Sparkling, effervescent or even gourmet, there is no shortage of adjectives to describe Champagne. Whether you are a lover of history and bubbles or simply a fervent follower of the concept of Art de Vivre, the Petit Futé reveals the treasures of this beautiful historical and wine-producing destination. Here are 5 good reasons to visit Champagne. Follow the guide!
An exceptional cultural heritage listed by UNESCO
Reims, the City of Art and History, has won a fine list of honours with its quartet of Unesco World Heritage Sites. First in 1991 with the Notre-Dame-de-Reims Cathedral, the Palais du Tau and theSaint-Remi Abbey, a breathtaking architectural trilogy; then in 2015 with the inscription of the Champagne landscapes. As soon as you step on the pavement, you will not be able to escape the majestic Notre-Dame-de-Reims cathedral. Iconic, vibrant and majestic in its Gothic style, this 800-year-old building will amaze you with its fabulous bestiary, its gargoyles and its many stained glass windows created by the painter Marc Chagall, among others. Despite the bombings during the First World War, La Belle has never lost any of its former glory. Just a few metres away, you will discover the Palais du Tau, whose origins date back to the5th century. For the record, the monument owes its name to its T shape, tau in Greek. Remodeled several times throughout history, the Palace is best known for having been the former residence of the Archbishop of Reims and the place where the Kings of France stayed. From the Feast Room to the Treasury Rooms, the sculptures, tapestries, ornaments, costumes and gold and silverware are an unparalleled treasure to discover... As for the Abbey of Saint-Remi (composed of the Basilica of Saint-Remi and its museum), it houses a nave, a crown of light and an organ that are truly worth a visit. In 2015, after more than ten years of waiting, the consecration is at its peak with the inscription "Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne". A pride and a historical recognition for the territory, which thus becomes world famous thanks to its exceptional wine landscapes. Three emblematic sites are to be discovered: the prestigious "Avenue de Champagne" in Épernay, a mecca for wine tourism thanks to its great names and its 100 km of underground cellars; the Saint-Nicaise hill in Reims and the historic hillsides of Hautvillers and Cumières in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. The latter are among the oldest vineyards in the Champagne region
A gourmet destination
In the narrow streets of the department, in the town squares or in the small Champagne villages, the sin of greed is everywhere, because the Champagne region cultivates the Art of Living and above all the Good Life. On the menu, local products, starred restaurants, Champagne bars, but also small atypical places. There is something for every taste and every desire. Here's a quick overview..
The famous pink biscuit of Reims is certainly THE culinary specialty of Reims. Invented around 1690, to avoid the waste of dough left in the bakers' ovens, this delicacy is a delight that you can enjoy with a flute of Champagne or a glass of Ratafia de Champagne. The Maison Fossier, located a stone's throw from the cathedral, is one of the last biscuit factories to make it and some master bakers have even made it their speciality. For the sweetest palates, the "Bouchons de Champagne" flavoured with fine Marne wine, the croquignoles, tiny crunchy biscuits, pink or pale yellow, round or long, and the nonnettes, gingerbread and honey based cakes, with a melting heart of orange or mirabelle marmalade, are delights to be discovered as a dessert or at tea time. For gourmets and lovers of local products, you should know that the Marne is also full of delicious recipes and other products, such as mustard and vinegar, which will enhance your dishes. For example, try the Rethel white pudding with its old-fashioned Reims mustard, a dish to be enjoyed with a glass of red Bouzy wine that will delight your taste buds
A territory in the wings of History
The Marne region has been greatly impacted by History, through all periods of History. Often destroyed, but never down, the department, like the legendary bird, has always been able to rise from its ashes. In Reims, for example, Gallo-Roman remains, such as the cryptoporticus (Place du Forum) or the Porte de Mars, proudly stand alongside medieval monuments and the Art Deco movement, offering the city an exceptionally rich and diverse heritage. A martyred land of the First World War, the Marne was also one of the strategic places marked by the intensity of Franco-German fighting. If you are particularly interested in the history of the Great War, go to Massiges (located in Argonne in the east of the department) or to Fort de la Pompelle in Reims. Emotions guaranteed...
A dynamic department
Adorned in its finest finery, the department comes alive all year round. A dynamic cultural scene thanks to its unmissable events. In Reims, every year, for a weekend, "Les Fêtes Johanniques" brings to life the arrival of Joan the Maid or the coronation of Charles VII through numerous events in a medieval atmosphere. In the summer, the area makes tourists and inhabitants dance thanks to a very nice musical program with local and international artists. In winter, the Marne hosts a few events not to be missed. Finally, as the end-of-year festivities approach, the Christmas Market dazzles the city of Reims for several weeks. You can also visit the Châlons market to fill your baskets with local produce and artisanal gifts
Treat yourself to a glass of champagne
It is impossible for visitors to leave the Champagne region without experiencing the wine of Kings, the yellow gold of Champagne. A wine of celebration, a wine of pleasure, here all occasions are good to enjoy a bottle of Champagne, because by day and by night, the region is lived, seen and drunk! Since "there is only Champagne in Champagne", this famous saying invites you to discover the origins of this wine and its ancestral know-how, transmitted from generation to generation. Some of the great Houses offer you different "visit & tasting" tours, such as G.H Mumm and its famous "cordon rouge", Taittinger and its "Champagnes d'âmes", Pommery and its exceptional natural chalk pits or Mercier and its new tour. Also very famous is the famous "Champagne Tourist Route" which will take you through the vineyards and hillsides. Entirely signposted with its discovery circuits and its 400 km, this route will allow you to meet winegrowers who will open the doors of their estates to you. On the programme, a visit to the vineyard, explanations on the wine-making process, a tour of the vats and cellars and of course a tasting of the range, the welcome is more than warm, especially if you let them know you are coming. For years, the development of wine tourism has been flourishing in the department. So don't hesitate to push open the doors!
Useful information
When to visit? The department can be experienced and discovered throughout the year. In September, the grape harvest is an experience to be had for lovers of bubbles. It is also ideal for a long weekend in June, July and of course in December for the magic of the Christmas markets. For those who love peace and quiet, the Marne is the place for you in August
Getting there. By plane, the department is located at 1h30 by car from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (via the A4). Otherwise, it can be reached by car (A4, A26, A34), by bus or by train (Reims Ville, Champagne Ardenne TGV, Châlons-en-Champagne or Vitry-le-François stations)
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