Les Yourtes Bourcominoises

For something city-based, there's reams to see over in ancient Reims, around 40 minutes' drive from base: the whole place has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its abundance of historic monuments including the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims where, once upon a time, France’s monarchs were bestowed with their crowns. For a touch more history, visit Vauclair Abbey to see where monks once concocted herbal remedies from plants they procured in the surrounding forest, or tour the Voie Verte walking and cycling trail through lakes and forests between observation stations that include a bird migration area, ancient monuments and, higher up, the Chemin des Dames or ladies' path. It's also a very splendid idea to talk to Lydia during your stay about her fave picks for the region – she highly recommends the Fort de Condé in Chivres-Val former military base and hospital, and a bee farm in Chavignon where a brill beekeeper will show you everything that happens in the hive. Another option is to pedal over to Paissy, a handy six kilometres from Bourcominoises, to play hide and seek among the troglodyte houses.