The scenery
• From the chalk plains of the champagne region to the hills of the Ardennes, from the northernmost vineyard in France to the quietly meandering river Meuse, from the ponds in the
forêt d'Orient (near Troyes) to the mysterious twisted trees in the
"montagne" de Reims, this region is full of unsuspected scenery, with many surprises, including the "Faux de Verzy", beech trees with a curiously twisted shape, a twist of nature you might say, which attract a great many walkers.
Gastronomy and local produce
• Reims, the city where the kings of France were crowned, is of course the capital of
Champagne, that wonderful wine with its unique identity, which stands out not only for its production method but also for the organisation of the industry, where the dealer (or champagne house) rather than the wine-grower develops the actual product. An escapade in the other towns in the vineyard will teach you many of the secrets in champagne production: there are vintage champagnes, and then the "blancs de blanc" made with only white grapes, but also "blancs de noir" made from black grapes such as Pinot. But you can also enjoy a quite different beverage, sweeter and less prestigious, but just as convivial and very characteristic: Ratafia, made from grape must and marc!
Hiking • Hiking tours are numerous, especially along the GR 645, which crosses the Champagne region from north to south, connecting Signy-l'Abbaye to Vitry le François, between the Meuse and the Marne (and then continues into the Aube and eventually reaches Vézelay). In the forêt d'Orient (in the Aube department), the hiking trails also wind around huge reservoirs and ponds, where you can explore different themes: on the tracks of the Salamander (a type of lizard) or rural heritage. Other walks are possible around Sainte-Ménéhould, in the
Pays d'Argonne.
Cyclotourism
• If you want to take to the saddle, the
Trans-Ardennes green route is very attractive, following the valley of the Meuse, over 85 km, between Givet and Charleville-Mézières (an hour and three quarters from Paris by high speed train). This city with its glorious past is the birthplace of the poet Rimbaud, and was also a great ducal seat, as you can see by its historic square, worthy of the Place des Vosges in Paris. You can tour it in a little train, and the same tour on a bike will soon extend as far as Sedan.
River navigation
• If you want to take to the water, the Canal de la Marne au Rhin is full of possibilities and the huge Der-Chantecoq
artificial lake has become a superb site for water sports, and a paradise for migratory birds! There is no doubt about it, this region also has a sparkling environment!