Traveling Around Rhine and Marne Regions

On the way to Nancy, the suggested stop en route is the Sluice of Réchicourt-le-Chateau.
It is an artificial lock, built in 1965 on the Marne-Rhine canal, which produces a drop of waterfalls that range from 15 m to 16 m height.
Besides being an impressive work of art and also considered the highest gauge lock of France, it is a remarkable structure which now allows the passage of the boat in the canal in 30 minutes, instead of 6 hours, like happened before with the past 6 locks.
The height of the structure offers a beautiful viewpoint, if crossed from the top alongside the road. But it is accessible also by boat and having so an unusual point of view of the building.

Upon arrival in Nancy, the suggested way to explore the city center is to leave the car in the parking space and continuing on foot.

This is the heart of Nancy, Stanislas Square, a Baroque architectural complex of the 18th century, which is listed as UNESCO world heritage since 1983.
The square was built between 1751 and 1755, as a "royal square" in honor of Louis V of France, on a wish of the last Duke of Lorraine Stanislao Leszczyński.
The monumental structure of the square was not only a symbol of the role of the city as a capital of the Lorraine region, but also it served as a junction point between the two neighborhoods of the city, the "old town" and the new area, wanted by Charles III.
The buildings which compose the square are the Town Hall, the Hotel de la Reine, in honor of a visit by the Queen Marie-Antoinette, the National Opera Theatre and the Museum of Fine Arts.

For lunch, remaining in the same area, there is the restaurant A la Table du bon Roi Stanilas.
It is a mix between the Polish and French cuisine, served in a historical atmosphere, since the interiors of the restaurant kept the ancient style and tells the story of the royal family.
You can reserve a table here.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 12.15 pm - 1.30 pm, 7.15 pm - 9.30 pm Sunday: 12.15 pm - 1.30 pm Monday: 7.15 pm - 9.30 pm Wednesday: closed

Extending from Stanislas Square, there is Place de la Carrière.
Built in XVI century, it is separated from the complex of Place Stanislas from an arch, and it is also listed as UNESCO world heritage.
Since its construction, the square was used as a location for races, games and competitions and still separated from the new part of city, that was built by the Duke Leopold.
Due to some conflicts at the end of the XVI century, the next duke Stanislas Leszczynski, decided to reunite the old and the new part of the city by using this location, and the Arch Heré or Porte Royale to a large space which would have been transformed into Place Stanislas.

Now it's time to collect a car and continue driving to your next destination.

Stopping by Saint-Dizier, the itinerary will make you discover the ancient archaeological site Les Crassées.
It reveals the remains of a city that is more than 2000 years old, and contains a Gallo-Roman residence and a necropolis.
First excavations of the site started in 1960 by Mr.Lepage, showing the treasures that were covered by the soil.
The city of Saint- Dizier, in fact, is a rich archaeological site, but the most relevant point is mostly Les Crasées, which is one of the best preserved in the history.
Located at the base of the slope of the Marne valley, it shows the rural residence still with some original furniture from the IV and V century b.C., as well as the necropolis, which revealed an incredible discovery during the last excavation in 2021.
The archaeologists were able to put in light a VII century sarcophagus, which contained a skeleton of a woman.
This historical location can be visited Wednesday to Sunday from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. For more information, you can visit the website.

Leaving Saint-Dizier and approaching Épernay, the champagne area of the Marne region.
This is a 1.5 km promenade, in Avenue de Champagne, which ends in Place de la République in the town center.
This area is listed as UNESCO world heritage since 2015, and it hosts along the path a series of elegant buildings and castles, with lush courtyards and gardens, which are headquarters of the Champagne factories since 18th century.
They represent the history of this refined product and by visiting the interiors of the palaces you can discover the story behind the Champagne winemaking process from the past until nowadays.

On the way back to Paris, before stopping for dinner, the last visit on the itinerary is the American Monument, in Chateau-Thierry, in the north of the Marne valley.
This is an impressive construction, which was erected by the USA to commemorate their troops during the World War I.
It is also a symbol of the alliance between France and the US, since it was built on a land offered by France to the USA, when during the war offensive in 1918 the American troops gained control of that area.
The monument was erected in 1937 and shows on the west side some statues of women holding hands, while on the east side there's an inscription which says, “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds”.

After this long journey, the well-deserved break has finally arrived, and the location for dinner is the restaurant Il Calcio.
Located in the city center, the restaurant offers a menu based on the French cuisine with some Italian influences.
The environment is familiar and intimate, just like home, and there is also a space dedicated to children.
Opening hours: Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 12 pm - 2 pm, 7 pm - 10 pm Tuesday: 12 pm - 2 pm Friday, Saturday: 12 pm - 2 pm, 7 pm - 11 pm Wednesday: closed