Chic Champagne Route short-stay gite plus e-bikes or dinner

With this chic and tranquil cottage so close to France’s famous Champagne Route, it really is hard to imagine a better location than “La Petite Châtelaine". Where peaceful vineyards and villages provide a feast for the eyes, so too do independent wine cellars pack a punch on the tastebuds, and there’s so much more to explore besides… a chance to experience the mysterious beauty spot ‘Hottée du Diable’ with its unusual rock formations; Château-Thierry just 30 minutes’ away with its ramparts and majestic views over the River Marne; fairytale feels at Septmonts’ medieval keep; the eye-popping Château de Fère as if lifted from the Loire; and an absolute must for wordsmiths – the newly opened, cutting-edge and playful ‘Cité Internationale de la Langue Française’ French language museum. For guests staying two nights or more at the cottage, two e-bikes are also at your disposal – perfect for a wind-in-your-hair freewheeling adventure in the great outdoors. Or if you’d rather take it easy (and who could blame you?), hiring an electric boat from La Capitainerie in Chateau-Thierry could be just the ticket – a wonderful way to while away an afternoon on the Marne.

Back at the cottage – or gite as we say in France – is your opportunity to put your feet up in a charming ‘Belle Epoque’ interior. Standout features include the metallic spiral staircase recalling the world of the famous sculptor Camille Claudel and her brother Paul who lived in this area. Guests also love the claw-foot bathtub for a moment of indulgent relaxation and there’s a lovely view from the bedroom across the flower garden and countryside. Let’s not forget the woodburner for an injection of cosy vibes in the evening.

And don’t let the well-equipped kitchen put you under any pressure to cook! You can make the most of the chance to dine-in on a feast of delicious local specialities – if melon in champagne liqueur, snails in a pastry shell, or local Soissons chocs could tempt your tastebuds. If you’d rather head out to eat, simply ask your host for recommendations, "L'Ouvrée" restaurant in Château-Thierry among the favourite foodie addresses.