Many of us, thanks to sparkling wine, have heard of a region like Champagne (France). But it has a very rich and interesting history, not only because of winemaking. About in which part of France Champagne is located, about the features and unusual facts associated with these places, will be described in this essay.
General information
Champagne is a historical area that became famous precisely because in these places they first began to produce sparkling wine - champagne. What part of France is it in? This is a region located in the northeast of the country. An interesting fact: according to EU law, the name "champagne" is assigned to sparkling wines that are produced exclusively in the French region of the same name.
The Champagne region (France) is located 160 km east of the country's capital. The boundaries of vineyard cultivation are strictly separated and fixed at the legal level. The commercial centers of the region are cities such as Epernay and Reims.
Champagne (France)rich not only in its beautiful vineyards and excellent wine. This region has a huge number of cultural and historical attractions that have survived to the present day since the Middle Ages almost in their original form.
Champagne Attractions: Reims Cathedral
The famous Reims Cathedral is located in this region. This basilica is one of the oldest in all of Europe. The temple originates in the first half of the 13th century. This monumental building captivates with its extraordinary beauty. The cathedral, made in the Gothic style, has been preserved in excellent condition, not only thanks to the high-quality work of the craftsmen, the talent of architects, but also to the well-chosen place for construction and materials.
In the western part of the cathedral, two towers were erected, which reach a height of 80 meters and are the highest in the Champagne region (France). The basilica is decorated with numerous various sculptural compositions. Here you can see the figures of saints, knights, bishops and artisans. The cathedral bears the unspoken name "Temple of the Angels". Currently, the cathedral is active, according to the schedule, masses are held in it, and marriages are also performed.
Montmort Castle
In Champagne (France) there are a large number of castles, which are called "château" in the French manner. The most famous is considered to be the Chateau de Montmort. It was erected in the 15th century, and a century later it was partially rebuilt. However, some historians saythe assumption that the castle was built in the XI century. Indirect evidence of this are the ramparts and ditches surrounding Montmore. However, this version has no more significant evidence.
On the sides of the castle were erected two observation towers, which were equipped with cannons. The chateau itself is surrounded by a beautiful park, which is crowned by a three-arched bridge and a majestic Renaissance mansion. The whole ensemble is a historical and architectural landmark of the Champagne region (France).
East Forest Park
This natural park is located in Amance, in one of the Champagne districts. The "Eastern Forest" is a recreation area with a large width, on the territory of which there are three lakes. Today, this park is one of the five best natural reserves in the country. East Lake was created artificially in order to save the local population from the annual floods that happened in these places every spring.
Amans Lake has a well-developed entertainment infrastructure related to water sports and recreation. Temple Lake attracts all year round connoisseurs of a relaxing holiday, lovers of fishing and nature. In the "Eastern Forest" every tourist will find something that is close to him.
Champagne Capital
Among the numerous vineyards and hills is the city of Epernay. This is a small town, it is the capital of sparkling wines, not only Champagne (France), but the whole world. Here are some of the most famous houses of champagne.
This city attracts, first of all, connoisseurs of noble wine, however, in addition, these places are rich in architectural sights. So, for example, Avenue de Champagne is located here, which is built up with magnificent buildings of the 18th-19th centuries. An interesting fact is that Winston Churchill, having been here, called this street the most drinking in the world.
The history of the city is directly connected with champagne, because it is thanks to him that he began to develop rapidly. The connection with the sparkling drink here is manifested not only in the names of the streets, but also in the architecture. It is customary to see a wine theme on the bas-relief of the coats of arms of Champagne Houses. Unexpectedly, this is on the stained-glass windows of the Basilica of Our Lady, but, being in Epernay, a person gradually gets used to the fact that sparkling wine is a kind of basis not only for the city, but also for the mentality of the locals.
Conclusion
Certainly, the province of Champagne (France) is the birthplace of excellent sparkling wines, which are known all over the world. But in reality this is not entirely true. Once in this region and getting acquainted with its history, culture, architecture and people, the traveler begins to realize how rich this region is.
Thousands of tourists all year round come to various areas of Champagne to see these amazing places. Every traveler finds something different here. Someone is interested in how viticulture and winemaking developed, another finds here beautiful old castles and magnificent Gothic cathedrals.
One thing is certain,that once you have visited these extraordinary places, you will want to come here many more times.
