Champagne-Ardenne: Chalk Landscapes and Champagne Culture

Chalk Landscapes and Champagne Culture

Discover Champagne-Ardenne through its chalk landscapes and Champagne culture. The slopes, houses and cellars of the Champagne region form an agro-industrial landscape on soft chalk soil. Vineyards provide the basis for production; villages and towns bring production and trade together. Landscape, settlement patterns and economic use are thus interconnected. For your trip, it is worth looking beyond the vineyards alone: architecture and underground spaces also show how closely the chalk soil is connected to Champagne production.

Chalk Beneath the Surface

The chalk bedrock is connected to the vineyards, is easy to excavate, and is reflected in local architecture. Former Gallo-Roman and medieval chalk quarries near Reims, as well as caves created in Épernay and on the slopes, form an extraordinary underground landscape. Beneath Saint-Nicaise Hill in Reims lies a network of caves and tunnels in medieval chalk quarries. In Épernay, more than two million bottles are stored in cellars beneath Avenue de Champagne.

Vineyards and Special Places

Champagne production brings together functional urban planning, prestigious architecture and underground heritage. Wine has been exported continuously for at least four centuries from the historic hillsides near Hautvillers, Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Hautvillers is considered the birthplace of Champagne and is closely associated with Dom Pérignon. At the end of summer, wine estates offer insights into winemaking while the grapes are being harvested by hand. In Aÿ, Pressoria offers an immersive sensory experience.

Architectural Heritage and Remembrance

The cultural attractions extend beyond winegrowing. Châlons-en-Champagne offers heritage sites such as the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, Château du Marché and stone bridges. The Marne Battles Memorial in Dormans includes an ossuary where the remains of around a thousand soldiers rest. The Village Musée du Der preserves the history of the residents, villages and local heritage from before the lake was filled.

Landscape, Routes and Rail

The landscape shifts between forests, vineyards and plains, as well as villages, towns, lakes and rivers. Five signposted tourist circuits cover more than 600 kilometres in total. Individual routes may change, so check the relevant route before planning your trip. The tourist route through the Marne Valley runs from Épernay in the east to beyond Château-Thierry in the west. The Bulles railway line offers a different way to explore: it connects Reims and Épernay through the Montagne de Reims, stopping at villages along the way. Check the timetable and stops before travelling.

Regional Treats and Choosing a Hotel

Regional treats include pink biscuits from Reims, traditionally eaten with Champagne or dipped in Bouzy wine. Chocolate corks are filled with Fine Champagne liqueur. When considering a specific offer, check that its location suits the places and plans you have chosen.

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For the overview of destinations: France.