Champagne Ardenne guide

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.

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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.

Food and drink 

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

Places to visit in Champagne Ardenne

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.

Things to do in Champagne Ardenne

• This is perfect country for walking and cycling. Watersports. Connoisseurs of fine wine can follow the champagne route.
• The Fôret d'Orient near Troyes has a regional park, fabulous lake and man made beach offering many watersports.