Verzy: Discover the Faux de Verzy

Verzy is a destination for travelers who want to include a distinctive forest landscape in their travel plans. The forest bordering the village is home to nearly 800 Faux de Verzy. A Fau is a contorted beech (Fagus sylvatica var. tortuosa); the term is sometimes also used for a contorted oak or chestnut tree. This unusual growth form is thought to be the result of a natural genetic mutation. For nature enthusiasts, this distinctive tree form is the forest’s defining feature.

Faux de Verzy and the Réserve biologique dirigée

The Réserve biologique dirigée des Faux de Verzy covers more than 90 percent of the massif’s Faux. The figure of nearly 800, by contrast, refers to the Faux in the surrounding forest: the two figures therefore describe different scales. The Réserve was expanded in 2021 and is entirely covered by a ZNIEFF type 1. Together, these details offer a more precise picture of the natural area without equating the size of the forest with the area of the protected site.

The Faux are notable not only as a group of trees, but also for their contorted shapes. The term Fau usually refers to the contorted beech, but sometimes also includes a contorted oak or chestnut tree. The suspected genetic mutation remains a possible explanation for this form. Visitors who choose Verzy for its nature will find a clear focus here: the distinctive trees and the forest bordering the village.

La balade des Faux: a circular trail through the reserve

La balade des Faux runs through the Réserve biologique dirigée. Along the way, walkers can admire around fifty contorted beeches. The route is three kilometers long and forms a loop. Its length and circular layout offer a practical starting point for planning, without specifying a walking time. The trail is accessible to families with strollers and people with reduced mobility.

The around fifty trees that can be admired along the Balade should not be confused with the number of Faux in the entire surrounding forest: this figure refers to what visitors can see on this loop. This makes it possible to distinguish the specific route from the wider forest landscape. If you’re looking for a walk with a clearly defined nature theme, La balade des Faux combines a route through the reserve with its characteristic contorted beeches.

Hiking routes and getting your bearings

Another local hiking route is PR 63 Entre vignes et Faux. The location of the Faux de Verzy is signposted from the D944. This road connects Reims with Châlons-en-Champagne, providing a road reference point for finding your way. The signs point to the location of the Faux; they do not indicate a walking time or the length of a journey by road.

Another landmark is the Observatoire du Mont Sinaï. It can be reached from the observatory’s parking lot. At 286 meters, it is the highest point in the Marne department and is also classified as a historic monument. If you plan to use the parking lot, check the current parking situation before your visit.

More to discover in Verzy

The observatory offers both a topographical point of reference and historical interest: it is the highest point in the Marne department and is classified as a historic monument. The village’s religious heritage also includes a chapel dedicated to Saint Basle, which contains the saint’s relics. These places add other distinct aspects of Verzy to its nature theme, without needing to be treated as part of the forest route.

Verzy can thus be explored through a range of interests: the Faux and their distinctive growth form, an accessible three-kilometer circular trail, or the Observatoire du Mont Sinaï. The chapel containing Saint Basle’s relics adds a religious point of interest to this selection. Depending on which of these themes matters to your travel plans, you may want to consider Verzy as a destination for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Gueux, Witry-Lès-Reims, Dormans, Ambonnay, Brugny-Vaudancourt, Taissy, Berru, Vertus

For the broader travel guide: Marne.