Champagne-Ardenne

Champagne-Ardenne

At the Belgian borders is the Champagne-Ardennes region with its capital Chalons-en-Champagne, an old market town with half-timberframe houses and a gothic cathedral. The largest city in the region, Reims, has four monuments which are on the World Heritage List of UNESCO: Tau Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral where French kings used to be crowned, the Abbey of Saint-Remi and the eponymous basilica. In summer you can enjoy the summer music festival Flâneries Musicales in Reims.

In the middle of the Champagne region, in the department of Marne, is Epernay is with famous wineries in the famous Avenue de Champagne. In the eco-museum in Verzenay, the region of the grand cru champagne, you can see how champagne is produced . Also the Marne, once the scene of heavy battles is now known for the many war memorials. Protected French heritage is the Place Ducale in Charleville-Mezieres, the capital of the department of Ardennes. This is where poet Arthur Rimbaud was born. You can learn about him and his work in the museum, or in September visit the biennial international puppet theater festival. There are also many castles in the region. Grand Jardin in Joinville, the philosopher Voltaire’s castle in Cirey-sur-Blaise and the largest European fortified castle in Sedan with a medieval festival in May. The Nuits de Champagne in October is all about French chanson in Troyes, also famous for its textile and shops. Just outside Troyes, children can enjoy a day in theme park Nigloland.

Tranquil Escapes and Outdoor Adventures:

If you are looking for peace and quiet, or if you want to go walking, cycling, mountain biking, boating, horseback riding and fishing, go and visit the Forêt d'Orient and Lac d'Orient in the Aube, the sources in Bourbonne-les-Bains and the Langres plateau. Lake Der-Chantecoq in the Haute-Marne department attracts various waterbirds and birds of prey, and in the spring and autumn you will see cranes there. Local includes meat dishes like pâté from Reims, pork leg ‘pied de porc à la Sainte Menehould’ and sausage andouillette de Troyes. Other specialties include stews like fricassée de pommes de terre à l'Ardennaise and Potée champenoise, and the white ‘blue’ cheese AOC Chaource.