La Grande Traversée
Festive hike in the heart of the Champagne vineyards
About La Grande Traversée
La Grande Traversée is a festive and friendly 20-kilometer hike through the Regional Natural Park of Montagne de Reims. Organized every year in June, this linear walk connects the wine villages of Aÿ-Champagne to Rilly-la-Montagne, passing through Champillon and Germaine, with festive stops and a grand country banquet. Free and open to all, it celebrates the UNESCO heritage of the Hillsides, Houses and Cellars of Champagne in a spirit of sharing and discovery.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach La Grande Traversée at the best price.
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An iconic crossing of the Champagne vineyards
La Grande Traversée is a sporting and friendly event organized by the Regional Natural Park of Montagne de Reims. This 20-kilometer linear hike invites walkers and trail runners to explore the emblematic landscapes of the Champagne vineyards, between vineyard slopes classified as UNESCO World Heritage and protected forests of the regional park. The event was created to celebrate the inscription of the Hillsides, Houses and Cellars of Champagne on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
A route between vines and forests
The route connects Aÿ-Champagne to Rilly-la-Montagne via Champillon and Germaine. Participants cross varied landscapes: terraced vineyards, forest paths, picturesque wine villages, and exceptional panoramas of the Marne valley. Staggered departures between 8:30 am and 11:00 am from Aÿ allow everyone to walk at their own pace, with the option of completing only part of the route.
Festive stops and country banquet
Throughout the route, festive stops punctuate the walk with entertainment, tastings, and encounters. The highlight is the grand country banquet organized in Germaine, where walkers share a friendly meal in the heart of the vineyards. The atmosphere combines sport, culture, and gastronomy in a spirit of celebration and discovery of the Champagne terroir.
A committed and accessible event
La Grande Traversée is a free event, accessible upon presentation of a roadbook. In partnership with the Marche des Réconciliations and the French Hiking Federation, the event promotes soft mobility thanks to accessibility by train from Reims and Épernay via the Ligne des Bulles TER FLUO. The 2025 edition attracted approximately 1,500 participants.
La Grande Traversée — edition 2026
New edition of La Grande Traversée planned for June 2026 in the Regional Natural Park of Montagne de Reims.
2026 Edition
La Grande Traversée is expected to return in June 2026 for a new festive edition through the Regional Natural Park of Montagne de Reims. The route and program will be announced on the event's official website.
Prices La Grande Traversée 2026
Practical information — La Grande Traversée
Access
The start is from Aÿ-Champagne, accessible by train from Reims and Épernay via the Ligne des Bulles TER FLUO. The finish is at Rilly-la-Montagne, also served by TER. Staggered departures are offered between 8:30 am and 11:00 am. The Regional Natural Park of Montagne de Reims encourages the use of public transport.
Prices
The event is completely free. Access to the trails is upon presentation of a roadbook available on the official website and at the starting point.
Practical information
Bring suitable walking shoes, water, and sun protection. It is not mandatory to complete the full 20 km. The country banquet in Germaine requires prior registration. Contact: Maison du Parc, Chemin de Nanteuil, 51480 Pourcy. Tel: 03 26 59 44 44.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach La Grande Traversée at the best price.
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Where does it take place — La Grande Traversée
Parc naturel régional de la Montagne de Reims
Départ : Aÿ-Champagne, 51160 Reims