Champagne-Ardenne Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Champagne-ArdenneChampagne, history and culture on offer
Champagne-Ardenne is, first and foremost in most people's minds, the home of the world's favourite sparkling wine, champagne, and it is true that you cannot escape this fact in the region. The vineyards and champagne caves are a vital part of life here, and fascinating to see. The region also has an important history, however, and holidays spent discovering the region's heritage and culture are deeply popular and rewarding.Top 5 things to see and do in Champagne-Ardenne
1. Drink champagne!
To holiday in Champagne-Ardenne without paying tribute to the greatest drink of all time would be almost criminal. And as this is home to the only true champagne (although there are many imitators!), this region offers a chance to drink the world's favourite drink in the land of its birth. Tours of the famous vineyards, tastings, festivals and celebrations of this sparkling drink are all part of life here that invite you to join in!2. Explore the region's heritage and culture
The rich and varied history of the region is reason enough to suggest cultural tours as a very interesting holiday diversion. Towns such as Troyes and Reims are bursting with history and patrimony.3. Go cycling
Cycling is extra enjoyable in a region such as Champagne-Ardenne, as there is a developing network of "greenways", cycle tracks that take you through the vineyards, alongside the canals and around the edges of sparkling lakes, all without encountering motor traffic.4. Landscapes and wildlife
The Champagne-Ardenne has a diverse and beautiful countryside, and incorporates forests, lakes, wetlands and national parks where the flora and fauna are just waiting to be discovered.5. Visit Nigloland
Keeping the kids happy is a vital part of any family holiday, and a visit to Nigloland, one of the biggest theme parks in Europe, is bound to do exactly that.Top 5 towns and cities in Champagne-Ardenne
1. Reims
No longer classed as the capital city, yet larger and far more popular with tourism, is the wonderfully historic city of Reims. See the cathedral (one of the best mediaeval cathedrals in France), the champagne cellars, a Roman triumphal arch, the Basilica of St Remi and shop 'til you drop.2. Troyes
History buffs will be in heaven in Troyes. Once the capital city of the Counts of Champagne, there is so much to learn about the important events of the past in this city that you will want to stay for several days. The historic centre is architecturally superb, and the Gothic cathedral is said to have some of the finest stained glass windows in Europe. Visit museums, enjoy the shops and dine out in style in this lovely city.3. Epernay
Epernay is the epicentre of the champagne trade, and attracts tourists throughout the year from all over the world. Take a walk down the Avenue de Champagne where the most prestigious champagne shops and cellars are situated.4. Chalons en Champagne
As the capital city of the region, Chalons en Champagne deserves a visit. Although not as celebrated as Reims, it has plenty of historical architecture to see, and is well equipped with hotels, restaurants and shops.5. Langres
It hardly qualifies as a city, or even a particularly large town, but this mediaeval fortified hill town is a delight. Things to see and do here include walking the old fortifications, visiting the cathedral and discovering numerous art treasures in the ancient buildings. Try also the delicious soft cheese of Langres.Food and drink in Champagne-Ardenne
The obvious one to try is, undoubtedly, champagne. The sparkling white wine that has made this region the toast of the world can only be made here, in spite of having many imitators in the rest of France. It is said that the method for producing this fine drink was brought up from the Languedoc by monks, who found that not only could they reproduce it from local grapes in Champagne-Ardenne, but that the soil conditions and climate actually refined the wine and elevated it to something even better. There are other wines and drinks produced here, but in the home of champagne who wants to drink anything else?Champagne-Ardenne has developed a gastronomy to complement its famous wine. Champagne features in special sauces for serving with fish from the lakes and rivers of the region, while excellent soft, creamy cheeses are also made here. Sweet treats even include chocolate champagne corks, ensuring that you never forget you are in champagne country!
How to get to Champagne-Ardenne
Fly to Paris with a variety of flights from the UK, or take the TGV to Reims. The region is easily accessible by road, and you can arrive on the A4 (Paris to Reims), A5 (Paris to Troyes or Chaumont), A26 (Paris to Reims and Chalons en Champagne) or the A34 (Belgium to Reims).Holiday Guides to the Departments of Champagne-Ardenne
Ardennes Holiday Guide
The Ardennes department of Champagne-Ardenne lies in the north-east of France, up against the Belgian border. With a sparse population and a lovely terrain characterised by hills and forests, the Ardennes is also rich in history and has a wealth of castles and historic towns.
Aube Holiday Guide
The Aube department, lying in the south-west of the region of Champagne-Ardenne in north-eastern France, is a land of unspoilt landscapes, champagne, history and heritage, wildlife and a vibrant culture. It is a place for the lovers of the great outdoors, for gastronomes and for families.
Marne Holiday Guide
The Marne department of Champagne-Ardenne in north-eastern France is a fantastic holiday destination for a number of reasons. The department is the epicentre of champagne production, so vineyard tours, champagne tastings and educational champagne courses are a popular choice, but the department is also the proud possessor of a rich heritage.
Haute-Marne Holiday Guide
The Champagne-Ardenne region of eastern France is home to the Haute-Marne department. The Haute-Marne is a treasure trove of nature, with lakes, hills and forests packed with wildlife and natural beauty to discover. It's ideal for the sort of holidays where nobody tells you what to do or where to go, just pick any part of this lovely department and let the Haute-Marne work its magic.
