Faux de Verzy

In the forest of the Montagne de Reims, the Faux de Verzy are twisted dwarf beeches with strange silhouettes — the largest concentration of these trees in the world.

Getting there

By car: Verzy state forest (about 25 min from Reims), with dedicated car parks. Explore on foot along the trails.

History

These “tortillard” beeches (Fagus sylvatica var. tortuosa), known for centuries, are the result of a stable, hereditary genetic mutation. There are nearly a thousand of them at Verzy.

Culture & stories

Waymarked trails wind between the contorted trees; the site lies next to a viewpoint over the vineyards.

Location