It is, without doubt, the vineyards of Champagne which, for centuries, have created the wealth and fame of the region. The “nectar of kings” has since become one of the main selling points of a holiday in Champagne-Ardenne. There are many interesting places to visit. Let us take you to Épernay, in the heart of Côte des Blancs. From here, discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the hillsides and cellars of Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.
The city of Reims is made for you, if you are eager to combine the discovery of the secrets of this particular wine with more cultural visits. The biggest champagne houses have their headquarters and their cellars here, but you can also walk through the city streets and visit UNESCO-classified monuments, such as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Reims, traditional place for the coronation of French kings or the Tau Palace, home to the city’s treasures and was once the residence of its archbishops.
If you are a history lover, the region is rich in memorable places that form the cultural heritage of France. The battle of Valmy was one of the first victories of revolutionary France. Today, the battlefield is home to the Valmy 1792 historical centre. Later, the two World Wars brought fighting into the heart of the region. The Marne was the scene of two decisive battles during the First World War. The Marne 14-18 Interpretation Centre will allow you to better understand what was at stake, and keep in mind the deaths caused by war. The area also includes many military cemeteries and commemorative monuments to the Great War.
Finally, if you want to recharge your batteries amid nature, you can turn to the great natural spaces of the region such as the Lake of the Forest of Orient, in the heart of the natural park of the same name. Reims is 69 miles away from Charles de Gaulle Airport, which can be reached from many UK airports. Think about hiring a car to explore this destination fully.
