Champagne Ardenne Geography

  • Champagne Ardenne is France’s 13th largest region (out of 22).
  • Champagne-Ardenne is made up of 4 departments: Ardennes (department 08), Aube (department 10), Marne (department 51) and Haute-Marne (department 52).
  • This region is located in the north-eastern part of France. It shares a border with the Walloon region (Belgium). It is close to the western bound of Alsace and is borded to the south by the Franche-Comté and Burgundy regions, to the west by Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Picardie and Ile-de-France.
  • Champagne Ardenne is really appreciated by visitors for its magnificent forests, parks, lakes and is famous for its resorts.

Champagne Ardenne Geography and Key Data
Surface Area Champagne Ardenne total surface area is 25 606 sq. km, that is equivalent to 4.7% of France total surface area.
Departments 4 départements: Ardennes (department 08), Aube (department 10), Marne (department 51) and Haute-Marne (department 52).
Communes Champagne Ardenne is composed of about 1947 communes.
Coast and Water in Champagne Ardenne
Ocean Champagne Ardenne has no ocean around but has many lakes and ponds for water sport activities or leisure.
Freshwater ponds, rivers and lakes Champagne-Ardenne has the following:650 km of waterways8 lakes reserved for tourists, including the Lake Der-Chantecoq, the largest man-made lake in EuropeFor a comprehensive list and more details, please go on our the Champagne Ardenne rivers and lakes page. Also, the region's canals include the Marne canal, connected to the Rhine canal. Only small boats can sail on these canals, thus it is an ideal way to enjoy the dramatic scenery around, in a mostly quiet, tranquil environment. Thousands of birds come to these lakes to nest in winter, or to stop as they migrate.
Mountains range in Champagne Ardenne
Typical landscapes The north is occupied by the former mountain of the Ardennes, with heights between 400 and 700 metres and covered mainly by woods. In its western part, Champagne-Ardenne is bordered by the shelves of Tadernois and Brie.
Forests and Natural Parks in Champagne Ardenne
Forests and agriculture There are one million hectares of forest planted in the 19th century and before. The south of the region welcomes many vineyards. The region is well-known in the whole world for its production of Champagne.
Fauna and Flora Many foxes, wild boars, deers and beavers gather in the woods and rivers of Ardennes. Orchids can be seen throughout the department. Forests are mostly made up of oaks, beech trees and birches.
Areas of interest in Champagne-Ardennes
Der-Chantecoq artificial lake Der-Chantecoq artificial lake is famous worldwide. 125 species of birds can be seen, that nest there. It also shelters many fish species.
Tourism and Gastronomy Visitors often go to the Champagne Ardenne region because of its history and its world-famous wine. Some visit Troyes and its ancient houses, others visit Langres and its walls, and still others visit Épernay, Reims, or Colombey-les-deux-Églises.
Champagne tourist routes Taste the best wine ever! Do you want to learn more about Champagne, French wines and cuisine? Just make the trip!

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