Champagne Route

The annual Route de Champagne en Fête event shines the spotlight on France’s celebrated wine-producing area. Eve Middleton provides a taster

If you’re a fan of fizz and want to know what goes on behind the scenes to produce your favourite tipple, make sure you book in for the Route du Champagne en Fête event.

Champagne-producing villages take it in turns to stage the annual festivities, and this year sees Celles-sur-Ource in the Aube département host 32 local vignerons as they open their cellars on 27 and 28 July to celebrate one of France’s most famous wines.

Festivities start with a party on the eve of the fête; during the weekend Celles-sur-Ource will come alive as festival-goers move from cellar to cellar sampling the wines as well as enjoying music, art exhibits and food tastings.

A champagne flute and route map costs €15 and allows you to find your preferred fizz, while those who want to soak up the atmosphere – but not the wine – pay €5 to take part in the fun.

For more information visit www.routeduchampagne.com