A new airline AIR TURQUOISE will start new routes from London to Reims (51 Marne, Champagne-Ardennes) and from Reims to Toulouse (31 Haut-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) from March at very attractive prices. Slowly some cheap internal flights within France are becoming available, which opens up the possibility of a multi-centre trip to France without the car.
Whilst a good dollop of turquoise colour on the website may be bearable, I do hope they don't overly extend the corporate colour scheme into the cabin or uniforms!!
Reims is of course the capital of Champagne country and is fine for a weekend away. However, it is worth hiring a car and getting out into the vineyards and exploring the "Montagne de Reims" - not exactly a mountain but an impressive outcrop across which many of the finest Champagne vineyards are to be found. You will be amazed by how many Champagne growers there are - many offering better priced wines than the major "marques" which have their cellars in fine chateau in Reims.
However, do be wary of some Champagne vineyards policy of charging for tastings - usually refunded from any purchase made. Whilst I understand the need to discourage the freeloaders, I personally object to the practice - and feel that they should discriminate between the coachload of tourists and the potential serious customer - buying a case of Champagne is always serious in my book! The other option is to get an introduction from a UK (or French) merchant, or contact the vineyard in advance to establish your "credentials".
If you are flying to Reims you will of course be a somewhat limited in your wine purchases - why not take a WINE BOTTLE BAG which will safely carry 9-bottles onto the plane - CLICK HERE for details
