08 Dec 2015
A visit to Champagne-Ardenne is less than 3 hours by car from Calais, and an excellent opportunity to stock up on exquisite regional produce that make unique Christmas gifts, not to mention the great value champagne and wines from local producers.
See www.champagne-ardenne-tourism.co.uk for more information and visit suggestions.
New for 2016 : The giant advent windows at Troyes
The front of the Troyes town hall has been transformed into a giant advent calendar. Each day, at 5.45pm, the show kicks off with a 3D video projection on the building to the accompaniment of church bells. One of the town hall windows will then open to reveal a video animation, until all 24 windows are open on 24th December. After the opening of the window, a special show will take place (45-60 minutes) with actors and musicians guaranteeing a magical atmosphere for all.
Christmas markets
During December, traditional Christmas markets are being set up throughout the region. The largest is at Reims, with 135 chalets offering a range of gourmet products, arts and crafts and creative gift suggestions. This renowned market is held annually in the tree-lined pedestrian streets around Place d'Erlon and the city centre, all beautifully illuminated and decorated.
Nearby Châlons-en-Champagne comes to life with about 40 chalets offering artisanal products such as jewellery, leather goods, hand-crafted gifts, clothes and local specialities. Various animations and shows add to the atmosphere, such as the sound and light show projected from the bell tower of the Notre-Dame-en-Vaux church at 6.30pm, an ice skating rink in the Place de la République, a concert of Christmas music by a 200-strong choir in the St Etienne Cathedral and exhibition of toys in the town hall and crib scenes in the St Alpin church.
In Charleville-Mézières, the historic setting of the Place Ducale is transformed into a festive Christmas market with a thousand lights illuminating 30 chalets selling gourmet treats, regional produce, festive fare and arts & crafts. An ice skating rink and giant slide will delight the young at heart.
Christmas festival 'Habits de Lumière', Epernay
11 to 13 December
Now in its 14th year, Epernay's annual Christmas festival explodes in a riot of light, colour and flavour over a 3 day extravaganza. Most festivities are based around the elegant villas of the 'Avenue de Champagne', housing some of the world's most famous champagne producers. Epernay is 'dressed in lights' with a grand opening event on Friday evening, sound & light shows, tasting sessions, pop-up champagne bars, food demos from top regional chefs, music, fireworks and a truly impressive procession of vintage cars for the grand finale on Sunday.
See www.habitsdelumiere.epernay.fr for details & times.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of the Regional Tourist Board. See www.champagne-ardenne-tourism.co.uk
For further information please contact doug@douggoodmanpr.com tel. 020 8614 1448
