Champagne-Ardenne Travel Guide

Champagne-Ardenne is a region of gently rolling hills, carpeted with champagne vines, just east of Paris. The provincial capital is Reims (pronouced 'Rance'), home to one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, where generations of French kings were crowned.

But without doubt, the province's biggest draw are the Champagne houses which dot the hillsides, their cellars bursting with the bubbly stuff. Begin a tour with a visit to the Champagne Museum in Troyes, which is a lovely medieval town of timber-frame houses and narrow streets. Then head for Epernay, the centre of Champagne production. Nearby, the estates of Ponson Père et Fils, Moët Chandon and Perrier Jouet await you.

Champagne-Ardenne also boasts natural wonders for the outdoors type. Explore the ancient forests and more than 650km of lakes and waterways. Journey to the far-flung medieval villages of Châlons-en-Champagne and Langres, or settle down to sample some seasonal, regional specialities such as dandelion jam and andouillette de Troyes, a delicious local sausage.