A Weekend in Champagne, France

The region that gave its name to the bubbly wine is a fantastic part of France to explore. Only an hour from Paris, Champagne has lip-smacking wine trails that weave through picturesque countryside and villages, and best of all, dozens of tipples to sample - from the palatial home of Moët & Chandon to friendly family outfits operating out of little more than a shed.

Headline attraction

Most of the famous producers (such as Moët & Chandon, Mumm and Veuve Cliquot) offer English-language tours, which are a delicious way to learn about the famous drink and glug a bit of their product after wants. While some tours need to be booked in advance, for most you just turn up and start sipping. These underground cellars are a constant chilly 10-12C (make sure you take a jumper) and can stretch for kilometre and hold literally millions of bottles of buddy.

Best of the rest

The Champagne region has four well-marked trails that weave their way through mile after mile of vineyards, rolling countryside and charming villages that all look so authentically French you'll think they're straight off a film set. Driving along the route is a great way to get a feel for the region. There are dozens of champagne houses along the way - visitors are welcome to drop in for a free tasting.

Starting out 

The regional capital, Reims, is a great base for exploring the area and an interesting city in its own right. The Notre-Dame de reims - the cathedral where kings of France were once crowned - is impressive, and there are many historical monuments, castles, palaces and, of course, some fine champagne houses (try Taittinger and Pommery). Also, worth a look is the Museum of the Surrender (Salle de Reddition), the site where the Germans surrendered to end World War II.

Get the camera out

It is fluctuating temperatures, the unique subsoil or divine providence that makes Champagne's 'terroir' (the geographical conditions) so special? To find out, visit the Musee de la Vigne, housed in a lighthouse, which was built as a promotional gimmick in 1909. The gardens offer great panoramic views over the surrounding vineyards.

A bit of history 

Perched atop vine-covered slopes, Hautvillers is a pretty village known as the birthplace of Champagne for its connection with Dom Perignon, the 17th century monk whose discoveries shaped the methods of production still used today.