Where To Go And What To Do In Champagne

Knowing where to go and What To Do In Champagne is critical to making the most of Champagne, this extraordinary french region.

In the realm of luxurious indulgence, Champagne, the northern region of France, reigns supreme as a haven for connoisseurs.

Elevating the experience to new heights, these are just some of the opulent offerings of Champagne.

From private champagne tastings at prestigious houses to Michelin-starred culinary delights and UNESCO World Heritage sites, this guide presents the epitome of refined extravagance.

Where to Stay

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa Nestled on a Champillon hillside, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa offers a panoramic view of the Marne Valley, Épernay, the Champagne capital, and the historic Hautvillers village. With 51 sumptuous suites, two dining options (the Michelin-starred Le Royal and the relaxed brasserie Le Bellevue), an expansive spa featuring indoor and outdoor pools, and a Champagne concierge team for arranging private house visits, tastings, and harvesting sessions with local producers, this is a luxurious retreat.

Domaine Les Crayères Situated in Reims, Domaine Les Crayères, a former residence surrounded by over 17 acres of parkland, was built in 1904 for the Polignac family, connected to the Pommery Champagne house. The guest accommodations, designed in a classical French style by acclaimed interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, provide an opulent setting. The hotel is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux portfolio and houses the two-Michelin-starred Le Parc, led by chef Philippe Mille, along with a brasserie restaurant, Le Jardin.

Floating Luxury Aboard Coquelicot Belmond’s latest luxury barge, Coquelicot, offers a unique Champagne experience. Designed by Humbert & Poyet, it features three cabins with en suite bathrooms, an indoor salon with a Champagne bar, and a spacious deck. Partnering with Maison Ruinart, Coquelicot offers an epicurean journey, including a tasting lunch curated by Ruinart’s Chef in Residence, Valérie Radou, and a private guided vineyard tour to explore sustainability initiatives. Coquelicot sets sail on her maiden journey in September 2023.

Manoir Henri Girault At the 17th-century vineyard Henri Giraud, located just outside Épernay, wellness and wine harmonize. Guests can book the Bain de Terroir experience, which encompasses a private vineyard tour and tasting, a fine-dining wine-paired menu, and a Craÿothérapie® wellness experience. This wellness experience features a chalk bath treatment, accompanied by a glass of Champagne and grapeseed oil massages, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.

Authentic Experiences

Champagne Tastings Champagne’s idyllic landscapes hide miles of underground cellars filled with precious bottles. Unlike the typical cellar door experiences, Champagne houses often require advanced booking, making it essential to plan visits ahead.

Regional Heritage at Ruinart Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house located in Reims, invites visitors to explore its cellars, nestled 40 meters underground in UNESCO-listed crayères (chalk cellars) dating back to the 18th century. A private two-hour tour culminates in a tasting of two Ruinart cuvées.

Biodynamic Innovation at Champagne Leclerc Briant Leclerc Briant, a boutique producer, is a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Champagne. Their vineyard, certified biodynamic and organic, focuses on sustainable and nature-aligned winemaking. Winemaker Frédéric Zeimett crafts authentic Champagnes renowned for expressing the terroir.

Local Landmarks

Avenue de Champagne The UNESCO-listed L’Avenue de Champagne in Épernay stretches for a kilometer and is adorned with historic properties housing renowned Champagne producers, including Moët et Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims This striking cathedral in Reims, a site of French coronations, features impressive High Gothic architecture with intricately carved sculptures of French kings and biblical figures, including statues honoring Joan of Arc.

Hautvillers Perched on a picturesque hillside, Hautvillers is closely linked to Champagne’s winemaking heritage and is the resting place of Dom Pérignon. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming village and visit a nearby lookout point for stunning vineyard views.

How to Get There:

Traveling to and from Champagne is convenient with four regional train stations. High-speed TGV trains departing from Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport offer quick journeys, taking between 30 to 45 minutes.

Travelers exploring multiple French wine regions can maximise their experience with the Eurail Global Pass, providing unlimited travel across 33 destinations.

Champagne, famed worldwide for its effervescent elixir, invites food enthusiasts and wine aficionados to embark on a journey through its undulating hills, expansive plains, charming villages, and world-class vineyards.

With accommodation options ranging from characterful B&Bs to opulent renovated châteaux, Champagne offers a range of beautiful bases to explore its treasures.

Whether you wish to tour the renowned Champagne houses, savor exquisite meals, or immerse yourself in cultural and historical landmarks, Champagne promises a luxurious sojourn.