Raise Your Glass to Champagne, France [Photo Essay]

When you think of celebratory bubbly, you probably think of the white sparkling wine, Champagne. Champagne is named after the Champagne-Ardenne province in northeast France – not after the grapes grown here (which include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier).

The sparkling wine of Champagne became renowned because of its association with French royalty. But more than just the birthplace of everyone’s favorite sparkling wine, Champagne, the province, is a beautiful place. Take a look.

Major Cities in Champagne

Épernay

Épernay is known as the “Capital of Champagne.” It is where the organization that regulates the champagne industry, CIVC, is based.

Hôtel de Ville.

Épernay visitor center.

The Épernay countryside.

Troyes

Troyes is the historical capital of Champagne. The many “Counts of Champagne” that brought wealth and prosperity to this region of France resided in Troyes. The city still has a strong art presence because of this.

A look down the street in Troyes.

The Troyes city center.

Troyes is known for its many ornate churches.

Reims

Some of the most world-renowned champagne houses, including Pommery, Taittinger, and Mumm, are located in Reims, a city rich in history.

Fields near Reims.

The Pommery Champagne Caves.

The Reims Cathedral, where French kings were once crowned.

Champagne Houses in Champagne-Ardeene

Mumm in Reims.

Moët & Chandon in Épernay.

Taittinger in Reims.

Ruinart in Reims.

The Countryside of Champagne

Champagne grapes.

The Champagne countryside.

A forest view in Champagne.

The geometry of grape fields.

The next time you toast with a glass of Champagne, you will know where it all started: in the province where those grapes where grown, Champagne-Ardenne, France.

Photo credits: beckybiel, greenacre8, gasdub, Guillaume Cattiaux, mharrsch, Stephanie Booth, epicxero, Michael McDonough, bodoklecksel, erik jaeger, Max Mayorov, Brun@ Photographie, umami, Megan Mallen, PhillipC, Flikkesteph and Steven2358.