Light fantastic: Berlin Cathedral is one of 50 landmarks to be lit up during the city's Festival of Lights. Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images
Take me there: Festival of Lights, Berlin
Berlin has long been feted for its colourful nightlife, but visitors will be in for extra nocturnal treats next month as the annual Festival of Lights gets under way. From the Brandenburg Gate to the Radio Tower, more than 50 of the city's iconic landmarks will be spectacularly illuminated. "Lightseeing" tours of the city centre by bus, boat, hot air balloon and rickshaw will run throughout the festival alongside musical performances, art installations and open-house events. There's even a Light Run, enabling runners to take in the sights by night. The festival is on from 10-21 October. For more details, go to festival-of-lights.de/en.
Joanne's travel clinic: French vineyard trip
The dilemma We're thinking of booking a trip to France to stock up on champagne for our daughter's wedding. We'd like to make a bit of a holiday of it and would like some suggestions on how to get the best out of our trip. Dominic and Jane, by email
Late September is the perfect time of year to experience the Champagne-Ardenne, home to the world's finest fizz. The grape harvest is in full swing and many producers run cellar tours and tastings, so you can try before you buy. A new Champagne Pass, giving discounted entry to top-name producers such as Mumm and Pommery in Reims, offers good value for money if you plan to visit several places. For example, five visits cost €25, instead of the usual €50. The pass can be bought online at oenopass.net. Alastair Sawday's website is a good starting point for sourcing characterful B&Bs in the Aube and Marne regions (sawdays.co.uk).
One of the best ways to explore the rolling Champagne countryside is on two wheels. Hire a bike and strike out on one of the region's many voie-vertes – traffic-free greenways – which are listed on a new cycle map available from the regional tourist board at champagne-ardenne-tourism.co.uk.
If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor atmagazine@observer.co.uk.
Three of the best… events for fashion lovers
If an exclusive front-row seat at one of London Fashion Week's catwalk shows is out of reach, why not check out one of these three stylish events that are open to everyone?
Biba and Beyond, Brighton A celebration of the work of Barbara Hulanicki and her iconic label. 22 Sept-14 April. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery (visitbrighton.com)
Cheltenham Fashion Week London, Paris, Milan… Cheltenham! Workshops, talks and catwalk shows at the town's first-ever fashion week. 17-21 Sept (cheltenhamfashionweek.co.uk)
Chanel Little Black Jacket, London Celebs wearing one little black jacket, photographed by Karl Lagerfield. Saatchi Gallery, from 12-28 Oct (thelittleblackjacket.chanel.com)
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