North Champagne

Wheat, barley and rapeseed are the three main crops in the rotations. The area is a European leader for cereal production, and some of the higher yields in France are recorded here. The largest cereal cooperative in Europe, the two largest malt producers in the world, as well as large starch factories are located in the area. An easy access to northern european countries and to the port of Dunkerque facilitates cereal trade.

Did you know France is the world leader for the production of sugar and ethanol (biofuel) from sugarbeet ? Subject to strong regulations and quotas, the production of sugar beet in the area relies on the evolutions of the Commom Agricultural Policy (CAP).

67% of the national potato crop is harvested in the region, over 110 000 ha. Potatoes are sold for human consumption or to starch manufactures.

North Champagne is also a leader in many vegetable field-crops. Endives, salsifis, green beans, peas, Brussels spouts, onions : the major part of the national tonnage for these vegetables grows in North Champagne.

On your way to visit the Champagne houses, do not miss the beautiful city of Reims. Kings of France were crowned in the cathedral, a jewel of architecture.

Lille is also a remarkable city, displaying high brick buildings, and a large number of pubs where you can taste some of the best beers in Europe !

In the Bay of the Somme river, a 70 km² protected area displays a large ecological diversity : wetlands and seashores welcome thousands of birds and seals.

North Champagne is the area where you’ll find the largest farms in France. Large plains extend from Paris to the Belgium border, where an intensive, highly-mechanized agriculture developed after World War II. Over 60% of the territory is occupied by farmland, and although the vines grown in Champagne are famous, crops are largely dominant.

You may have heard of the famous “andouillette de Troyes”, a sausage-shaped pork preparation seasoned with fresh onions and served with Dijon mustard, of course !

Most chefs serve dishes seasoned with truffles. The vast forests of Ardennes provide households and restaurants with game meat. Have you ever had a wild boar stew ? Or some hare pâté ? You might also want to try this recipe of deer served with white beans and celery purée !