Champagne Ardennes Description and Information

Champagne-Ardennes Départements

• Ardennes (08)
• Aube (10)
• Haute-Marne (52)
• Marne (51)

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Champagne-Ardennes, little-known but charming region

Outstanding Landscapes

Champagne-Ardennes borders Ile-de-France in the south-west, the industrial areas of Lorraine in the east, and Belgium in the north. Its name comes from the Romans who called it Campania, meaning literally "Land of the Plains". Today in these plains, mostly to the south of the region, vast quantities of cereals and maize are grown. Sugar beet is a major crop (the smell from the sugar beet refineries can be overpowering so do not consider buying a property anywhere near one!) and the region grows more wheat and cabbage than any other.

The rolling prairies that give the region its name are located in the south between Reims/Epernay and Troyes. North of Reims the landscape becomes a flat chalky plain which is wet, bitterly cold and very windy during Winter. This area is an extension of the chalk subsoil that comes to the surface at Calais and forms the White Cliffs of Dover on the opposite side of the Channel. Closer to the border with Belgium, the landscape becomes more rugged and deeply forested. This area is unsuitable for crops and the slateworks and ironworks of the late 20th century closed down in the 1980s. The major investment in the région is a nuclear power plant.

A mostly rural region

But cabbage aside, it is of course better known for a much more glamorous crop: the white grape that has produced Champagne's eponymous sparkly wine since the days of Dom Perignon. Only bubbly made from vines from limited parts of the region can be called Champagne and these are mainly located in the Marne and Aube départements. Away from the glitzy vineyards surrounding the towns of Reims, Epernay and Troyes, much of rural Champagne is impoverished. Run-down hamlets with flaky, hanging-off shutters are common and, as so many communes lack decent facilities including shops, many inhabitants are dependent on weekly visits from grocery vans.

Industry prevails in the economic life

Agriculture is a strong force in the economy and Champagne production accounts for one-third of the regional output (representing 2.3% of France's gross domestic product). In addition to traditional agricultural and manufacturing (metalworking and textiles) activities, Champagne has become a major industrial base for the agrofoods industry. Other industrial sectors include packaging, automotive equipment (Citroën is a large employer), tire manufacturing, plastics, and chemicals. Companies choose this region for its lower wages compared with those of nearby Belgium and reputedly a low level of absenteeism.

The region is not popular with second home buyers, but for anyone wishing to venture this way, inexpensive property can be found.

Countryside life and Terroir products

Gastronomy in Champagne-Ardennes has always been a true tradition. It is well worth a visit, since its gastronomy can be described as varied, rich and authentic. Every meal is an actual experience, and you must taste local specialities as sausages, cheeses, pig’s trotter, biscuits, cider or wine, and, last but not least, Champagne.

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Champagne-Ardennes Population

• Population: 1,342,363
• Pop. density (people per km2): 62

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