Champagne at a Glance
The Champagne region of northeastern France is recognized as home to the finest
bubbly in the world - but all sparkling wines are not champagne - only bottles
produced from this region's grapes qualify for the title. Avenue de Champagne
in Epernay
finds such swanky champagne firms as Moet
and Chandon (the producers of Dom Perignon), and both offer tours and tastings.
Next on the list of essential experiences is, Troyes,
where an abundance of 16th century churches, museums and mansions await. Just
outside of town one can satiate an appetite for shopping at one of many designer
factory outlets, or conversely congregate with windsurfers, swimmers and lovers
of the outdoors at Foret
d'Orient Regional Nature Park.
The region's capital of Reims
houses the High Gothic masterpiece, Reims
Cathedral, the coronation site of 24 kings of France, including Charles
VII in 1429 in the presence of Joan of Arc. Or, try Charleville-Mezieres
in the deep forests and valleys of the French
Ardennes for fewer crowds but no less atmosphere.
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