Wine and Gastronomy
This is not typical Champagne country as in bubbles, but the wine here is superb and you’ll find plenty of places to stop and taste, like the Domaine des Rubis in Bugnières run by two brothers who make fruit based wine. They produce sparkling, red, white and rosé plus Ratafia, an aperitif that packs a powerful punch. While you're there, pop across the road to the lovely vintage style café Estaminet Maison-Bertin.
Another great place to taste is Muid Montsaugeonnais in Vaux Sous Aubginy. The vines were re-planted here in 1989 after being left to dwindle. 600 local people bought into the scheme to replant and raised about 2 million euros. They bought 13 hectares of land and planted 6000 vines per hectare and the wine they produce serves the local communes and is starting to make waves.
Try the "Diderot", "Petit Langres" "Treasure" and "Rochers Lingons" - delicious chocolates made in Langres. Don’t miss the scrummy "Brioche du Pailly", it’s made with pure butter according to an age old recipe handed down from generation to generation, the result is a light bun with a delicious aroma.
This area is definitely off the beaten tourist track, a beautiful, natural part of Champagne filled with picturesque villages, old castles and beautiful gardens…