Where to Eat and Stay in Champagne & Ardenne

TOWN CENTRE HOTELS

La Maison de Rhodes, Troyes

Five-star hotel in a timber-framed building right in the heart of the medieval city, with 11 rooms, restaurant and pool. The sister hotel of the 4-star Le Champ des Oiseaux next door. www.maisonderhodes.com

Hôtel de la Paix, Reims

Part of the Best Western Plus hotel portfolio with 169 modern, soundproofed rooms in the city centre. Brasserie, bar, indoor pool, sauna and steam room – 4 stars. www.bestwestern-lapaix-reims.com

Hôtel Le Château Fort, Sedan

Unique 4-star accommodation located in an historic military fortress with 54 modern bedrooms, bistro, bar and gastronomic restaurant, La Tour d’Auvergne. www.hotel-lechateaufort.fr

Le Dormeur du Val, Charleville-Mézières

Bright colours and contemporary styling are the hallmark of this 4-star, 17-bedroom Best Western hotel conveniently located between the station and place Ducale. www.hotel-dormeur-du-val.com

Johann and Lisbeth offer guests a warm welcome at the Clos de Mutigny. Photo: Gillian Thornton

COUNTRY HOTELS

Domaine Château du Faucon, Donchery

Four-star 16th-century château hotel and estate in the Ardennes countryside with 33 rooms and suites in varied styles. Spa, riding stables, tennis and other sports. www.domaine-chateaufaucon.com

Clos de Mutigny, La Chaussée-sur-Marne

Tranquil riverside Logis in a bourgeois country house set within suitably spacious gardens. There are 18 rooms to choose from, and locally sourced cuisine to dine on. www.closdemutigny.com

La Source Bleue, Gudmont-Villiers

Eco-friendly hotel in an old watermill beside a lake where vivid blue water emerges from a natural spring. Hosts a gastronomic restaurant serving seasonal produce. www.hotelsourcebleue.com

Hôtel Le Val Moret, Magnant

Just minutes from the A5 motorway south of Troyes, an excellent 3-star Logis with stylish, soundproofed ‘motel’ rooms, renowned restaurant and indoor pool. www.le-val-moret.com

Le Marius, Ricey-Bas

Eleven individually-designed rooms in a quiet village in the Côte des Bar. The restaurant is located in a vaulted stone cellar that is typical of the area – 3 stars. www.hotel-le-marius.com

Enjoy truly zero-kilometre cuisine at the Ferme de Sossa. Photo: Gillian Thornton

FARMHOUSE B&B

La Ferme de Sossa, Vecqueville

A working farm offering accommodation in the hills above Joinville. Atmospheric rooms, optional dinner with family (English spoken by Maria), and breakfasts made with produce of the farm. www.chambre-hote-sossa.com

EAT

La Table d’Arthur, Charleville-Mézières

Inventive cuisine awarded Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. Restaurant and bistro menus to choose from. www.latabledarthur.fr

Les Boucles de Meuse, Monthermé

Traditional French cuisine and regional Ardennes dishes are served at this Logis hotel-restaurant with 9 rooms and views over the Meuse valley. www.lesbouclesdemeuse.net

Côté Cuisine, Reims

Gastronomic restaurant with a well-presented Provençal-style interior courtyard that is perfect for summer-evening dining. www.restaurant-cote-cuisine.com

La Grange du Relais sits on the outskirts of Charles de Gaulle’s home village. Photo: Gillian Thornton

Café du Palais, Reims

Fourth-generation family bistro established in 1930 with Art Deco interiors. Offers an extensive wine and champagne list. www.cafedupalais.fr

Restaurant Jérôme Feck, Châlons-en-Champagne

Polished wood, stone floors and big windows are the décor for this Michelin-starred restaurant working under local chef Jérôme Feck within the Hôtel d’Angleterre. www.hotel-dangleterre.fr

La Maison de Marie Caroline, Châlons-en-Champagne

Restaurant and tea room with grocery serving light meals in the centre of Châlons. Three chambres d’hôtes bedrooms for overnight guests. www.lamaisondemariecaroline.com

La Grange du Relais, Colombey-les-Deux-Églises

Pretty rustic restaurant and hôtel de charme with 11 rooms lying on the edge the village. he Colombier restaurant near the church is owned by the same people. www.lagrangedurelais.fr

From France Today magazine