This is followed by the other partial landscapes in a semicircle: First there is the extensive basin of “dry Champagne” (Champagne sèche), also known as “lousy Champagne” (Champagne pouilleuse) or “chalky Champagne” (Champagne crayeuse). It is characterized by broad hills, mostly completely covered by huge fields, which rise only very gently (inclined plane), but because of their great extent can reach heights of more than 100 m. In the late Middle Ages and early modern times, the water-permeable soils were severely depleted. After this was remedied in the 19th century by ecological measures (afforestation of hilltops) and improved fertilization, monumental silo systems now testify to the yields of agriculture.
