Champenois

Champenois is a French demonym used for people from the historic province of Champagne in north-eastern France. The region is now largely within the Grand Est, with parts in the departments of Marne, Aube, and Haute-Marne. Major historic centers include Reims, Troyes, and Épernay. The term also appears in reference to things associated with Champagne and its culture.

Historically, Champagne was a medieval county and later duchy with significant influence in the kingdom of France. Reims hosted the royal coronations, and the region developed as a major center of trade and, especially, wine production. The Champenois have contributed to regional architecture, cuisine, and traditions that remain tied to the area.

Champenois (also known as Champenois language) refers to a regional Romance language or dialect belonging to the Langue d'oïl group, traditionally spoken in Champagne. It is closely related to other Oïl dialects and is considered endangered in modern times, with efforts underway to document and preserve it.

In contemporary usage, Champenois denotes inhabitants and, less commonly, cultural identifiers connected to Champagne. The term reflects a historical regional identity that persists alongside the broader French national identity, particularly in discussions of history, linguistics, and wine culture.