The birthplace of bubbly

As the extension of France's slick high-speed TGV train line opens up the country's northeast, the birthplace of bubbly is easier to explore than ever.

The noble houses of Veuve-Clicquot, Krug, Bollinger, Moët et Chandon and countless other top names are all here for the visiting, along with smaller but equally high-quality artisan producers.

A trip along the Champagne trail takes you to chocolate-box villages such as Hautvillers in the Marne Valley, a centre of Champagne production since the 1600s when a certain Dom Pérignon was appointed cellarmaster at the local Abbey.

The trail also leads you to larger, historic centres including the handsome city of Reims, renowned for its awe-inspiring cathedral as well as the famous Champagne houses that call it home.