As a French dude from North of France myself I can only say that Champagne is totally overrated. It's basically white wine that is bottled with a spoon of cane sugar syrup and then fermented again. I'd rather drink red wine, or cider when I'm in the mood for bubbles (I fucking love cider). And of course, beer.
In the end it's a matter of taste but I personally prefer true Champagne Brut and Extra Brut as they offer a more dry mineral flavor, compared to other Champagne like beverages.
But as a French I think it's really important to respect the idea of "terroir". I'm Ok with using champagnisation process to create Champagne like beverages, but Champagne is Champagne, from the French region of Champagne.