Yes, there really is a lighthouse in the middle of the vines! The top of the 25m high lighthouse offers a spectacular 360° view of the vineyards. However, Verzenay Lighthouse is also an impressive museum where visitors can discover all the secrets of Champagne using a fun yet educational audio guide.
In 1909, Joseph Goulet commissioned the building of a lighthouse in Verzenay on the summit of Mont Rizan, set “amidst” the vines to promote his Champagne House. Located 10km from Reims, the lighthouse quickly became a popular place to meet, and boasted a bar and restaurant. Sadly, World War 1 put an end to this success story and the lighthouse went dark for many years.
Ownership of the lighthouse changed hands several times; the Heidsieck Champagne House sold it to Mumm, after which the building was acquired by the local council in the 1980s. It was renovated in the late 1990s by the Vesle Montagne de Reims federation of district councils, with the lighthouse included in its cultural and tourism development project. Boasting a circular visitor reception building, the lighthouse became a museum featuring a comprehensive collection dedicated to the vineyards and the grape varieties of the Champagne region, showcased using cutting-edge audiovisual and display techniques (videos, slide shows, interactive displays, models etc.).
After visiting the museum, why not climb the 101 steps leading to the top of the lighthouse, 25m above ground, where a specially designed viewpoint offers a breathtaking 360° view.
Round off your visit by heading to the tasting area to try out wines, in moderation of course, produced by some 15 local winemakers, who offer their full range of vintages. In fine weather, enjoy a glass of wine in the lighthouse's panoramic garden, with its pleasant seaside vibe in the midst of a sea of vines.
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Phare de Verzenay, rue du Phare – 51360 Verzenay
www.reims-tourisme.com/phare-de-verzenay
