Champagne-Ardenne

Champagne-Ardenne (shahm PAHN yeh ahr DEN) This Region is the home of true champagne. It has many great champagne houses to meander through along the famous champagne routes. These champagne caves are well worth a visit. You can see how champagne is grown, bottled and even partake in a tasting of the bubbly.

The city of Reims is a good place to start your exploration of the Routes du Champagne. So many of the world renowned champagne cellars are located beneath the city. Reims also has a one of the world's most famous cathedrals, Cathédrale Nortre Dame de Reims. The cathedral has a marvelous stained glass window designed by Marc Chagall. If you visit in December you will want to stroll through the Christmas markets that line the town with  miniature chalets filled with goods from the region.

Epernay is smaller that Reims, but a close rival in champagne production. It is here that can take a laser guided train tour through the cellars.

The marionette capital of the world is located in this region and claims its home in Charleville Mézières. Wild boar and wild mushrooms are only a few of the specialties you will find in this charming town

Also to be enjoyed are the Gothic cathedrals, Gallo Roman fortresses and museums with exceptional works by Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani.. Barge cruising in this region can offer an excellent view of the timeless castles and villages that are along the winding banks of the waterways.