The Autour de Montgenost circular route offers a time-defined introduction to the landscape, while the church of Saint-Rémy-Saint-Hillaire provides a different perspective on local history. Viticulture also shapes Montgenost’s regional identity.

Viticulture and Landscape

Montgenost is one of the communes included in the ZNIEFF Forêt domaniale de la Traconne, forêts communales et bois voisins à l'ouest de Sézanne. The national inventory record is dated 11 June 2024. Montgenost is also considered a particularly limestone-rich area of the Coteaux du Sézannais. The village’s continued existence is attributed to the ongoing cultivation of vines. The connection with wine is also evident in the landscape along the walk: the Autour de Montgenost circular route passes through vineyard slopes and fields. The long ZNIEFF name refers to the Traconne state forest, communal forests and neighboring woodlands west of Sézanne. By contrast, the limestone classification of the Coteaux du Sézannais describes the soil and thus adds to the picture of local viticulture.

One specific point of interest on the Route touristique du Champagne is Champagne Benoit Cocteaux in Montgenost, which lies along the tourist route. If you would like to include the wine cellar in your plans, check visiting arrangements before you travel.

Two Routes, Two Ways to Explore

The Autour de Montgenost circular route is about 2.5 kilometers long and takes an average of 30 minutes. These details give you a clear timeframe for a walk. The route also mentions a château, built in 1660 by Pierre Legras de Vaubercey. This connects the landscape with a specific date in the village’s architectural history.

The Bethon loop passes the church and former château in Montgenost, then continues to the forest and a pond. It follows a path from the Nuisement farm to Montgenost. The two routes offer different points of orientation: Autour de Montgenost is specified by its length and average duration, while the Bethon loop is characterized by landmarks in the village and landscape. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.

History in the Church

A tomb in the church of Saint-Rémy-Saint-Hillaire is associated with a musketeer of Louis XVI, born in Montgenost, who boarded the Hermione in 1780. The story of the tomb connects the village with a specific person and a precisely identified year in history.

The church’s furnishings also reflect local history. In 1880, Charles III made donations to the church. The Grimaldi and Le Gras de Vaubercey families contributed to the design of the church windows and the acquisition of wooden altars. While the tomb recalls an individual’s life, the windows and altars point to contributions to the design of the church interior.

Discover more destinations: Brouillet, Warmeriville, Braux-Saint-Remy, Hauteville, Le Breuil, Chantemerle, Lisse-En-Champagne, Gravelines

For the regional travel overview: Marne.