a different emphasis: it is dedicated to both Notre Dame and Saint-Éloi and became the place of worship for the new municipality of Val-de-Vesle. Its history also includes a major setback and reconstruction. The church was completely destroyed in 1918; reconstruction followed a decision by the municipal council dated 6 January 1928. Together, the two churches bring different aspects of the local heritage to life: Romanesque features in one, and a dedication and reconstruction history in the other.

The Mausolée Alexandre de Bary

The Mausolée Alexandre de Bary was built in 1903 in the castle park in memory of Alexandre de Bary. Its notable architectural features include a dome 12 metres wide and a front opening 8.5 metres wide. The two measurements describe different parts of the structure and give a concrete sense of its scale without implying that the dome and opening are the same size. The mausoleum was restored in 2019. Those interested in local history will find another named landmark here, alongside the churches, with its own construction and restoration history.

Activities at the Zig Zag Parc

The eight-hectare Zig Zag Parc is located on the riverbank in Val-de-Vesle. Its listed attractions include corn mazes, play trails through the wheat and flower picking. There is also a 200-metre-long zip line, a pedal-kart track, inflatables, archery, wooden games and other outdoor games. This leisure offering, with its range of activities, complements the village’s natural and historical attractions. The park operates seasonally, and its offerings may vary. Check visiting dates for your travel period in advance.

Travel planning and getting around

Val-de-Vesle station is on the edge of the village at 15 Rue de la Libération. If you plan to arrive by train, check connections before your trip. When choosing where to stay, you can also consider whether you want to focus mainly on the protected marshland, the churches and mausoleum, or the seasonal activities at the Zig Zag Parc. These themes offer different points of focus; check access to the Marais and the leisure park’s visiting dates according to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Monthelon, Mareuil-Sur-Ay, Bignicourt-sur-Marne, Jâlons, Taissy, Rosnay, Bignicourt-sur-Saulx, Hauteville.

See the regional travel overview: Marne.