Cramant is a commune in the Marne department, in the Grand Est region, 9 km southeast of Épernay.
Its territory of 5.3 km² is located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, between the Butte de Saran to the north (on Chouilly) and the Montagne d'Avize to the south. This area of some 3,300 hectares owes its name to the fact that within the Champagne vineyards, it is mainly planted with the Chardonnay grape variety.
In fact, for the most part, the locality which dominates the chalky Champagne plain is dedicated to wine production: vines cover 70% of its surface area but there are several dozen hectares in its "western" part. of forests.
Mentioned at the beginning of the second millennium, the village remained modest until the Revolution, when there were only 85 households. In the 19th and especially in the 20th century, thanks to the commercial success of champagne, despite the two world wars where allied and enemy troops passed through it, the village gained in importance. The good orientation of its hillsides and the quality of its soils make it a stronghold of the appellation. Still (non-sparkling) red and white wines are also produced there.
Today, Cramant (890 inhabitants) is the headquarters of many champagne houses. We also appreciate its environment and its views. Enough to consider sparkling walks!
In terms of heritage, several sites should be mentioned in the town. The oldest is the Haute-Borne menhir, a testimony to human presence since prehistory (Neolithic era). Listed in the Inventory, this megalith is still clearly visible to the east of the locality, on the edge of an agricultural plot on the borders of the neighboring territories of Oiry and Avize.
More recent, dating from the Middle Ages, to see next, the parish church of Saint-Gibrien (named after an Irish hermit who evangelized the region in the 6th century). Overall belonging to the Gothic style (13th and 14th centuries), the building has the singularity of having a much more imposing choir than the rest of the church. Historians have established that the portal and the transept had been restored in the 18th century and that the nave, weakened, would have generally disappeared during this period. Inside, a slab shelters the tomb of the penultimate lord of RD10, an 8 m high bottle of champagne which symbolizes the vocation of the local economy!
Generally speaking, the quality of the buildings (residences or cellars) of Cramant testifies to its prosperity, with homes sometimes reminiscent of small neo-classical or Empire private mansions…
To benefit from a beautiful view in the village, you should go to the belvedere set up to the southwest of the village, also known as the “Vine Garden”. An orientation table has been set up and you can admire the vineyards as far as the eye can see, Epernay in the distance, but also pretty panoramas of this part of Champagne where the Montagne de Blancs meets, at the bottom of the Côte des Blancs. Reims and the Marne Valley. The "spectacle" is all the more astonishing in autumn, when the vines are adorned with flamboyant colors...
On the cultural side, note that the village hall includes two spaces and offers shows and activities throughout the year associations: information from the town hall on +33 3 26 57 54 86.
Then it's time for hikes: from the village center or the belvedere, several routes are available to reach Chouilly and the Butte de Saran, but also the nearby hillsides of Avize or the forest, to the southwest. Vineyards, woods, reliefs: everything comes together for beautiful walks dotted with viewpoints.
Maps and information for walkers or mountain bikers from the intercommunal tourist office on +33 3 26 53 33 00.
Obviously, several estates and champagne houses located in the locality are delighted to welcome visitors for a discovery of their cellars, their know-how and a tasting (in moderation…). This is particularly the case at Lancelot-Royer (contact on +33 3 26 57 51 41), Diebolt-Vallois (info on +33 3 26 57 54 92), Vignier Lebrun (contact +33 3 26 57 54 88), Pertois-Lebrun (notify at 03 26 578 54 25), Bonnaire (contact +33 3 26 57 50 85) or at the Saint-Gybryen cooperative (inquire at +33 3 26 57 50 72).
The first Saturday in May, flower market.
The first Sunday in July, garage sales.
July 13 or 14, pétanque competition and fishing competition.
