Champagne Ardenne Tourism Attractions
- Champagne Ardenne is a little-known destination for French population as well as foreign people, but has however lots to offer.
- The visitors appreciate the region and each of its departments: Aube,Ardennes, Marne and Haute-Marne thanks to many attractions adaptedt to anyone's tastes, desire and season.
- Even if Champagne Ardenne is worldwide famous for Champagne wines, it has much more to offer like activities in the mountains or in the surrounding woods; and for those interested on sporting activities, on relaxing activies and all kind of amusement, there are many parks, zoos, gardens, lakes...
- Enjoyable festivals also take place through Champagne Ardenne all year round for the pleasure of everyone.
| Champagne Ardenne Sporting activities | |
|---|---|
| Water sports | The three big artificial lakes in the Forêt d'Orient , located at the East of Troyes, were fit out to welcome water sports lovers : The Eastern Lake is dedicated to sailing, windsurfing, fishing and bathing. Admission is free. Temple lake (1800 ha) is the most wild lake in the way it was fit out. It is foremost a fishing place. Amance Lake (500 ha) is dedicated to nautical sports as boat races, water skiing, seadoos,… Der Chantecoq artificial lake, located between Marne and Haute-Marne départements, is the biggest artificial lake in Europe (4 800 ha). Windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rafting, fishing and bathing can be done there. There are plenty of other lakes in the region as well. |
| Aerial sports | Flights in helicopter or in a hot air balloon over the forests. And why not enjoy a glass of Champagne during your flight over Champagne Ardenne? |
| Land sports | Mountain biking, walking, excursions and hiking, tree climbing. You can also do skiing during winter, in Belgium that is really close. Excellent region of France for golf facilities with 8 courses. You can even tee off from one of the last remaining small forts along the Maginot Line! |
| Relaxation | Bourbonne-les-Bains is the only spa resort in Champagne-Ardenne. The thermal water contains rare gases and numerous minerals. The water helps regulate blood circulation and ease pain, for people suffering from rheumatism, arthritis or respiratory disorders. The waters come from rainwater which filters down into the ground to a depth of about 1,700 to 2,000 metres. It takes 32 to 40 years before the water has permeated through all the different strata. |
| Champagne Ardenne Parks and Attractions | |
| Aquariums and Zoos | Saint-Laurent Animals park (45 ha): wild boars, deers, birds, bucks and bighorn sheeps can be observed. A number of farms also open their doors to visitors to enjoy local produce. |
| Amusement Park | Parc Aventure: this theme park allows you to climb through trees and branches. Supervisors keep an eye on you for your safety. Nigloland is also a definite must – a family theme park with many activities for children. |
| Parks and Gardens | +20 parks and gardens with hundreds of flowers varieties: Aube: jardin de la rose margot Marne: jardin botanique de Marnay sur Seine, le tulipier, le jardin bourbacane, jardin de l'hôtel de ville, arboretum de Montmorency, jardins du Château du Pailly Haute-Marne: jardin de la famille Japiot, les jardins de mon moulin |
| Champagne-Ardennes Festivals and Events | |
| Local events | Children acting festival : movies with only children acting, in Charleville-Mézières. Champagne Ardenne festival in Troyes : during a week, an artist is honoured with concerts given at night in different places in Troyes. Many different styles are represented : lyric art, rock music, theatre, comedian on stage, etc.. Furies festival in Châlons-en-Champagne : during 8 days, circus and theatres shows take place in the streets, in June. Many other festivals, photos, graphic arts, theatre, urban arts,… |
| Champagne Ardenne Towns and villages of interest | |
| Marne | Epernay: Famous street called the Avenue de Champagne with many shops of leading Champagne manufacturers. Close to Epernay: Château de Pierry, Château de Montmort, Château de Condé. Reims: City of Champagne and coronations, four UNESCO World Heritage sites - Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral, Saint Rémi basilica, the Palais du Tau+ Champagne cellars to visit. |
| Aube | Troyes: Half-timbered houses and textile industry – hosiery museum. |
| Ardennes | Charleville-Mézières : the Ducal palace, and its museum dedicated to poet Arthur Rimbaud. The Meuse valley. |
| Haute-Marne | Chaumont: Walks on fortifications (16th century). Town center with many interesting buildings dating back to Napoléon III reign, ancient Jesuit chapels. Langres: ancient buildings like Tour Navarre, Tour du Petit Sault, visit of Saint Mammès cathedral. Walks on ancient fortifications. |
| "Villes et Villages Fleuris" | In 2006, 308 communes throughout Champagne Ardenne were awarded the “Villes et Villages Fleuris” label. Thus the region is ranked first in France for its flower arrangings in towns and cities. Of these communes, 13 are classified with “4 fleurs”, and 3 have won a “Grand Prix”. |
| Useful contacts | |
| Tourism Information | www.champagne-ardenne-tourism.co.uk |
