View Holiday Homes Champagne-Ardenne

The very name Champagne-Ardenne conjures up images of sparkle and celebration...welcome to the champagne capital of North-Eastern France, just an hour and a half by car from Paris.

Champagne and Sparkle This is a beautiful landscape where grapevines stretch for miles across gentle hills dotted with deep forests, lakes and patches of wild red poppies. For the discerning connoisseur of champagne and fine wines, exploration of this region is a treasure hunt for prestigious vineyards and wine cellars. What makes this landscape unique is its limestone and chalk strata. Over the centuries, hundreds of miles of underground chambers have been carved into this rock for the storage and maturing of the millions of bottles of champagne that symbolise the region. What better way to enjoy this lovely landscape than to combine it with a journey of discovery of its delicious champagne. For this purpose a number of 'champagne trails' have been specially designed for visitors to make the most of all that this region has to offer. The vines are owned by growers who either sell their wares to the famous champagne houses or make and market their own brands. The champagne routes are clearly signposted and will guide you along gentle country lanes - slow down for the grape-laden tractors at harvest time - through charming ancient villages to the all important wine cellars. Here - provided that you make a prior appointment - warm and friendly vineyard owners throughout the region will delight in sharing their passion with you by offering you a fascinating tour and tasting opportunity. The vineyards are everywhere, from the Montagne de Reims in the north, the Marne valley and the Cote des Blancs in the south and the Cote des Bar; opportunities for champagne celebration stretch as far as the eye can see. Towns of Champagne-Ardenne The region of Champagne-Ardenne really is the mecca for champagne hunters, but along the way its plentiful historical and cultural places of interest help to provide a balanced mix for the traveller looking for a taste of all that France has to offer. Take advantage and discover its cultural and historical treasures in numerous characterful towns.

The Cathedral at Reims

Reims is not only the centre of champagne production of the region, it is a charming town in itself with its art-deco style buildings, exquisite shops and its gothic cathedral where the Kings of France were crowned for generations. Visit the town of Rethel and climb to the summit of its lookout point to enjoy fantastic views across the L'Aisne valley. In Epernay, savour the famous Avenue de la Champagne, the base for the world's most prestigious champagne producers. It is said that the underground caves beneath the town store up to 200 million bottles of champagne! Or take a leisurely stroll along the ramparts of the town of Langres. Its prosperous times during the renaissance gave rise to numerous fine buildings still to be admired there today. The ancient town of Troyes, with its quaint cobbled streets, also proudly exhibits several renaissance buildings and has one of the best medieval centres in France as well as its gothic cathedral. Strangely enough it is also the town to buy designer clothes at discount prices! Charleville-Mezieres, another picturesque town, houses a museum dedicated to marionettes. Listen to the quaint hourly recital of a local legend which chimes by the hour at the neighbouring Marionette institute. Or travel by train to the town of Chaumont across its majestic viaduct to visit the ancient Basilica of St-Jean-Baptiste.

Land and water

Some may be slightly surprised to hear that Champagne-Ardennes is also ideal for lovers of water. It is a region dissected by up to 400 miles of relaxing and peaceful waterways. Visitors can sail along these tranquil waters at a leisurely pace, enjoy scenic countryside, watch migratory birds and other wildlife along the way, all from the comfort of a house-boat or bateau-mouche. This is truly an area offering the chance to base a holiday around the peace and quiet of canals and rivers. Whilst for the more adventurous, the lakes of the region offer fantastic opportunities for energetic water sports - conditions are ideal at all the region's lakes, for windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing and jet skiing. Horse-riding and golf are also popular sporting activities in the region; golfing enthusiasts can take advantage of 8 excellent golf courses.

Rental accommodation in Champagne-Ardenne

Opting for rental accommodation in Champagne Ardenne is the ideal way to enjoy flexibility and take advantage of the champagne trails and water trips that the region has to offer. Accommodation in the region is plentiful and ranges from beautifully furnished country cottages, chalets and villas ideal for couples and small families, to majestic chateaux and manor houses, perfect for larger parties. There really is accommodation here to suit all tastes and requirements and as prices tend to be very reasonable, they are perfect for that romantic getaway or last minute weekend break.