I recently toured the Champagne region, having booked hotels and chosen destinations on the internet; I had a superb time and fell in love with the towns, villages and steeply-sloping chalk hills of La Champagne. I bought this book on my return hoping to learn a little more about it - I should have bought it before, as it's an excellent touring guide to the region.
Champagne has been my favourite drink for a number of years and this book has enriched my appreciation no end. It's written for someone who is planning on visiting the region from England (most of the travel directions are based on how to get there from the UK), and suggests various routes through the champagne villages and towns. The best bit about the book though is the informative history of the drink itself; the author talks about how champagne came to be invented (dispelling a few myths along the way!) and goes into some detail on the production of the drink, the blend of grapes used and so on.
Later, when he guides you through the individual champagne villages, he gives notes on a large selection of champagne producers so that you can get an idea of the best places to visit. This reader's recommendation? If you've only got time to visit one, go for the Castellane house in Epernay - the tour is much more personalised than some of the better-known houses, and their champagne is excellent!
Illustrated in full colour and with an excellent layout throughout the book, this is a thoroughly recommended read, and at an excellent price from Amazon too. Thanks Mr. Boucheron, I'll raise a glass to you next time I'm in La Champagne!