Ay-Champagne lovers dream
When going to the Champagne region, most people visit Epernay, the center of champagne production or Reims, the larger historical city. However, I would recommend staying/visiting Ay. We stayed at a champagne house in Ay and found it to be not only a hidden gem, but also a real local experience. Ay is a town that thrives on champagne production. There were about 3 restaurants, 2 bars, a bakery, a grocery store, several small shops and seemingly a dozen or so champagne houses. While you won't get the big tour as in Epernay, you can visit several houses within a few minutes walk and sit down and try some of the champagne and talk to the owners/makers. The variety of champagne blew me away and there were some of the most affordable good bottles from about $12 and up. There are no lines and no hordes of tourists. Several of the champagne houses offer rooms for the night at half the rate as...
