History of Champagne, France

The Regiment of Champagne, founded by Henry II in 1558, was one of the four oldest regiments under the Ancient Regime.

www.crwflags.com/ fotw/ flags/ fr-ca.html#his

16th and 17 century - The most sought after wines were those "white wines" made from red wine grapes, such as Pinot noir which had more flavor, aromatics and longevity.
Throughout the 16th and early 17th century, Champenois winemakers tried to produce the best "white" wine they could from red wines grapes though the results were often not white at all but ranged from greyish color to a shade of pink known as oeil de perdrix or partridge eye. It wasn't until a Benedictine monk named Dom Pierre Perignon from the Abbey of Hautvillers perfected his techniques would the Champenois be able to truly make white wine from red grapes.
wikipedia.org

After being destroyed during the French Wars of Religion, the Benedictine Abbey at Hautvillers was rebuilt and replanted its vineyards.
By 1661, the Abbey had 25 acres (10 ha) of vineyards but were also receiving tithes in the form of grapes from nearby villages, including the highly regarded vineyards of Ay and Avenay-Val-d'Or. The Abbot commissioned the construction of a cellar and sought to hire a treasurer and cellar master to help develop the Abbey's growing winemaking operation. In 1668, Pierre Perignon was appointed to the position.
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Following the death of Louis XIV in 1715, his nephew Philippe II, Duke of Orléans became the Regent of France. The Duke of Orléans enjoyed the sparkling version of Champagne and featured it at his nightly petits soupers at the Palais-Royal.
This sparked a craze in Paris as restaurants and fashionable society sought to emulate the Duke's tastes for the bubbling wine. Champenois winemakers began to switch their business from making still wines to sparkling in order to capitalize on this craze.
wikipedia.org

1790 - Along with the other traditional French provinces, Champagne was abolished as a separate entity in 1790.

www.britannica.com/ EBchecked/ topic/ 105130/ Champagne

1859
CHAMPAGNE, an ancient province of France, which, under its counts of the house of Blois, is frequently mentioned in the history of the Middle ages. It was bounded on the N by Liege and French Hainault; on the E by the duchy of Bar, the Toulois and Lorraine; on the S by Burgundy; and on the W by Brie, until the 14th cent, when the last mentioned territory was incorporated with it, and the boundary in this quarter became the Ile-de-France... The more modern province of Champagne, a part of the above, had an area of 2,626,947 hectacres; and is now comprised in the departments of Ardennes, Aube, Marne, Haute-Marne, Meuse, Seine-et-Marne, and Yonne. Its capital was Troyes; and its other principal towns, Charlons-sur-Marne, and Arcis-sur-Aube.

The district which gives name to the well known sparkling wine called Champagne, is comprised in the departments of CHarent, and Charent-Inferieur, and forms part of the arrondissements of Saintes, Jouzac, and Cognac.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Volume 2 A. Fullarton, 1859

By the end of the 19th century, Champagne was making its mark and embedding itself into popular culture.

wikipedia.org

1895 - Champagne
Champagne, an old French province, of which the capital was Troyes, now forming the greater portion of the departments of Ardennes, Marne, Aube, and Haute-Marne, and part of those of Aisne, Seine-et-Marne, and Yonne. This country was long governed by native princes, and was united to the crown of France by the mar riage of Philippe le Bel with Jeanne de Navarre in 1286. It was divided into Upper and Lower Champagne, the first of which comprised the districts of Remois, capital Rheims, Perthois, capital Vitry-le-François, Rethelois, capital Rethel, and the principality of Sedan; and the second, Champagne proper, capital Troyes, Wallage, capital. Joinville, Bassigny, capital Langres, and Le Senonais, capital Sens.

Champagne, a district of France, in the departments of Charente and Charente-Inférieure, forming part of the arrondissements of Saintes, Jonzac, and Cognac. It is celebrated for its wines and brandy.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

2023 - Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, there's something for everyone in Champagne. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this beautiful region:
1. Visit Champagne Houses:

Moët & Chandon: Explore the cellars of one of the world's most famous Champagne producers in Epernay. Don't forget to taste their iconic Dom Pérignon.

Veuve Clicquot: Discover the fascinating history and excellent Champagnes at this renowned house in Reims.

Taittinger: Take a tour of the historic cellars located in a former Benedictine Abbey in Reims.

2. Explore the Champagne Route:

Drive or cycle along the scenic Champagne Route (Route du Champagne) through vineyards, picturesque villages, and rolling hills.

Stop at local wineries and cooperative cellars for tastings of unique Champagnes.

3. Reims:

Visit the stunning Reims Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims), a UNESCO World Heritage site, where French kings were traditionally crowned.

Explore the Palais du Tau, a former archbishop's palace adjacent to the cathedral, which houses a museum with royal artifacts and religious treasures.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Place... Read MORE...