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With natural reserves, fortified towns, and medieval monuments, the region sparkles with little-known treasures.

CHAMPAGNE ARDENNES - EN

The birthplace of Aline Charigot, wife of Pierre Auguste Renoir, Essoyes was a refuge for the famous Impressionist painter for thirty years. The Renoir cultural center explores this peaceful existence through an immersive circuit in the footsteps of the painter. After a tour of the center and its permanent exhibition, you may enter his private family home and view his workshop. Round out the visit with a stroll through the village to see the sights that inspired his art. A 45-minute walk from Hotel Mercure Troyes Centre. For more information, please consult  <https://renoir-essoyes.fr/> **©Istock by Gettyimages**

The Renoir village

A selection of pieces crafted by local artisans dazzles visitors at this boutique, which was founded by a group of some thirty craftspeople as a year-round showcase for their work. The array includes decorative objects, candles, jewelry, tableware, refinished furniture, and paintings. There is something for every taste and every budget. A 10-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Reims Parc des Expositions. For more information, please consult <https://metiersdart.grandest.fr/index.php/la-louve-remoise/point-de-vente> **©Istock by Gettyimages**

La Boutique des Métiers d'Art

“Faux de Verzy” is the name of the trees which bring this forest such a mysterious appearance. The result of a genetic curiosity, this species only grows in Europe. This forest, home to more than a thousand specimens, is unlike any other woodlands in the world. Legend has it that Joan of Arc wandered through these woods and napped in the shade of the trees. A 15-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Reims Parc des Expositions. For more information, please consult  <https://www.chalons-tourisme.com/decouvrir/chalons-grandeur-nature/les-faux-de-verzy/> **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Faux de Verzy

Designed by Eugène Freyssinet and inaugurated in 1929, Les Halles de Boulingrin are a typical example of the modern architecture of the interwar period. They were abandoned in 1988, but were brought back into use and became a listed historical monument in 2012. In addition to the covered market, the halls welcome a variety of other events, such as book fairs and flea markets. This is a great place to browse and perhaps pick up a few tasty souvenirs. A 10-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Reims Parc des Expositions. For more information, please consult  <https://marcheduboulingrin.fr/> **©Fab5669/Wikimedia Commons**

Les Halles du Boulingrin

This greenway stretches along 26 miles from the outskirts of Troyes to the great lakes of Champagne. The trip offers stopover opportunities for swimming, water sports, and treetop adventure courses.  The path poses no particular difficulty, so it is accessible to all levels. Moreover, there are two tracks: one for cyclists and the other for hikers and horseback riders. Along the way, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of the lakes in the Forêt d'Orient Natural Nature Reserve. A great way to get away from it all! A 25-minute drive from the Hotel Mercure Troyes Centre. For more information, please consult  <https://www.pnr-foret-orient.fr/activite/velovoie-des-lacs/> **©Istock by Gettyimages**

Vélovoie des Lacs

The glass artisan Elisabeth de Bourleuf creates glass jewelry, stained glass objects, and lamps, both in series and to order. Specializing in restoration, she also repairs all types of stained glass works. At her boutique, Belisama, she offers discovery workshops for beginners and more advanced students, holding full-day or half-day sessions to share various stained glass or glass painting techniques. A 15-minute walk from Hotel Mercure Troyes Centre. For more information, please consult  <https://www.belisama-atelierduverre.fr/> **©Istock by Gettyimages**

CHAMPAGNE ARDENNES - EN

Les Halles du Boulingrin

La Boutique des Métiers d'Art

Faux de Verzy

Stained and painted glass initiation

The Renoir village

Vélovoie des Lacs