Holidays to Champagne offer

The Independent/Independent on Sunday have joined forces with SeaFrance European Life to offer you excellent discounts on holidays to Champagne. From just pounds 49 per person you can take a break in the heart of the Champagne region, inclusive of return ferry crossing, two nights accommodation and a complimentary bottle of Champagne on your arrival.

Travel with SeaFrance from Dover to Calais on any one of the 15 daily crossings and start your holiday to France the moment you step on board. Once in the famous Champagne region you can visit the major champagne cellars such as Mercier and Moet, where guided tours give you an insight into the whole magical champagne production process. While you are there, you can make excellent savings by stocking up on as much champagne as you can carry for your own celebrations at home. With its expertise in tailor-making self-drive holidays to France, SeaFrance European Life has specially selected four hotels for this exclusive offer, ranging from two to four stars.

Simply call SeaFrance European Life on 0870 242 4455, quoting The Independent Champagne Offer. To qualify for your offer you must collect four of the ten tokens that will be printed in The Independent and The Independent on Sunday from Friday 9 April to Sunday 18 April (inclusive). At least one of the tokens must be from The Independent on Sunday. Then, to validate your offer after booking, send your tokens with the completed application form to The Independent Champagne Offer, SeaFrance European Life, 10 Kerry Street, Leeds, LS18 4AW. Please note that all bookings must be made between 10 April and 30 April 1999 (inclusive).

PARTICIPATING HOTELS

Epernay, Le Thibault IV

HH

Situated 20 kms south of Epernay on the Champagne Route in the heart of the Champagne region, Le Thibault offers a good standard of accommodation with reasonably sized rooms and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel's restaurant is well known across the Champagne area serving both gastronomic menus and champagne dinners. The hotel can arrange a free visit to local wine cellars and although this does not include wine tasting, we're sure that it will be an insight into the Champagne world!

Troyes, Foret d'Orient

HHH

Beautiful natural setting, in the heart of the Champagne region, between two lakes for water sports and on an 18-hole golf course, 15 kms from medieval Troyes and 100 kms from the Epernay champagne cellars. Relax around the heated pool, enjoy a round of golf or archery (both payable locally), or exercise in the free fitness room. The generous sized rooms offer satellite TV, telephone and lovely bathrooms with separate w.c. The restaurant has a poolside terrace offering good value menus. Family rooms available.

Epernay, Hostellerie de la Reine Blanche

HHH

The village of Vertus lies 20 kms south of Epernay on the Champagne Route in the heart of the Champagne region. The charm and warmth offered by the Hostellerie Reine Blanche is quite typical of the hotels in this region. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna and fitness room and the bedrooms are large and sumptuously decorated with ensuite bathrooms. The Hostellerie also boasts wine cellars holding vintages dating back to 1929 to accompany its restaurant's fine gastronomic cuisine.

Reims, L'Assiette Champenoise

HHHH

Located just 2 kms from the centre of Reims with its magnificent Gothic cathedral and famous champagne cellars. Set in large grounds, this exquisite hotel offers excellent facilities and a high level of comfort in relaxing surroundings. In addition to the heated indoor swimming pool, guests have free use of the sauna. A gastronomic experience at the popular restaurant is certainly not to be missed. All bedrooms have satellite TV and mini- bar, buffet breakfast and private outdoor parking.

The Independent Champagne Offer

0870 242 4455

Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm

Fri-Sat 9am-5.30pm

Sun 11am-4pm

For further information on SeaFrance European Life, you can email them or visit their website.

el@frenchlf.demon.co.uk

www.europeanlife.co.uk