Le Mesnil-sur-Oger is a town in the Marne, in the Grand Est region, 16 km south of Epernay.
The territory of the municipality of a relatively modest area (nearly 8 km²) is located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, famous in the vineyards of Champagne to produce only wines made from Chardonnay, while in the rest from the appellation, wines from Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir are also blended.
On the hillside, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger is rich in its wine business although bordered by protected natural areas.
The village itself has developed on medieval bases still tangible by the route and the name of its streets evoking the old ramparts. An old defense tower was preserved in the old town despite the fighting in 1870 that affected the town.
The historical heritage of the locality, which has some 1200 inhabitants, its landscape and its famous vineyards make it a major stop for those who discover the prestigious wine region. Le Mesnil-sur-Oger is located from the rest on the Champagne Tourist Route.
A discovery of the town can begin with the Church of St. Nicholas, a Romanesque building whose foundations date back to the 11th and 12th century. Part of the interior furniture has been classified, such as the high altar, the fence gate or an altarpiece depicting St. Nicholas.
See next in the nearby park, a replica of the grotto of Lourdes.
In the heart of the village, again, a visit to the museum of the vine and wine founded by a passionate professional can admire a set of old presses dating from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century and many tools and materials dedicated to viticulture. Entry: 9 euros. Information on +33 3 26 57 50 15.
Another testimony of the long presence of the vineyard, always in the center of the locality, Clos du Mesnil, a set of parcels of vines surrounded by a wall, belonging to a large champagne house. The other parcels, all classified in Grand Cru, are located outside the village itself.
Before precisely to visit some property or cooperative and taste with moderation a little of the local production, a detour is necessary by the Natural Reserve of the Pâtis du Mesnil and Oger, in the north-west of the territory. On a plateau overlooking the town and the rest of the white coast, it is 130 hectares preserved with ponds, moors, lawns with rich biodiversity. Former sites dedicated to the extraction of millstone and clay are also included in this scope. Adjoining a lake, an arboretum has been set up within this reserve.
A walking trail was also designed for the public, as well as a fitness trail and children's games. Finally, always on the site, a table of orientation allows to be located while admiring the landscape.
Guided tours of the reserve are organized during the summer months. Information on +33 3 26 53 33 00.
Hiking trails starting or including the town, sometimes leading to other major sites of Champagne appellation, are available to amateurs. Maps and information on +33 3 26 53 33 00.
As for sports and leisure activities, a petanque court and tennis courts can be made available to visitors. Contact the +33 3 26 57 51 98.
