Witry-Lès-Reims offers several distinct highlights for a stay: the Church of Saint-Symphorien in the town centre, the former fort, the cultural venue L’ESCAL and several hiking trails within the municipality. The municipal media library complements the cultural offering with events and workshops throughout the year. This allows you to place different emphasis on architectural history, culture and outdoor activities, rather than focusing on just one thing.
Fort and church: different periods in history
Fort de Witry-lès-Reims was built between 1875 and 1880 to a design by General Raymond Adolphe Séré de Rivière; it is also known as Fort de LÖWENDAL. Several rooms and tunnels recall the fort’s past. As part of the Franco-Russian military alliance, Tsar Nicholas II was invited to visit the fort. The construction dates and design describe how the fort came into being; the invitation establishes a separate connection to the history of the alliance.
The Church of Saint-Symphorien is in the centre of Witry-Lès-Reims. Built in the 12th century, it features a harmonious Romanesque ensemble and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1922. Its restoration following the First World War was completed in 1940. The two buildings date from very different periods: the church is from the 12th century, while the fort was built between 1875 and 1880. The restoration completed in 1940 marks a further phase in the church’s history. This lets you view a Romanesque ensemble and a fort from the late 19th century as distinct aspects of the town’s history.
Cultural offerings for different interests
L’ESCAL is a versatile cultural venue open to all audiences, with an auditorium seating 127. The municipal media library offers events and workshops for children and adults throughout the year. For planning purposes, these are two different formats: a cultural venue with an auditorium, and a year-round programme for both age groups. The media library explicitly names children and adults as participants; L’ESCAL is open to all audiences.
Hiking trails and natural surroundings
There are several hiking trails within Witry-Lès-Reims, including the “boucle de Witry-lès-Reims” (Witry-lès-Reims loop). The loop is therefore one example among several trails in the municipality. The municipality also forms part of the Massif forestier du Mont de Berru, a continental ZNIEFF type 2 area. The hiking trails offer specific options within the municipality; the ZNIEFF designation describes the municipality’s inclusion in the forest massif. These are two different approaches to planning: a named loop for planning a hike, and a broader connection to the natural area.
Getting there and choosing accommodation
The motorway network makes it easier to get to Witry-Lès-Reims. When looking for a hotel, you can prioritise what interests you most: architectural history around the fort and church, cultural offerings at L’ESCAL and the media library, or outdoor activity on the hiking trails.
Discover more destinations: Lavannes, Hermonville, Verzenay, Vertus, Loivre, Baslieux-Châtillon, Orconte, Chamery.
Return to the regional travel overview: Marne.
