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Champagne-Ardenne is the historical coronation point for French Kings and the birthplace of the world-famous Champagne. The region has rich and diverse land: from endless horizons of cultivated fields, to abundant forests, to tranquil lakes.

Champagne-Ardenne is a region steeped in history where fine living and good food are a central part of everyday life.
Champagne-Ardenne has a numerous medium-sized towns with a high quality of life, a developed tertiary sector, and fast and efficient public transport.

Housing

Accommodation prices in Champagne-Ardenne March 2011 (source: EffiCity):

Property offers in Champagne-Ardenne are 75% houses and 23% flats. The average size of property on offer in the region is 125.28 sq m, and the average sale price is €210,867. (Source: EffiCity)

Education

There are almost 40,000 students in Champagne-Ardenne. The region has two main universities: Reims University and Troyes Technology University. There are also many specialised institutions in the region, such as:

• ENSAM, an elite university college for construction and design, offers the only course in organic agribusiness in France
• ESIReims (ex ESIEC) the elite Engineering College for Packing and Packaging is the only one of its kind in Europe
• The Training Centre for the maintenance of wind-powered installations in Charleville-Mézeières is the first French school to be certified by the German body Bildungszentrum für Erneuerbare Energien (BZEE)

There is a choice of both private and state schools and higher education institutions in Champagne-Ardenne.

Culture

Champagne-Ardenne has a cultural heritage that includes history, popular cultural events and a tradition of gastronomy led by champagne, France's unique sparkling wine.

History and Culture

From the Gallo-Roman era to the French-German armistice, via Charlemagne's empire and the coronation of the French kings, the region has witnessed many of the great events that forged Europe. Champagne-Ardenne has four monuments on UNESCO's World Heritage List: Reims Cathedral, Saint Rémi's Basilica, Notre-Dame-en-Vaux and Notre-Dame-de-l'Epine.

Recreational Activities

Champagne-Ardenne has excellent sports’ grounds and facilities:10 golf courses, vast acres for hunting and fishing, two towns voted the "most sporty in France" in 2004 and 2005 by the periodical L'Equipe, 16 theatres, 19 museums, 92 cinemas, and 6 festivals of international standing.

There are around 80 wine farms in Champagne-Ardenne, and particular places of interest are the Reims Mountains, the Marne Valley, the Côte des Blancs and the Côte des Bars. These make-up a 375-mile Champagne Route, with wine-tasting and visits available throughout the year on most farms.

Alternative Energy / Environmental Issues

Champagne-Ardenne has a magnificent natural heritage: 1 million acres of forest, three regional parks and nature reserves, and lakes covering 25,000 acres including the largest man-made lake in Western Europe. The variety of natural sites can be explored by foot or on horseback, by bike or on water; each means of transport allows the exploration of a different part of Champagne-Ardenne’s rich landscape.

Around 308 towns in Champagne-Ardenne have been given a national award for the quality of their green public spaces. The region has the highest concentration of such awards in France, which is an indication of the region's commitment to a green environment.

The Region also offers a range of financial assistance to encourage businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to become more eco-friendly. Please see the Funding & Support section for more details.