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Regional info
North East France
France Both France and Germany have conquered what we now call North Eastern France several times. The territory has been the subjected to wars by both countries since the Verdun Treaty in 843, after Charles the Great died. These wars have sparked the locals to move often as many did not agree with their new rulers. As a result a diverse mix of dialects and cultures developed. This can be seen in German-like names and half-timbered houses. The local food and the well known Alsace grapes, like Riesling and Gewürztraminer originate from German times. In addition, the famous physician Albert Schweizer came from Alsace. In the north east are the districts of Lorraine, Champagne-Ardenne and Franche-Comté. Comté is known for its spicy cheese and the Champagne region for its famous sparkling wine from the areas near Reims and Châlons sur Marne. Lorraine has beautiful cities like Metz and Nancy. Nancy owes its picturesque city centre to the Polish king Stanislas. He was appointed by the French king to rule the area temporarily but he ended up by ruling for over 30 before passing away at the age of ninety.
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Typical North East FranceThe secret of Champaign wine is in the second fermentation. After the first one every wine has to overcome the second Champaign fermentation is done inside its bottle. During this process pressure rises high (up to 5 or 6 bar). That is why these bottles are made of thick glass. But how to get rid of the sediment? Like this: the bottles are stored upside down and when the wine maker freezes the bottle's neck he removes the cork carefully. The inside pressure now makes the frozen sediment pops off the bottle. Close it quick with the definitive Champaign cork... et voilà!
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The river Doubs (with halfway the cosy small city Ornans) is perfect for a family canoe trip. Visit also the freedom tower in St. Dié, or Joan of Arc's place of birth in Domrémy-la-Pucelle. To lovers of great cars the Bugatti museum in Mulhouse is a must see, and the same goes for the one of the Swiss master car designer Sbarro in Pontarlier. Sport cyclists prefer the many mountain pass roads they know from the Tour de France.
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