Châlons-en-Champagne, Champagne-Ardenne, France

In En-Route, Europe, France, Our Journeys, Trip-Types, World Travel by JanisLeave a Comment

Bubbles on your doorstep

Église Saint-Martin de Chavot, Chavot-Courcourt, France

Châlons-en-Champagne is right in the heart of the rolling hills of the Champagne region of France and is ideal as a base for touring the area.

On our 2016 Champagne road-trip we chose 3 destinations for our week-long tour, Troyes, Châlons-en-Champagne and Reims.

Taking in the Champagne Trails along the way.

Châlons-en-Champagne was previously known as Châlons-sur-Marne and formerly changed its name in 1998.

It is also the capital of the French department of Marne.

A Moet vineyard in the Champagne region, France

A helpful guide

If like us, you love visiting different regions of France then this Michelin guide will definitely assist in your planning.

We used a previous version of this book to plan our eastern France road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.


Saint Etienne

Cathédrale Saint Etienne, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Although we spent a day out and about immersing ourselves in the lush vineyards and touring through the small surrounding villages. We also found time to discover Châlons-en-Champagne the city.

Monument to the fallen outside Saint Etienne Cathedral, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Sitting proud in the city is the lovely Saint Etienne Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1147 by Pope Eugene III.

Inside Saint Etienne Cathedral, Châlons-en-Champagne, France
The organ in Saint Etienne Cathedral, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Mostly rebuilt in the Gothic style, but Romanesque sections can still be seen.

Along with 13th century stained glass windows.

A stained glass window in Saint Etienne Cathedral, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Waterways

Châlons-en-Champagne sits on the banks of River Marne.

The Marne canal, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Running parallel to it is the Canal latéral à la Marne.

A lock on the Marne canal, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

You can sit and watch canal boats cruising by and maneuvering their way through the locks.

Waiting on the Marne canal, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Branching off and weaving its way through the town is the Canal Saint-Martin.

Canal Saint-Martin, Châlons-en-Champagne, France
Canal Saint-Martin at night, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Notre Dame

On the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin sits the Notre-Dame-en-Vaux.

Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

This collegiate church was built between 1157 and 1217.

Notre-Dame-en-Vaux at night, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Today it is a blend of Gothic and Romanesque style architecture and contains stained glass windows dating back to 16th century.

The beautiful Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Also, housed in this church is the tombstone of Jean Talon, the first intendant of New France in 1695.

A statute dedicated to him stands in front of the church.

Statue of Jean Talon, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

My fascination

For those who know me, realise by now that I have a bit of a fascination with cemeteries.

I struggle to walk past one without wandering in and soaking up the local history. I know, I know a bit weird….

Ornate headstone in the Cimetière de l'Ouest, Châlons-en-Champagne, France
The tomb of Alexander Brzostowski, Count of Prussia in the Cimetière de l'Ouest, Châlons-en-Champagne, France
Interesting headstone in the Cimetière de l'Ouest, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

I even came across Renoir’s last resting ground in Essoyes on this very trip.

Hotel de Ville

Hotel de Ville, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

As always, no town or village in France is complete without a Hotel de Ville

Lions outside the Hotel de Ville, Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Where we stayed

Our accommodation for the 2 nights in Châlons-en-Champagne was in Hotel L’Angleterre, located very central and easy walking distance of the town. Additionally, it had on-site parking at no extra cost.

Have You?

Visited Châlons-en-Champagne? What was the highlight of your stay?

Inspired to visit Châlons-en-Champagne?

It's a great base to explore the region.

Why not check out the latest deals on Booking.Com?

Booking.com
Châlons-en-Champagne, Champagne-Ardenne, France

(Why not Pin It for Later?)

Share this post

Unable to locate Global Block : 59232

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.