Champagne Ardenne guide

This is a region of forests, lakes, sunflower fields, Gothic cathedrals, and of course a certain sparkling wine that is synonymous with celebrations. All of the major champagne vineyards are situated around Reims and Epernay, and you can enjoy guided tours in English plus a little tasting of the latest vintages.

What can we eat?

Dishes involving champagne, pig's trotters, hams and sausages, game, or for more refined tastes pink almond biscuits and almond meringues.

What can we drink?

Yes you guessed it - Champagne!

Where can we visit?

Reims, Troyes, World War 1 memorials in the Argonne region and Verdun. Charles de Gaulle's modest residence at Colombey les Deux Eglises, Haute Marne.

What can we do?

This is perfect country for walking and cycling. Watersports. Connoisseurs of fine wine can follow the champagne route.

And what about the kids?

The Fôret d'Orient near Troyes has a regional park, fabulous lake and man made beach offering many watersports.

An overview of the Champagne region

This sophisticated region of beautiful countryside, sunflower fields, and of course, that wonderful bubbly stuff, is truly enchanting. All champagnes in fact are produced within a relatively small area around Reims and Epernay, and most of the great houses such as Mumm, Piper- Heidsieck, and Moët & Chandon provide guided tours in English of their cellars and tastings of their current vintage. While in Reims you can also visit the awesome Gothic cathedral where twenty five kings of France were crowned, and if you've a sweet tooth, try some of the delicious, locally made sugar tarts.

To the north, the Ardennes forests are a wildlife paradise, and the rivers here offer excellent fishing. To the south you'll find the city of Troyes, with its beautifully preserved 16th century half-timbered houses and spectacular Gothic cathedral. The Museum of Modern Art here displays work by Bonnard, Degas and Gauguin.