The so-called "sacred triangle of champagne," linking Epernay, Reims and Châlons-sur-Marne, is like a magnet for wine lovers. Here, the experience of drinking fine champagne is enhanced by gourmet meals of stuffed trout, Ardennes ham and the famous sausages called andouillettes.
The sign-posted route touristique du champagne wends its way through vineyards towards endless cereal plains stretching southwards to the "lake district," an area of oak forests, water meadows and streams.
On the border between France and Belgium lies the Ardennes, named after the Celtic word for deep forest.
This wild border land of dramatic valleys, deciduous forests and hills is cut by the meanderings of the River Meuse.
Border fortifications include the vast citadel of Sedan and the star-shaped bastion of Rocroi, as well as the Maginot Line outposts built before World War II.
The Ardennes may offer appealing countryside but Champagne is culturally superior, with impressive towns that have paintstakingly restored historic centres.
It has some striking churches, from the Gothic majesty of Reims cathedral to the rustic charm of its typical wooden champenois churches.
These feature vivid stained-glass windows by the famous School of Troyes, whose subtle craftmanship seems to typify the appeal of this quiet region.