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 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 the historical region that became famous precisely because champagne is the first to produce sparkling wine in these places. What part of France is it located in? This is a region located in the north-east of the country. Interesting fact: according to the legislation of the European Union, 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 capital. The boundaries of vineyard cultivation are strictly divided and fixed at the legal level. Shopping centers in the region are cities such as Epernay and Reims.
Champagne (France) is rich not only in its beautiful vineyards and excellent wine. In this region there are a huge number of cultural and historical attractions that have survived to this day since the Middle Ages almost in its original form.
Champagne Attractions: Reims Cathedral
In this region is the famous Reims Cathedral. This basilica is one of the oldest in all of Europe. The temple takes its beginning in the first half of the 13th century. This monumental building fascinates with its extraordinary beauty. The cathedral, made in the Gothic style, was preserved in excellent condition, not only thanks to the high-quality work of the masters, the talent of architects, but also to a 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 diverse sculptural compositions. Here you can see the figures of saints, knights, bishops and artisans. The cathedral is unofficially called the "temple of angels." Currently, the cathedral is operational, according to the schedule, masses are held in it, as well as marriages.
Montmore Castle
In Champagne (France) there are a large number of castles, which in the French manner are called "chateau". The most famous is considered to be the Chateau de Montmore. It was erected in the 15th century, and a century later it was partially rebuilt. However, some historians suggest that the castle was built in the XI century. Indirect evidence of this is the ramparts and ditches surrounding Montmore. However, this version does not have more substantial evidence.
On the sides of the castle were built two observation towers, which were equipped with guns. The chateau itself is surrounded by a beautiful park, which is crowned by a three-arch bridge and a majestic Renaissance mansion. The whole ensemble is a historical and architectural landmark of the Champagne region (France).
Park "East Forest"
This natural park is located in Amanca, in one of the areas of Champagne. "East Forest" is a resting place with a large width, in the territory of which there are three lakes. Today this park is one of the five best nature reserves in the country. The eastern lake was created artificially in order to save the local population from the annual floods that occurred in these places every spring.
On Amans Lake, the entertainment infrastructure related to water sports and recreation is well developed. And Temple Lake all year round attracts lovers of a relaxing holiday, fishing and nature lovers. In the "Eastern Forest", every tourist will find what is close to him.
The capital of champagne wines
Among the many 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. There are several famous houses of champagne wines.
This city attracts, first of all, connoisseurs of noble wine, however, besides this, the local places are rich in architectural sights. So, for example, here is located Avenue de Champagne, which is built up with magnificent buildings of the XVIII-XIX 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 related to champagne, because it was thanks to it that it began to develop rapidly. The connection with the sparkling drink is manifested here not only in the name of the streets, but also in architecture. It is customary to see a wine theme on the bas-relief of coats of arms of Champagne Houses. Suddenly, this is in 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 peculiar basis not only of the city, but also of the mentality of local residents.
Conclusion
Of course, the province of Champagne (France) is the birthplace of excellent sparkling wines that are known throughout 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 come all year round to various areas of Champagne to see these amazing places. Every traveler finds something of their own here. Someone is interested in how viticulture and winemaking developed, another finds here beautiful old castles and magnificent Gothic cathedrals.
One thing can be said for sure that once having visited these extraordinary places, one would want to come here many more times.