The best road cycling routes around Courtemont-Varennes

In a brochure entitled "A Call for Peace, Because Peace Is Possible," Father Klaus Schäfer of the Pallottine Order (Societas Apostolatus Catholici), founded in the mid-19th century by Saint Vincent Pallotti, writes: "The large military cemeteries of the two World Wars, not only those located in France, clearly demonstrate that former enemies can become friends. After the two bloodbaths of these nations, there were no recriminations about who shot first, who was more guilty, who was more cruel... instead, there was a clean break and a genuine new beginning. For this reason, the large military cemeteries of the two World Wars are worthy of being declared World Heritage Sites. This is not to elevate war to the status of culture, but to show the world that even after such a bloody past, peace is possible. Europe has shown us: PEACE IS POSSIBLE. Former enemies can become friends, true friends." (Fr. Klaus Schäfer SAC)

The Holy Father known as Pope Urban II was born here around 1035. His name is known as Odon de Lagery, also Eudes de Châtillon, or Otton de Châtillon. He joined the Benedictine Order named after Benedict of Nursia (OSB for the Latin "Ordo Sancti Benedicti") and became prior of the highly important Cluny Abbey. In 1088, he was elected pope, taking the name Urban II. As the supreme shepherd of the Roman Catholic Church, he supported the Reconquista in Spain and the First Crusade in support of Byzantium. His theological reasoning was based on the second chapter of the Old Testament Book of Daniel, which describes a turning point in history. He died in 1099. His feast day in the calendar of saints is July 29, the recorded date of his death.

An impressive half-timbered building made of oak. Except for two metal parts, it is made entirely of wood, with wooden dowels (no nails or screws). At the front, there is a washhouse and a well. According to https://www.reims-tourisme.com/activite/halle-de-lagery/: Built in 1543 in the center of the village of Lagery, the hall was dedicated to trade. From the 16th to the 18th century, there was a market every Tuesday and two or three annual fairs: agricultural markets, grain, wine, livestock, firewood, timber, building materials, industrial goods, etc. This building was listed as a historic monument in 1922. The hall, which was in danger of collapsing and had to be reinforced in 1983, was restored between 2003 and 2007. Since 2010, the town hall and the Lagery Festival Association have organized an arts and crafts market there every spring Sunday.

The cycle path runs directly along the banks of the Marne.

It is a true little paradise for fishing enthusiasts, but also a pleasant place to relax and have lunch or a snack in the great outdoors.

The view from the beautiful rest areas around the monument of Pabst Urban II over the Marne valley and the vineyards of Champagne is magnificent ☺️

The castle ruins are quite large. Of the important 13th-century castle, only the advanced structures remain today. The keep itself had already been destroyed in the 15th century.

Part of the Team Rynkeby Berlin tour in 2024. What a lovely place to have a break. 😍 And a sip. 😉