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National Association for Interpretation CHAMPAGNE PROGRAM

April 2018 – 10 PAX

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THE WINE - CHAMPAGNE The production of Champagne is centered around the cities of Reims, Châlons-en-Champagne and Epernay. The composition of the subsoil, combined with Champagne’s micro-climates, determines the subtle differences between each cru and influences the characteristics of individual wines. This subsoil extends down hundreds of feet to provide the ideal cellars [caves] to store the wines at a constant temperature and humidity. The chalky limestone soil, and caves below, probably contributes to the Champagne’s great taste. Although other French wine-producing regions claim to have made sparkling wine earlier, this area was the first place to produce it in significant quantities. Large and spectacular caves can be visited under the cities of Reims, Epernay, Aÿ and Châlons-en-Champagne, as well as in many towns and villages of La Champagne. A Benedictine Monk, named Dom Perignon, supposedly created the “Methode Champenoise”. The process, of making this very special sparkling wine, was probably discovered by accident sometime in the early 18th century near the Abby of Saint Pierre.

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YOUR PROGRAM:

FRIDAY 20TH OF APRIL 2018 12h00: End of your conference in Reims Time @ leisure for lunch 2pm: pick up @ Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix and transfer to Château-Thierry by coach. 3h/3h15pm: arrival at Château-Thierry. You will spend approximately 1H45/2h time on-site, at leisure to explore. 5h/5h15pm: departure from Château-Thierry and transfer to Epernay. 6h30pm: estimated arrival time in Epernay, check-in at Hotel BW Hotel de Champagne. Time @ leisure till dinner. Dinner at restaurant in Epernay, located at walking distance from Best Western Hotel de Champagne Pre-selected menu – must be the same for all participants, except for special diets. Overnight in Epernay

SATURDAY 21st OF APRIL 2018 9h10am: Meet in the lobby of the hotel 9h20am: Transfer to Aÿ-Champagne 9h40-11h40am: Visit of La Cité du Champagne 12h00pm: Lunch in Saint-Imoges @ restaurant Le Bois Joli Pre-selected menu – must be the same for all participants, except for special diets. 1h45-3h15pm: Visit of Hautvilliers Village 3h45pm: Epernay: visit of Moët & Chandon champagne house The group will be splited in 2 groups: one will visit @ 4pm, the 2nd one will visit @ 4h30pm 5h30pm: Visit of Epernay, walk through Avenue de Champagne. Dinner at restaurant in Epernay, located at walking distance from Best Western Hotel de Champagne Pre-selected menu – must be the same for all participants, except for special diets. Overnight in Epernay

SUNDAY 22nd OF APRIL 2018 Departure from Epernay Transfer to Provins – guided visit of the UNESCO’s World Heritage town Transfer to Paris CDG airport Flight to the USA

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BEST WESTERN HOTEL DE CHAMPAGNE, EPERNAY***

The Best Western Hotel de Champagne is located between Avenue de Champagne and Epernay town centre. The hotel boasts an unparalleled location in Epernay, a few minutes walk from the champagne producers Champagne Mercier, Moêt et Chandon and Pol Roger House as well as the Tour de Castellane, the museum of traditions (Musée de la Tradition Champenoise) and Maison Castellane. A boutique hotel for your getaway break to the capital of the Champagne region The Best Western Hotel de Champagne combines tranquillity and comfort so you will be well rested and have plenty of energy to explore the region's vineyards, the Marne valley and the natural regional park Montagne de Reims. The small lounge bar is also a place where you can relax, prepare your sightseeing trips in and around Epernay and talk about all the sites you have already visited ! The sauna in the wellness area is open throughout the day and is the perfect place to unwind. You can also make use of the fitness room, open to hotel guests. So book your stay at the Best Western Hotel de Champagne in Epernay now !

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Château-Thierry, City of Fables

Nestling at the heart of the Marne Valley, at the foot of the Champagne appellation hillside vineyards, the small town of Château-Thierry was the birthplace of the famous fable author Jean de La Fontaine, born in 1621. There is a museum dedicated to him in the house where he was born - a beautiful 16th-century private mansion. Step into the famous poet's world, with documents, manuscripts, engravings, illustrations, art objects and also La Fontaine's study. Then enjoy a walk in the heights of the old town, to discover the old castle, a pleasant fortified site where the ramparts offer a superb view of the rooftops of Château-Thierry and the Marne Valley. You will also have a chance to admire the beautiful medieval remains as you follow the information signs along the trail. These include the imposing Door of St. John, the well-preserved ramparts dotted with towers, and the old keep. From April to All Saints' Day (early November) you can watch flight displays with birds of prey - the eagles of Château-Thierry - on the castle esplanade.

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Aÿ-Champagne

Visit of La Cité du Champagne 2h

Culture, History or Know-how, follow your heart and discover the incredible richness of the sites. The story of the oldest co-operative in Champagne, founded in 1921. Symbolically implanted in the Bissinger building, the place that was witness to the revolt in Champagne, the venue illustrates through 1,500 documents of original archives the history of the co-operative, the social, economic and historical context from 1911 to the Champagne of today. The visit overspills the boundaries of the world of champagne to tackle historical, social, political and economic themes…

Private visit with an English speaking lecturer including: The history of the Cooperative

The wine room

The centenary cellars

The Museum of Champagne’s Work Crafts with a visit through the vineyard (weather permitting)

The Villa Collet

Champagne tasting of Collet Champagne house

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Hautvillers, the cradle of Champagne Located 5 kilometres from the hotel, Hautvilliers, the « Pearl of the Champagne

region » is a definite must-visit during your stay in the Marne. Closely linked to the history of the grand cellarer Dom Perignon, the village of Hautvilliers is nestled at the

crossroads between the Marne valley and Montagne de Reims.

Located 5 kilometres from the hotel, Hautvilliers, the « Pearl of the Champagne region » is a definite must-visit during your stay in the Marne. Closely linked to the history of the grand cellarer Dom Perignon, the village of Hautvilliers is nestled at the crossroads between the Marne valley and Montagne de Reims. Dom Pérignon and Hautvillers In 1668, the Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, arrived in Hautvilliers. This wise, well-educated monk, especially with regard to the methods of vinification, became the Cellarer of the Abbey. He made the abbey the «Cradle of Champagne ». Dom Pérignon died in 1715 and is buried in Hautvilliers church under a marble slab near the sanctuary. To see and do in Hautvillers Explore the state forest of Hautvilliers and the botanical path of Rinsillons. Stroll around the steep streets of the village bordered by houses and buildings with their wrought iron emblems. Visit Saint-Pierre Abbey, former Benedictine abbey founded in 650 by Saint Nivard, archbishop of Reims, today home to Moët & Chandon.

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Epernay

Discover Avenue de Champagne

Avenue de Champagne, the most prestigious avenue in Epernay, is just a few minutes walk from the hotel. Bordered by impressive houses, this avenue is home to several leading champagne producers such as Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Perrier-Jouët Boizel, Comtesse Lafond, De Venoge, Vranken, De Castellane, Pol Roger, and Esterlin…

Awarded the « site remarquable du goût » accolade (remarkable site of taste), this avenue known as « the richest avenue in the world » is part of Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars, a listed World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Every year over 400 000 visitors from all corners of the world walk down this famous avenue.

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Epernay, visit of Moët & Chandon Champagne House

The Moet & Chandon cellars are an exceptional heritage of the House, the unique testimony of several centuries of winemaking. Guardians of a real treasure, they represent the talent and the work of several generations of men and women. The cellar visit, led by our interpreters, will invite you to discover the Moet & Chandon expertise of our oenologists and the legacy of a know-how developed over time and passed through several generations of cellar masters.

GRAND VINTAGE TOUR – DURATION 1H WITH TASTING An initiation to the world of Grand Vintage. The Grand Vintage and the Grand Vintage Rosé convey the cellar master's unique signature blend of the years's most remarkable wines, whils respecting the nature of the fruit as the wine acquires its effervescence during the long alow maturation. A year for two exceptional wines.

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Discovery of Provins

Listed as UNESCO's World Heritage

Provins, an unique testimony of a merchant town and of the fairs of Champagne of XIIth and XIIIth centuries...

On the ancient lands of the Earls of Champagne, from the Year 1000, Provins is located on the crossroads of the European trade roads. Gradually, the town becomes a very significant trade market. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Provins is at the height of its fame thanks to the famous Trade Fairs of Champagne.

The impressive fortified wall was built during the 13th century and extended for 5 km (today 2 km), and it offers a catalogue of military architecture. Those ramparts protected the inhabitants and the tradespeople, and showed off the power of the Earls of Champagne.

Provins is a real showcase of medieval architecture (military, religious and civil) and it is one of the few towns in France that can boast of over fifty listed Monuments with historical value.

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OPTIONAL: HOTEL ROYAL SAINT-HONORE, PARIS****

In the heart of historical Paris near Place Vendôme, the center of fine jewelry making, the Royal Saint Honoré is located on Rue Saint-Honoré, a street of Paris fashion and trendy luxury items. The Louvre and the Tuileries are close by, as well as the Opéra Garnier and the Place de la Concorde, making this an ideal setting for walking, the best way to discover the City of Lights. In this refined boutique hotel with 67 rooms and five suites, you'll discover the charm of historical Paris, the one that existed before Baron Haussmann redesigned the city during the Second Empire. Rooms offer discreet comfort conveyed by a light touch of elegant furnishings in mahogany. Each room combines subtle traditional elegance with the modern comfort of a charming Parisian dwelling. Bathrooms are all decorated in light marble.

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The Hôtel Royal Saint Honoré restaurant is named "221," like the hotel's address on Rue Saint Honoré. Since it opens broadly on the street, it offers a magnificent panorama. In a setting that mixes dark mahogany and vivid colors, you'll appreciate the comfortable seats for a moment of relaxation or to enjoy a cocktail or warm drink from a wide variety of menu selections. When you want to take a break from shopping, the 221 offers you a place to restore your energy and chat with friends. Your buffet breakfast in a Louis XVI lounge The Louis XVI lounge is a little gem featuring authentic furnishings, where you can start your day with breakfast. It is reserved for hotel guests only, and you can spend a relaxing moment here while admiring the antique surroundings.