IT IS probably fair to say that within my circle of friends and family I’m known for liking drinks that have bubbles in them.

So with five million bubbles in every bottle of champagne it is obviously at the top of my favourite tipples list, and the chance to wander around champagne houses was a dream come true.

While visits to the Champagne-Ardenne region may automatically conjure up images of sipping glasses of bubbly in elegant surroundings, the area also played an important role during World War Two, and there are plenty of sites of interest to explore.

First up on our tour was the Maginot Line at Villy-La-Ferte, in the north of the region, and the fortifications there. The French built this defence system to stop the Germans from invading...but it didn’t work.

Visitors can go inside and see the damage done by the German attack. Part of the visit includes going 35m underground so its not one for the claustrophobic...or the unfit, as what goes down must come up – and that means a lot of stairs.

This is a region full of rolling countryside that still bears its battle scars from the war.

Whether it is from mortar fire, close-quarters combat or the movement of troops and heavy artillery, the impact of the conflict is clear on the landscape, but it adds to the character of the place.

After all that exertion it was time for a well-earned glass of champagne and to relax in the luxurious settings of Sedan’s Hotellerie du Chateau-Fort, a medieval castle that has had parts transformed into a hotel. If you have ever dreamed of being a princess then this is the place for you.

The next morning we set off for Reims (just over an hour’s journey away), a vibrant and bustling city with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping and relaxing, depending on what takes your mood. The city is home to the Musee de la Reddition (capitulation museum), which houses the room where the Germans surrendered in May 1945, as well as numerous champagne houses.

Heading further south in the region you come across the picturesque village of Colombey-Les-Deux-Eglise, the home and burial place of Charles de Gaulle.

Thousands of visitors flock here every year to see the graveyard where the former president is buried, visit the memorial which stands out proud on the skyline and learn about his life in the memorial centre (www.memorial-charlesdegaulle.fr).

The stunning scenery, beautiful buildings and warm welcome are enough to entice anyone, whether you know a lot about Monsieur de Gaulle or not.

Before heading home there is always time for one, okay several, more glasses of champagne (the perfect reason to go by rail – no worries about being over the limit) and Drappier (www.champagne-drappier.com) was the perfect end to our visit.

This small producer bottles billions of bubbles every year. It may have been the champagne talking, but you can taste the passion that goes into it with every sip.

Whether you want to find out which bubbly tickles your tasebuds the most or expand your knowledge of World War Two, this region of France satisfies.

Travel log

STEPHANIE travelled to Champagne-Ardenne from St Pancras to Charleville-Mezieres via Paris on Eurostar and SNCF booked through Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com).

During the trip she stayed at Hotellerie du Chateau-Fort in Sedan (www.hotelfp-sedan.com), Hotel de la Paix in Reims (www.bestwestern-lapaix-reims.com) and La Grange du Relais in Colombey-Les-Deux-Eglises (www.lagrandedurelais.fr).

Most visitors to the region take an organised tour or drive themselves on an independent visit. Grape Escapes (www.grapeescapes.net) have a range of tours and short breaks by coach, and for motorists there is a 90-minute crossing from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries (www.poferries.com). It’s then an approximate three hour drive to the region. Log on to www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com for more information.

Making life easy

THERE may be good rail links from Swindon to London but for a stress-free morning the day of your departure, why not stay within walking distance of St Pancras station the night before?

Stephanie stayed at Travelodge London Kings Cross in Grays Inn Road, a five-minute walk from the Eurostar terminal. Bright, airy and clean rooms that contained everything expected from a hotel meant that the overnight stay ensure you have plenty of time to get to the station.

Rooms are available from £19 online. To book, or for more information, log on to www.travelodge.co.uk.