Legend has it that the Champagne region of France should be
forever indebted to Dom Pérignon, the blind Benedictine monk who in
the 17th century accidentally discovered how to create bubbly, or
sparkling wine, in the cellar of an abbey at Hautviliers. Ever
since then champagne has been synonymous with celebration and
opulence, with corks popping at great occasions all over the world.
It is believed that during the Renaissance the only thing Henry
VIII of England and François I of France could agree on was a
penchant for champagne, and it is recorded that Napoleon, a friend
of Jean-Rémy Moët, took a case or two with him to every battle,
except Waterloo.
Visitors on the trail to discover the delights and origins of
the world's most celebrated sparkling wines should head for Epernay
in the centre of the Champagne region, where it is possible to
visit vineyards and cellars (known as
maisons)of the top producers.
Champagne and the Ardennes have been the scene of many conflicts
over the centuries, most recently during both 20th century World
Wars in which many towns and villages were destroyed. Still worth
visiting, though, are the cities of Amiens, Reims and Laon which
retain their magnificent medieval cathedrals, the lovely town of
Troyes and the historic village of Jouarre with a beautiful
Benedictine abbey. This region of France also sports numerous war
memorials and soldiers' cemeteries, which are places of pilgrimage
for many foreign visitors whose forefathers died fighting here.
