Not far from Belgium and Luxembourg, the Champagne-Ardenne region is rich in cultural, architectural and gastronomic heritage. Today belonging to the new region Grand Est, Champagne-Ardenne is known all over the world thanks to its famous festive drink: champagne, symbol of the French art of living. With its 469 communes labeled "Villes et Villages Fleuris", Champagne-Ardenne is the first flowery region in France. It includes four departments: Haute-Marne, Marne, Ardennes and Aube.
On the historical side, Champagne-Ardenne has a strong heritage, especially thanks to its many cities of Art and History full of architectural treasures. Start your visit to the region with the city of Troyes, a charming medieval city that has preserved its superb historic heart. Discover its downtown area shaped like a champagne cork, its beautiful old half-timbered houses, its ten classified churches and its ancient glass windows.
Further north in the region, don't miss Reims, a must for architecture lovers. In all, the city has four monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Tau Palace, the Saint-Rémi Museum, the Saint-Rémi Basilica and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Imposing and majestic, it is one of the jewels of the city, thanks to its sumptuous stained glass windows. Place of coronation of 33 kings of France, this Gothic building of the XIIIth century is also called "Cathedral of the Angels", because of the superb statues which decorate the monument. If the city is appreciated by architecture lovers, it is also appreciated by champagne lovers: you can visit many cellars dug in the chalk, in order to discover the history of the different regional grape varieties and to savor a glass of champagne, in moderation of course.
Lined with prestigious cellars and charming villages, the Champagne route is ideal for discovering the region: from Reims to Verzenay, passing through Saint-Thierry, Montgueux and Bar-sur-Aube, you will be able to contemplate the rich wine heritage of the region, as well as the superb vineyard landscapes as far as the eye can see. The cities of Châlons-en-Champagne, Langres but also Charleville-Mézières and Sedan are also worth a visit.
Sportsmen and women who love nature and hiking will appreciate this region, crossed by more than 5,000 kilometers of trails and walking routes. On foot, by bike, on motorcycle or even on horseback, the possibilities are numerous and the panoramas you will encounter will be each more exotic than the last. The lakes of Champagne like the Der-Chantecoq lake, but also the canals of the Ardennes, the natural parks, the Champagne bocages and the river banks will be perfect playgrounds for young and old. For example, take the Route Martin circuit, which will lead you through the Ardennes forest, from lakes to pleasant water spots where you can picnic with your family or friends.
Finally, how can you stay in Champagne-Ardenne without tasting its delicious local products? White pudding from Rethel, andouillette from Troyes, bacon salad, dry-cured ham from the Ardennes but also cookies from Reims and croquignoles will be on the menu!
