The name of the region immediately brings to mind bubbles that sparkle and promise a holiday.
But above all, this region with its wonderful hills, unique houses and cellars, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is famous for its precious drinks.
In wine houses, Champagne is understood as the art of a good life. You can make sure of this by tasting the legendary drinks among the vineyards.
In addition, Champagne is known for its richest historical heritage. Traveling through the region, you cannot miss the historic Reims Cathedral
the coronation place of the monarchs of France, and the ancient city of Troyes, a marvel of medieval architecture. In addition, Champagne with its limestone soils preserves the memory of the First World War of 1914-1918.
At the end of summer, the grapes ripen on the hills and it's harvest time - the perfect time to visit the region and learn about the unique secrets of champagne production.
But at the first stage, hundreds of people are mobilized to harvest grapes. They work very carefully, carefully removing each brush by hand.
This process can be observed in the following champagne houses:
But to learn all the secrets, you have to go underground!
In Reims, a unique network of cellars and tunnels excavated in medieval chalk quarries runs through the interior of the Nicasius Hill of Reims.
Tens of millions of bottles from six major champagne houses are stored in these underground cathedrals.
Between tastings, you will be shown and told about the stages of production.
In the cellars of Vranken-Pommery, you will first of all be impressed by modern sculptures and other works of art.
Once in Champagne, one cannot fail to taste the precious wines from its cellars.
At the tasting, try the champagne with a soft Rheims rosé biscuit dipped in the glass, or with salty or sweet crackers that crunch.
Thus, you will wake up your appetite before tasting other dishes of the region.
In the Ardennes you can taste such dishes as cacasse à cul nu, fricassee of potatoes with bacon, or
"dish for the poor" (it got its name because of the lack of meat), boudin blanc de Rethel, or sausage, preferably with local truffles.
Also, do not deny yourself to enjoy the local cheeses: Chaource, a creamy cheese with a taste of nuts, and Barberey or troyen cendré with a crust sprinkled with wood ash.
In addition to vineyards, the region also has many monuments.
The benchmark of Gothic art, Reims Cathedral is the place of coronation of French monarchs, notable primarily for its rich collection of sculptures, where at least 25 ceremonies took place.
Its treasures are kept in the nearby Tau Palace, the former residence of the archbishops.
Here you can see unique ceremonial attributes, such as the mantle of Charles X, the last monarch crowned here.
If Reims is known as the city of French kings, then Troyes is the historical capital of Champagne.
A unique ensemble of half-timbered houses is concentrated in its ancient center.
Most of them were built in the Middle Ages and rebuilt after a major fire in the Renaissance in 1524.
Walking from the baker's house to the golden limestone house, you can admire the picturesque old center.
In Sedan you will find another amazing gem of the Middle Ages: the largest fortress of the time, located on a promontory above the river Meuse. seven floors and 35,000 m2!
During the First World War of 1914-1918, the Germans turned it into a concentration camp.
The Battle of the Marne Memorial in Dormant, with the burial of thousands of soldiers, is the most important place dedicated to the memory of those who died during these bloody battles.
Be sure to visit the Suip Museum. Rich collections will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the conflict and follow its development from the very beginning and further according to the chronology.
After the museum, you can walk through the Ardennes Regional Natural Park.
Soothing landscapes will distract you from difficult impressions.
A particularly beautiful view of the bend of the Maas River opens from the Malgre-Tou hill, which appears in one of George Sand's novels.
