France Attractions Champagne-Ardenne

Country Name: French Republic

Capital City: Paris

Population: 60,876,136 (2006)

Population Growth: 0.35% (2006)

Currency: euro (EUR)

Languages: French

Area: 547,030 sq km

Inflation Rate: 1.5% (2006 est.)

Unemployment Rate: 8.7% (December 2006)

Domain extension: .fr

FRANCE ATTRACTIONS BY PROVINCE

Champagne-Ardenne -Champagne-Ardenne Region is in the northeast of France, bordering Belgium. It consists of four d?partements: Aube, Ardennes, Haute-Marne, and Marne. Its rivers, all of which flow west, include the Seine, the Marne, and the Aisne. Visitors often go to Champagne because of its history and its world-famous wine. However, their itineraries diverge when they discover the region's cultural heritage and its cuisine: some visit Troyes and its ancient houses, others visit Langres and its walls, and still others visit ?pernay, Reims, or Colombey-les-deux-?glises.

Champagne-Ardenne Main Attraction province

Reims is well known for its cathedral, where the kings of France used to be crowned. The oldest monument in Reims is the Porte de Mars , a triumphal arch 108 ft. in length by 43 in height, consisting of three archways flanked by columns. To other sighseeings belong: Palace of Tau, Saint Remi of Reims Basilica, Forts, The Church of St Jacques and The old College of the Jesuits. (Photo: Author: Yann Grossel License: GNUfdl)

Champagne (beverage): Wines from the Champagne region were already known before medieval times. Churches owned vineyards, and monks produced wine for use in the sacrament of Eucharist. French kings were traditionally anointed in Reims. Champagne wine flowed as part of coronation festivities.Somewhere in the end of the 17th century, the sparkling method was imported in the Champagne region, associated with specific procedures for production (smooth pressing, dosage...), and stronger bottles (invented in England) that could hold the added pressure. Around 1700, sparkling champagne was born.