Places to Explore

• Amiens

  Although Amiens showcases some pretty brazen postwar reconstruction, epitomized by Auguste Perret's 340-foot Tour Perret, a soaring concrete stump by the train station, the city is well worth exploring... (more)

• Beauvais

  Beauvais and its neighbor Amiens have been rivals since the 13th century, when they locked horns over who could build the bigger cathedral. Beauvais lost—gloriously.... (more)

• Châlons-en-Champagne

  Several major churches bear eloquent testimony to Châlons's medieval importance. It is also one of the few towns in Champagne that has good bus and train service.... (more)

• Château-Thierry

  Built along the Marne River beneath the ruins of a hilltop castle that dates from the time of Joan of Arc, and within sight of the American Belleau Wood War Cemetery (open daily 9-5), commemorating the... (more)

• Épernay

  Although Reims loudly proclaims itself to be the last word in Champagne production, Épernay—set on the south bank of the Marne—is really the center of the bubbly drink's spirit. It was... (more)

• L'Épine

  The tiny village of L'Épine is dominated by its church, the twin-tower Flamboyant Gothic Basilique de Notre-Dame de l'Épine. The church's facade is a magnificent creation of intricate patterns... (more)

• Laon

  Thanks to its awesome hilltop site and the forest of towers sprouting from its ancient cathedral, lofty Laon basks in the title of the "crowned mountain." The medieval ramparts, virtually undisturbed by... (more)

• Reims

  Reims is the largest city in Champagne. Behind a facade of austerity, it remains one of France's richest tourist sites, thanks especially to the fact that it sparkles with some of the biggest names in... (more)

• Soissons

  Although much damaged in World War I, Soissons commands attention for its two huge churches, one intact, one in ruins.... (more)