Discover the Champagne Region: A Guide to Its Top Attractions

The Champagne region of France is a picturesque landscape filled with vineyards, historic towns, and cultural landmarks. It's a place where the legacy of the Counts of Champagne and medieval trade has left a rich heritage, including six cities recognized as Villes d'Art et Histoire and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Notable French figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles de Gaulle also have ties to the region.

1. Reims

Reims is renowned for its 13th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, a coronation site for French kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a designated Ville d'Art et Histoire, featuring the Palais du Tau museum and the Musée Saint-Remi. Visitors can also see the Porte de Mars, a Roman triumphal arch. Reims is easily accessible from Paris by high-speed train.

2. Troyes

Troyes, the historic capital of Champagne, is known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses and the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul. The city's museums, including the Musée Saint-Loup and the Musée d'Art Moderne, showcase European art from various periods.

3. Châlons-en-Champagne

Châlons-en-Champagne, a Ville d'Art et Histoire, is home to historic churches like the Collégiale Notre-Dame-en-Vaux and the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne. The city's museums offer insights into its cultural heritage.

4. Langres

Langres is a walled medieval town with impressive fortifications and historic architecture. The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Langres houses notable artworks, and the town is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

5. Sedan

Sedan features the largest fortified medieval castle in Europe, the Château Fort de Sedan. The castle is open to visitors and hosts cultural events like a Medieval Festival and a Chivalry Tournament.

6. Mémorial Charles de Gaulle in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises

The Mémorial Charles de Gaulle honors the French statesman and features the Croix de Lorraine. Visitors can also explore de Gaulle's home, La Boisserie, and his gravesite.

7. Chaumont

Chaumont, once the residence of the Counts of Champagne, now houses the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire de Chaumont. The town is known for its historic basilica, chapels, and Renaissance houses.

8. Charleville-Mézières

Charleville-Mézières, a Ville d'Art et Histoire, has a rich cultural heritage and hosts the world's largest puppet theater festival. The Musée de l'Ardenne and the Musée Arthur Rimbaud are key attractions.

9. Château la Motte Tilly

The Château de la Motte Tilly is a Neoclassical estate with a Remarkable Garden and an Orangery. It's open for tours and picnics.

10. Abbaye d'Auberive

The Abbaye d'Auberive, with its Conservatoire de la Pomme and Centre d'Art Contemporain, offers a blend of history, nature, and art.

11. Château de Cirey

The Château de Cirey, where Voltaire once lived, is a Historic Monument with a Petit Théâtre and a park open to the public.

12. Hierges

Hierges is a picturesque medieval village with a castle and the Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste, known for its Renaissance stained-glass windows.

13. Abbaye de Clairvaux

The Abbaye de Clairvaux is a serene retreat with a history dating back over eight centuries, offering guided tours and cultural events.

14. Musée de Napoleon in Brienne-le-Château

The Musée de Napoleon in Brienne-le-Château showcases memorabilia from Napoleon's school years and the French Campaign of 1814.

15. Château du Grand Jardin

The Château du Grand Jardin is a Renaissance castle with formal gardens and cultural events, including thematic garden tours.

16. Château de Reynel

The Château de Reynel is a medieval castle with elegant interiors and picturesque grounds, offering guided tours and panoramic views.

17. Beaulieu-en-Argonne

Beaulieu-en-Argonne is a scenic village known for its flowering displays and panoramic views of the Argonne Forest.

18. Château de Chacenay

The Château de Chacenay is a medieval castle with a Manuscripts Museum and gardens, including a 12th-century chapel.

19. Saint-Amand-sur-Fion

Saint-Amand-sur-Fion features medieval architecture and the Eglise Saint-Amand, a Romanesque church with Gothic elements.

20. Château de Montaubois

The Château de Montaubois is a hotel set in a French castle with 18th-century decor, offering guided tours and a restored Baroque chapel.