Discover the home of champagne and explore a region that features endless vineyards, stunning medieval architecture and unspoilt scenery. Holiday cottages in Champagne-Ardenne offer guests the opportunity to explore this fascinating region which borders Belgium and is just 90 miles east of Paris.
“Champagne” translates into English as countryside and the regions name references the destination’s stunning landscape of forests, lakes, rivers and canals. There are many nature reserves and parks including the Forêt d’Orient Natural Park which features an eco-museum. Various activities such as wind surfing, fishing and hiking can be enjoyed in the park. Caves are a famous natural attraction near many holiday cottages in Champagne-Ardenne. They can be found underneath many cities and towns in the region, with the most well known in Reims, Epernay, Aÿ and Châlons-en-Champagne.
There are many walking and cycling routes available from many of the holiday cottages in Champagne-Ardenne. Other pastimes include visiting some of the famous sights of the region which include the breathtaking Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the palace of Tau in Remis and the former abbey of Saint-Remi. One of the region’s most well-known landmarks is the epic Sedan fortress, which is the largest structure of its kind in Europe. The fortress covers 35, 000 square meters over 7 floors, providing a gift shop and guided tours.
Champagne-Ardenne is home to many spectacular cities and towns that are rich in history and culture. The striking city of Troyes is the historic capital of Champagne and was uniquely built in the shape of a champagne cork. Another must-see if your holiday cottage in Champagne-Ardenne is near this one-of-a-kind city is the St-Urbain basilica – a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece.
Walking the streets of the city you will see charming restored sixteenth century half-timbered houses: the Maison du Boulanger, the Tourelle de l'Orfèvre as well as magnificent churches including the Sainte-Madeleine church which has a sculpted stone partition.
During your stay in a holiday cottage in Champagne-Ardenne you will no doubt have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s famous champagne. The wine is produced from three grape varieties which are grown exclusively in the region - Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay.
The vineyards are grown near chalky hills, so they derive an inimitable taste. Choose from the many locally produced white or pink (which is made from white grapes mixed with red) champagnes and be sure to accompany your fine drink with some of the regions specialties. There are many delicious sweets like biscuits roses (pink biscuits), Croquignoles (cracknels), coconut macaroons, Bouchons de champagne (chocolate champagne corks). There are also many savoury delicacies including local cheeses (Chaource and Langres) and more adventurous French dishes including Pied de cochon (pigs trotters). Most holiday cottages in Champagne-Ardenne are self-catering or bed and breakfast so you will have the option of cooking for your own party or eating at the many restaurants and cafes in the region. In most locations there are local food markets which you will be able to find out about from the local tourist office.
The weather in this north-western region of France changes seasonally with warm summers and cooler winters. The general weather is similar to that of southern England making holiday cottages in Champagne-Ardennes appealing year-round.