A grape escape -1 | Northern France Secrets

Read the article

Blessed with the ideal conditions for cultivating vines and ripening grapes for champagne, the famous region is an unrivalled spot for a weekend escape in the heart of the French countryside. Like something from a story-book.

Fertile vineyards and winding waterways dotted by picture-postcard villages, half-timbered medieval churches and castles like something from a story-book: Champagne is a place to enjoy at your own pace – just as you would a coupe of the famous fizzy wine. You’ll find it almost impossible to believe you’re just a few minutes off the Autoroute de l’Est and 80 minutes from Paris…

Visit the intimate, family run Champagne caves.

Gain an understanding of wine production by touring the prestigious Champagne Pannier in Château-Thierry, with its cellars in medieval stone quarries, or head for one of the smaller family-run farms dotting the undulating countryside that surrounds Château-Thierry such as The Champagne Meteyer.

Part of the joy of the discovering this region lies in simply happening upon champagne producers along the idyllic tree-lined lanes (though the signposted Route Touristique de Champagne will help you pinpoint them).

Alternatively, locals recommend heading to Château-Thierry’s hilltop American Monument commemorating US-French collaboration in World War I – one of the best places for views over the terraced vineyards and access to blissful walks through the vines and surrounding woods. In spring you’ll see the vines as they unfurl their first leaves and buds. Even leisurely country strolls or bike rides work up an appetite – one to satisfy with excellent regional cuisine, accompanied by local champagne, in restaurants such as the Moulin Babet in an old watermill in Mezy-Moulins, and the Château de Fère, a five-star hotel with a ruined 13th-century castle as its backdrop and access to glorious woodland walks.

Pratical Information

local expert Christelle

Share

Visit the intimate, family run Champagne caves.