The Champagne Ardenne region of France

Champagne Ardenne

The Region of Champagne-Ardenne, in the north-east of France, is comprised of the départements of Ardennes, Marne, Aube and Haute-Marne. The name 'Champagne', is derived from the Latin word campagna, meaning countryside.

Until the nineteenth century, Champagne-Ardenne was best known for the French royal coronations, which took place in the Reims cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Now, the region is known all over the world for the king of wines: Champagne. This land is known not just for Champagne, but for striking geographical contrasts that encompass the Ardenne Massif hills, wine growing slopes, cereal plains, verdant wooden valleys, wide and tranquil rivers, vast lakes and racing streams.

The western boundary of Champagne-Ardenne is located a short 90 miles east of Paris, making a visit, to Paris, an easy day trip. It is an area rich in history, with some of the most spectacular scenery in France. The region is dominated by lakes, rivers, canals, forests. There are huge preserves and parks, and the vineyards stretch for miles.

Wild life flourishes in its magnificent verdant forests. When in Champagne, don't forget to visit the world renowned champagne houses and caves. Large and spectacular caves can be visited under the cities of Reims, Epernay, Aÿ and Châlons-en-Champagne, as well as in many towns and villages of La Champagne.

La Champagne's vineyards are cultivated alongside chalky hills. These hills are the remnants of a build-up of maritime sediments that date back some 200 million years. The deep chalky subsoil stores the sun's heat and reflects warmth into the vine roots. It assures perfect drainage and preserves humidity in the soil. The soil supplies mineral elements to the vines, giving Champagne wines unique characteristics and finesse not found anywhere else.

The Ardennes is the ideal destination for a relaxing break or holiday. Discover the deep forest of Arduinna en Celte, its thousand mysterious paths which lead you to the heart of untamed natural sites, take in the lakes and rivers which offer a variety of activities such as fishing, bathing, sailing, canoeing and yachting. Choose a hiking or biking excursion to explore a particular theme, such as Rimbaud and Verlaine country, the legends of the Meuse and Semoy or the fortifications. All offer magnificent vantage points for admiring the meanders of the Meuse and Semoy rivers and the outstanding flora and fauna.

As the river Marne wends its way through its eponymous département, Champagne sparkles! This land which gave its name to the famous wine is also steeped in history. In Reims, the city of the coronation of the Kings of France, you can hail the Smiling Angel and visit the incredible Gallo-Roman chalk-pits. Epernay, the capital of Champagne, will reveal the secret behind the bubbles in the famous Avenue de Champagne. Besides its vineyards, the Marne is also a land of lakes, forests and ponds teeming with fish, the ideal setting for those fond of country breaks.

Aube in Champagne has something for everyone: rich landscapes, history, leisure activities and fine cuisine. Discover the Champagne region through its contrasting scenery, authenticity, generosity and its traditional hospitality. Enjoy the lakes and many activities available in the Orient forest nature park or visit Troyes, capital of the Counts of Champagne. Explore the deep Chaource forest and sample its famous cheese or relax to the soothing rippling of peaceful streams.

South of Champagne, at the crossroads of Burgundy and Lorraine, the Haute-Marne is a repository of hidden treasures. Travel through its 590,000 acres of forests, visit Colombey-les-deux-Eglises, the burial place of General Charles de Gaulle. The north-west is home to the Champagne copse with Der-Chantecoq lake, while the south is where you can explore the fortified city of Langres. In the east, the Haute-Marne's landscapes cut by valleys are perfect for hiking excursions. In addition to its pure environment, this is an important basketry and cutlery-making centre. You will also enjoy a visit to the thermal baths at Bourbonne-les-Bains.

Food

The region serves such hearty dishes as andouillette Troyes [a tripe sausage] and potée champenoise. The later is a pôte-au-feu consisting of smoked ham, from the Ardennes, cabbage and sausage. The region is abundant in wild game, which lends to many specialty dishes. Local ingredients also contribute to many fish and seafood dishes.

Acitivities

Its lakes and rivers are a backdrop for every imaginable outdoor activity. The lakes of Der-Chantecoq, du Temple and d'Orient provide boating, sailing, swimming and fishing, and the regional forests are known for hunting and hiking.

Champagne-Ardenne has established various routes that allow the visitor to seek out off-the-beaten-path attractions of special interest. Among the six routes in the Ardenne is the Route des Fortifications. Two circuits for those interested in Champagne-making: the Route Touristique du Champagne, from Reims to Villenauxe-la-Grande via Epernay, and the Route du Champagne dans l'Aube through the southernmost part of the vineyards.
Most big Champagne houses in Reims, Epernay and along the Champagne Route offer guided tours and tastings, almost always for a fee. To arrange tastings it is best to telephone ahead.

Climate

The Champagne-Ardenne's climate is as variable as its terrain. Winters tend to be cold, crisp and clear; summers are warm and relatively dry.