French regions and departments
Champagne - Ardennes, Aube, Haute-Marne and the Marne
Champagne
Region of France consists of 4 departments - Ardennes, Aube, Haute-Marne
and the Marne
Weather: Long, wet winters and cool summers mean that the
Champagne region is only just within the climate limits of wine production.
They also mean that carrying a waterproof around is a good idea, the countryside
is always green, and the summers are less fierce than in southern regions.
The Region: Most visitors to Champagne go there because
of the famous fizzy wine. There are hundreds of small vineyards offering
tasters, and many people head for the region to find the right bubbly for
their imminent special occasions, or simply to taste a lot of the tipple.
Champagne wine has been a prized luxury for centuries, but only started
being fizzy at the end of the 17th century, when it was transported in casks
to England. A secondary fermentation caused by the journey made the wine
fizzy, and the English, discovering that the bubbles were a good thing, started
making it sparkling on purpose. Then Dom Pérignon, a blind French
monk, invented a method for bottling the bubbles.
Other than wine, there doesn’t appear to be much else on offer in
the Champagne region, because the wine is the focus for tourist boards and
brochures. However, the region has a long commercial and religious history,
which has resulted in impressive architecture and art. There are numerous
beautiful buildings and churches to discover, and charming towns to see.
Troyes is off the beaten track, and has a medieval timber-framed town centre,
which is well worth a visit, and there are lakes, rivers, canals and forests
to explore in the countryside.
Gastronomy:
The interesting, smokey andouillettes de Troyes (tripe sausages) are not to
everyones’ taste, but other tasty dishes include potée champenoise
(like pot au feu), and meals made with local game. Champagne also produces
delicious cheeses; Cendre de Champagne, Chaource, Ricey Cendre, Chaumont
and Landres. Landres has a dip in it, to fill with champagne or marc.
Looking for French properties for sale in the Champagen region of
France including Ardennes, Aube, Haute-Marne, Marne ?
Or a complete list of Estate agents in France ? Then seach by selecting French
department from our map of France on our database driven sister site: French
properties in Champagne
Dordogne south west France
French Property of the month
Very special French property, built before the 14th century, in a small hamlet
near Cubjac. Approx 2700m2 of land, including a productive vegetable garden,
stone barbecue, stone well (water tank), 2 terraces and a meadow. The garden
is full of charm, with low stone walls here and there, and lots of mature
trees. The house is full of original features, exposed stonework and beams,
and has light, airy rooms.
Location:
This property is in a tiny, stone-built, hill-top hamlet, with spectacular
views over the verdant valley. Brouchaud is 1km away, and has a post office,
and the beautiful village of Cubjac is 6km down the road. Cubjac has a weekly
market, bakers, bars, shops, doctors, a school and various other conveniences.
Périgueux is 20 minutes' drive west.
Accommodation:
2 bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen and lounge, plus plenty of space which could
be converted. See 'special features' for details
Price: € 220000.00 ( £ 150920.00 )
Further information on french
property for sale
or search for french
property on www.estateagentsfrance.com
