The Champagne and Brie regions cover several departments of France, among them the Seine-et-Marne–where the Seine and the Marne rivers converge on part of the Brie Region, and the Marne, Haute-Marne, Aube and Ardenne parts of the Champagne region. The first region is famous all over the world for its Champagne including such big names as Möet-et-Chandon, Mumm, and Veuve Cliquot. The second one, also known as France's breadbasket, is famous for its cheeses. Besides their earthly delights, these two rural lands have numerous architectural and historical treasures to offer. The Seine-et-Marne has recently undergone a sort of revival which is owed in large part to Disneyland Paris's presence in the community of Marne-La-Vallée. If you come to the region, you are probably planning on visiting Disney's European theme park, but don't limit your visit to Disney. You should also experience all the French countryside has to offer with short and longer trips to historic cities like Melun, Provins, Meaux or Fontainebleau, and the Champagne region.

Bailly-Romainvilliers

As part of Marne-la-Vallée, a conglomerate of eight small towns, Bailly-Romainvilliers is located at the heart of the Seine-et-Marne and is one of the cities that borders Disneyland Paris. It is surrounded by fields of grain that define the character of the Brie region. The landscape will enchant you with its rural accents and variety of colors and the fields which create unique patterns on the ground. In spring and summer, when the crops are in full bloom, the vivid yellow of the sunflowers is highlighted by the light brown of the wheat and the deep green of the corn. The city itself was born from the union of two small hamlets, Bailly and Romainvilliers, and has expanded with the establishment of Disneyland in 1992. Besides the neighboring theme park and Disney Studio, you can relax and go shopping in the La Vallée Village, where a wide range of stores and restaurants are located. Golf amateurs can pay a visit to adjacent golf courses like Golf Hôtel or Domaine de la Brie.

Besides Eurodisney, there is plenty to do in the region. Dare to pursue your adventure further and drive to other cities as vibrant and enchanting as Marne-la-Vallée.

Provins

Provins is one of the cities that is easily accessible from Bailly or Paris. As a medieval town, it has been classified a world heritage site by UNESCO and counts 58 monuments to visit. The town is divided into two parts. The upper part, called Ville Haute is a treasure of medieval architecture, while the lower part, Ville Basse is where the city's "downtown" activities take place. Surrounded by fortified walls, the Ville Haute will surprise you by its number of historical buildings and old mansions. From the Tour César to the Grange aux Dîmes, you'll pass by Place du Châtel; be prepared to embark on a journey to the Middle Ages. In summer, don't miss the shows organized in the heart of the Remparts. If you're up to some shopping, the Ville Haute offers many options for art and crafts as well as souvenirs, whereas the Ville Basse has more clothing and accessories shops. Walk down rue du val and rue de la cordonnerie until you reach place Saint-Ayoul where you can visit the Cathédrale Saint-Ayoul.

Fontainebleau

Also easily accessible from Paris or Bailly is Fontainebleau, famous for its castle and forest. If you are passionate about French history and architecture, chances are you were planning on visiting the city, since it has hosted all the Kings of France since Louis VI the Fat (1081-1137). The Château de Fontainebleau is not to be missed, not only for historical purposes, but also because the adjacent garden designed by Lenôtre is a favorite with children, as they try to find their way out of its maze. The Fontainebleau Forest will enchant hikers, bikers and nature lovers. In the northeastern part of Fontainebleau, pay a visit to the authentic Barbizon Village, home to eponymous painting school and once the host city of eminent painters such as Camille Corot or Jean-François Millet.

Moret-sur-Loing

You can't help but fall under the charm of the picturesque village of Moret-sur-Loing, once the impressionists' headquarters. Located on the border of Fontainebleau forest and alongside the Loing river, it is set in an unusual landscape that inspired Delacroix, Monet, Renoir and Sisley and is sure to transform passers-by into romantic and soulful artists. Among the treasures of architecture to see, visit the fortified walls, the dungeon, the church Notre-Dame, the François I forefront and the city hall. At the Musée du sucre d'Orge, you'll learn the original recipe of the sucre d'orge, a kind of candy stick common in the region. On the weekends, the close-by Guinguettes are a must-see for those who like traditional folklore.

Meaux

After driving 20 minutes north of Disneyland Paris, you'll reach Meaux, another medieval city rich in history and architecture. It is the one and only city of the Ile-de-France region that is home to an Episcopal city. Built across from the Cathédrale Saint Etienne de Meaux, le Palais Episcopal was erected in the 12th Century and continuously remodeled until the 15th Century. Hence it is considered one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture. It is also home to the Bossuet Museum, a museum entirely devoted to Jacques-Benigne Bossuet (1627-1704), a theologian and moralist who was one of the staunchest defendants of absolute monarchy. Continue your walk up to the garden, a one-of-a-kind jardin à la française dating from the 17th Century. Meaux is also famous for its cheese, and the Brie de Meaux was awarded the titled "King of Cheeses" in 1815 during the Congress of Vienna. Make sure to sample it before you leave the city.

Melun

Melun, affectionately nicknamed the Lutèce Briarde (Lutèce is the former name of Paris), is the capital and economic center of Seine-et-Marne. It has been a cultural and trade center since the Middle Ages, thanks to its ideal locale at the crossroads of major rivers flowing from Paris. If you are fond of history, you'll probably go straight to the Ile Saint-Étienne, where the Collégiale Notre-Dame stands. Stroll down to the garden where the original Le Four "du Manège" dating from the Roman period has been rebuilt. Another masterpiece of gothic architecture, l'Église Saint-Aspais, with its stunning stained glass windows from the 16th Century, is of great interest. Near Melun, do not miss the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte erected in the 17th Century under Fouquet's mandate as King Louis XIV's superintendent of finance.

Champagne

The Champagne region is a continuation of the Seine-et-Marne and is likewise highly enjoyable and full of delights – the most famous being its wine. It represents one of the richest regional economies in France. Besides visiting Champagne wineries renowned worldwide like Moët & Chandon, Champagne Mumm, or Champagne Krug, you'll enjoy the vibrant cultural life of cities like Reims or Épernay. Ride the Route Touristique de Champagne, a famous touristic road that will lead you across the Massif de Château-Thierry, the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Bars. In the summer, numerous crowded festivals are organized in the region, like the Flâneries musicales in Reims. - Aurélie Pichard