Comprising four departments (Ardennes, Marne, Haute-Marne and Aube), this is a region with low population density and few large towns or cities besides Reims, its capital and a famous cathedral city.

In the north, the Ardennes is an area of heathland, forests and small towns, whilst the Marne is an important agricultural area, known the world over for its champagne, from vineyards around Reims and Epernay.

Further south, industry (especially food production), a dense network of small and medium-sized businesses, and training and research establishments have made this region one of the most flourishing in France.