Attractions and Places To See around Villers-Franqueux - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Villers-Franqueux include its rural landscapes and proximity to the Champagne Tourist Route. This village, nestled in the Saint-Thierry massif, is surrounded by agricultural fields, vineyards, and over 33 hectares of forest. It is also part of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, offering diverse natural features. The nearby city of Reims, about 8 km away, provides access to historical landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Villers-Franqueux
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Place Royale (Reims)
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Subé fountain
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Mars Gate
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Equestrian Statue of Joan of Arc
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Solidarity Fountain
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Under the central arch is a calendar depicting the activities and tasks of agriculture and viticulture: grape pressing, harvesting, etc. A calendar can be seen here through the carved reliefs. Under the eastern arch, we can see a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. According to legend, it was Remus who founded Reims. Finally, under the western arch, we can see Leda being seduced by Jupiter.
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This ancient monument is one of the longest in the Roman world: it is approximately 32 meters long and 12 meters high! The Mars Gate was built towards the end of the 2nd century and is the only one of the four monumental arches providing access to the city of Durocortorum that has survived. It consists of three arcades. The central arch carried the city's major north-south axis, intended for the passage of carriages. The two side arcades were used by pedestrians.
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Place Drouet d'Erlon, with its two fountains, is a vibrant and integral part of the city's social and cultural fabric. It serves as a central meeting place for residents and visitors and offers a lively mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
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The monument survived destruction because it was walled up inside the Archbishop's castle in the 13th century, which inadvertently preserved it for future generations.
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The Porte de Mars is a 3rd-century Roman monument in Reims, France, representing the widest arch in the entire Roman world at 33 meters long and 13 meters high. Originally built as one of four monumental arches at the cardinal entrances to ancient Durocortorum, it's the only surviving example of these grand structures. The arch features three decorated archways with intricate relief carvings, including scenes of Romulus and Remus with the she-wolf, agricultural calendars showing Gallic harvesters, and mythological figures like Leda and Zeus.
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The square sits on the site of the ancient Roman forum of Durocorturum and follows the original Roman street layout with the main axes (Cardo and Decumanus). The architect Jean-Gabriel Legendre was married to the sister of Sophie Volland, who was the famous correspondent of philosopher Denis Diderot.
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a historic square in central Reims that was built in the 18th century after demolishing a maze of narrow medieval streets that were so cramped that Queen Marie Leszczyńska couldn't pass through with her carriage. The square was designed by architect Jean-Gabriel Legendre and features orderly architecture typical of royal squares, with a central monument that originally honored Louis XV but was replaced after the French Revolution. Construction began in 1758 and cost 620k livres, significantly more than originally budgeted, and the square remained incomplete until 1910.
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From its inauguration, residents criticized the fountain's weak water flow of only 12 liters per second, and the nude naiads representing the rivers caused public controversy. During World War II, German occupiers removed the bronze statue, but remarkably the fountain remained intact despite 60% of Reims being destroyed during the war.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Villers-Franqueux?
Villers-Franqueux is nestled in the Saint-Thierry massif and is part of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park. This area is characterized by a blend of forests, hillsides, valleys, and waterways, offering diverse flora and fauna. You'll find agricultural fields, vineyards, and over 33 hectares of forest primarily to the south and west of the village, providing serene countryside for exploration.
Are there opportunities for hiking or walking near Villers-Franqueux?
Yes, the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, which encompasses Villers-Franqueux, offers various opportunities for walks and hikes. The surrounding forests and vineyards provide a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. For more structured routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Villers-Franqueux guide, which includes moderate and difficult options like the "Running loop from Villers-Franqueux".
What historical sites can I visit in and around Villers-Franqueux?
While Villers-Franqueux itself has preserved its old train station and platform, dating back to the Reims suburban railway, the nearby city of Reims (about 8 km away) offers significant historical landmarks. These include the ancient Roman monument Mars Gate, dating from after the 3rd century, and the Place Royale (Reims), an 18th-century square featuring a statue of Louis XV.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities?
Many of the attractions in Reims, such as the Subé fountain, are considered family-friendly. The natural surroundings of Villers-Franqueux, including its forests and fields, also offer pleasant environments for family walks and exploring the countryside. The Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park provides a great setting for outdoor family adventures.
What cultural experiences related to Champagne can I find?
Villers-Franqueux is located along the famous Route Touristique du Champagne, inviting visitors to explore the renowned wine region. Within the village, you can visit the tasting cellar for the "6 Coteaux" cooperative to sample local Champagne. The nearby village of Hautvillers is also known as the "Cradle of Champagne" and is home to Dom Pérignon's tomb.
What are the cycling opportunities around Villers-Franqueux?
The region around Villers-Franqueux offers various cycling routes, particularly road cycling and mountain biking, through its scenic landscapes of vineyards and forests. You can find detailed options in the Road Cycling Routes around Villers-Franqueux guide, with routes like the "Hermonville – Vineyard view loop from Chenay" being an easy option. For off-road adventures, check the MTB Trails around Villers-Franqueux guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Villers-Franqueux for outdoor activities?
The region's pleasant landscapes, vineyards, and forests are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn. This period offers ideal conditions for hiking, cycling, and exploring the Champagne Tourist Route, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Are there any notable monuments or statues in the area?
Yes, in nearby Reims, you can find several significant monuments. The Place Royale (Reims) features a bronze statue of Louis XV. Additionally, the Equestrian Statue of Joan of Arc is located on Place Cardinal Luçon in front of the cathedral, commemorating her role in French history.
What is the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park known for?
The Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, where Villers-Franqueux is situated, is known for its rich geology and diverse flora and fauna. It features a unique blend of forests, hillsides, valleys, and waterways, including "Exceptional Forests" like those in Hautvillers and Verzy. It's an ideal area for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Can I find any unique architectural sites in the vicinity?
Beyond the Roman Mars Gate, Reims also boasts the Reims Opera, a beautiful building with neoclassical exterior architecture and distinctive Art Deco interior decoration. The village of Villers-Franqueux itself retains its historical train station and platform, offering a glimpse into its past.
Are there any attractions that are wheelchair accessible?
Several key attractions in Reims are noted as wheelchair accessible. These include the Place Royale (Reims), the Mars Gate, the Subé fountain, and the Equestrian Statue of Joan of Arc. These sites offer accessible viewing points for visitors.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Villers-Franqueux?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Roman architecture of the Mars Gate and the grandeur of Place Royale are highly rated. The monumental Subé fountain is also a popular highlight, especially for its artistic details and central location in Reims. The overall charm of the rural landscapes and vineyards is also a significant draw.
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