Champagne

 

Rich in diversity this region of France has much to offer holiday makers of all ages. In fact every bend in the road opens up something new waiting to be explored. It is of course also the birthplace of a rather famous bubbly drink that bears its name. There are tours of the champagne cellars, and many offer tastings. As well as the vineyards that stretch across the region's beautiful countryside, Champagne, is also home to numerous medieval churches, castles and historic fortifications. There are also boat trips along the 650 kms of water ways and lakes.

 

TROYES. The historic city of Troyes, has beautiful Gothic churches, like the Cathedral St-Pierre-et-St-Paul, the nearby Eglise St-Nizier, the Basilique St-Urbain, the Eglise Ste-Madeleine and the Eglise St-Pantaleon all well worth a visit. The city's Old Quarter, has several restored half timbered houses dating from the 16th century. There is also the pedestrianised rue Champeaux to explore. For art lovers a visit to the contemporary 'Musee d'Art Moderne' is a must.

CHARLEVILLE AND MENZIERES. (Twin towns since 1966) This is an ideal base from which to explore the Meuse Valley. Place Ducale, in the main square, parallels the superb Place des Vosges in Paris, on market days the square is a lively place. Market days are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The town plays host to the World Puppet Festival in September and is known as the world's puppet capital. In Place Winston Churchill, on the stroke of every hour, figures emerge from the clock tower and play out a scene from local legend. Saturday at 9.15 is the best show of the week when all 12 scenes are acted out in succession. The International Puppet Institute, which is based in the town, also stage's workshops and performances in the square. In the Vieux Moulin you will find the Ardennes museum and also a museum dedicated to the celebrated poet Rimbaud, who is buried in the town. Charleville-Mézières is also famous for carolo (the Ardennes ham). If the weather is good a boat trip along the River Meuse is a wonderfully unhurried way to spend an afternoon.

ROCROI. This small town built in 1555 was further fortified by the military architect Vauban in (1675) The city's main attraction is the "sentier touristique," a walk along the city ramparts beginning at the southern gateway of the Porte de France. The town is also known for its cheese REVIN. Built by the Spanish the town has an interesting bread festival in May. SEDAN. Has a huge fortified château, the castle is the largest medieval stronghold in northern Europe. At the Musée du Châteaufort there is an exhibition of 16th, 17th and 18th century tapestries and paintings.

RETHEL. The Monday livestock market is the most important in the area. The town is also renown for its boudin blanc or white pudding, as opposed to black. There is a white pudding festival every April. Destroyed in both world wars, the town has few old buildings except for the church of St Nicolas dating back to the 15th century. For serious history buffs, the Musée de l'Ardoise in Fumay, and the Maison de l'Ardoise (Rimogne) are dedication to the life of the slate miners of the region.

FALAISE DE I'LLE DE FRANCE REGION. A limestone ridge, that borders Champagne on the West, separating it from the Ile-de-France. Grapes grown on the lower slopes of the Falaise are made into the famous sparkling wine stored in the miles of cellars carved out of the chalk under REIMS.

ARGONNE. Forms a natural border between the regions of Champagne and Lorraine, the Argonne is cut with deep valleys, formed by the Aire and Aisne rivers. The forests of the Argonne have also created a dense wooded barrier between Champagne and Lorraine.

CHALONS EN CHAMPAGNE. Surrounded by the Marne River, the town has a beautifully restored medieval quarter lined with half-timbered houses. Well worth seeing are the Romanesque Gothic Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, the Cathedrale St-Etienne, with its combination of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque architecture and Le Petit Jard, a pretty riverside garden.

CHAUMONT. Situated on a steep ridge 93 km east of Troyes where the River Marne and River Suize meet. The town was the former residence of the Counts of Champagne during the 13th century. The main point of interest is the Basilique St-Jean-Baptiste, with Renaissance galleries and a number of superb religious sculptures.

EPERNAY. Located on the left bank of the River Marne, Epernay is home to some of the world's elite Champagne producers. Don't miss a visit to the caves where the champagnes get their sparkle. Epernay is also the perfect base for excursions to the Marne Valley and surrounding areas.

LANGRES. On a rocky outcrop above the Marne River, is the fortified city of Langres, enclosed by medieval ramparts, giving panoramic views of the Marne Valley, the Langres plateau and the Vosges. Also worth a visit is the Cathedrale St-Mammes, built in the Burgundian Romanesque style.

REIMS. MUCH OF REIMS IS LISTED AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE BY UNESCO. A visit to this famous town would not be complete without seeing some of its remarkable monuments. The Cathedral of Our Lady. Founded in 1211. The cathedral was where the kings of France were crowned, beginning with Clovis (the first king of France) he was crowned by Saint Remi, on what is believed to have been Christmas Day 498. On the left portal of the west front you can see the famous Smiling Angel statue. The Tau Palace. The former Archbishop's Palace built in 1690. Now the cathedral's museum its exhibits beautiful tapestries, sculptures and artefacts from the kings' coronations as well as a large military history section. The "Salle du Tau," once used as a banqueting hall after coronations, is defiantly a must see. The Saint Remi Basilica. The largest Romanesque pilgrimage church in northern France, the Basilica was built as a shrine to Saint Remi in 1049. The Former Jesuits College Museum. The magnificent library, is a masterpiece of the French baroque. Colbert was known to have studied here. There is also a planetarium and Jean Legros's astronomical clock. The Museum of Surrender. The map room in Eisenhower's headquarters, housed in a technical college, was the venue for the signing of the surrender of German troops on 7 May 1945. NOVEMBER the 28th to the 24th DECEMBER. The Christmas Village. During December the Christmas Village made up of small wooden houses are flanked with snowy Christmas trees. The brightly decorated shop windows display all kinds of gifts and Christmas decorations. The Village streets are lively with artists, magicians, jugglers, singers and barrel organs.

DATES FOR THE DIARY 2004

JANUARY. FLEA MARKET. FEBRUARY. THE MONTE-CARLO RALLY. THE HOMES AND WEDDINGS FAIR. MARCH. Champagne Old Cars Motor Show. Nature and Gardens Exhibition. and MARCH. 'Meli'mome'Festival. This is a festival of shows for children and families, with over 200 live performances. The festival includes children's theatre, stories, contemporary dance, music and theatre of objects and opera. MARCH. THE INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION DAY. This festival of television is aiming at the discovery of the best productions from all over the world. Including T. V serials and films, series and sitcoms. It is the meeting place for audio-visual professionals and their audiences.

APRIL. 'EUROPUCES'(European flea market). APRIL. Old Car and Bike Show. MAY. 23rd AMATEUR THEATRE. Gathering dedicated to amateur theatre groups. JUNE. THE INTERNATIONAL JUMPING SHOW. The 'Park Pommery' welcomes the best junior riders (14-18 years) of the official junior circuit. The elite of the young riders (18-21 years) take part in the official international jumping challenge. JUNE. SACRES DU FOLKLORE FESTIVAL. Festival. During 6 days the worlds best folklore troupes take part in the largest festival in the north of France.

THE JOAN OF ARC FESTIVAL. Every year a succession of shows and historical living epics. Visitors can stroll along the wooden houses of the medieval market. Many highlights emphasise this weekend. On Sunday there is the Pageant of the Kings coronations. There are 2000 people dressed in mediaeval costumes escorting Joan of Arc and King Charles the Vll through the streets. JUNE 25th to 8th AUGUST. 'FLANERIES MUSICALES d'ETE DE REIMS.' Every summer the 'SUMMER PROMENADE CONCERTS' offer 100 concerts, (most of them with free entrance). Performances can be found in the suburbs, cafes, parks and gardens as well as the most prestigious venues such as the cathedral, the St Remi Basilica and the cloisters. The repertoire ranges from classical to jazz, with 2 concerts per day. Renown artists like Mstislav Rostropovich, Montserrat Caballe, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wilhelmenia Fernandez, the Ysaye Quartet, Henri Dutilleux, Michel Porter, Marielle Nordmann have made the summer concerts a must, not to be missed.

JUNE 28th to 4 OCTOBER. 'MUSIC AND LIGHT SHOW'. At St Remi-Basillica. UNESCO listed as World Heritage. SEPTEMBER The 19th to the 21st. GRAPE HARVEST INTERNATIONAL RALLY. SEPTEMBER the 20th to the 21st HERITAGE DAYS. OCTOBER the 3rd to 5th 30e ANTIQUES FAIR. OCTOBER the 16th to the 25th 'OBTOC'ROCK'An electric programme combining rock, rap as well as reggae, with groups from the Champagne-Ardenne region, of France as well as international representatives. Free admission

OCTOBER the 26th REIMS MARATHON. The event attracts over 16000 champions and amateurs, running in a semi-marathon (10 km races.) With record breaking runs from all athletes. NOVEMBER the 7th to the 10th THE NATIONAL FAIR OF INDEPENDENT WINE GROWERS. NOVEMBER the 6th to the 26th REIMS JAZZ FESTIVAL. Champagne Pommery is a unique venue in the Champagne region with its NEO-TUDOR architecture. Each year, they welcome the concerts organised by association (djazz51).