Nestled in northeastern France, just a short train ride from Paris, the Champagne-Ardenne region is a dream for lovers of history, scenery, and of course, bubbly. This is the only place in the world where true Champagne is made, and a visit here reveals not just how this iconic drink is crafted but also the rich tapestry of land, tradition, and meticulous skill behind every golden glass.
The two main hubs for Champagne tourism are Reims and Épernay. Reims, once the coronation city of French kings, boasts an impressive Gothic cathedral and some of the most prestigious Champagne houses, including Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, and Ruinart. Beneath the city, ancient Roman chalk quarries—called “crayères”—have been converted into cool, humid cellars perfect for aging Champagne. Guided tours here are immersive, often culminating in tastings of vintage cuvées while surrounded by thousands of resting bottles. After the tour, finish with a gourmet dinner at Le Foch, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative cuisine perfectly paired with champagne.
A short drive south takes you to Épernay, a smaller but no less glamorous town, home to the Avenue de Champagne, a stretch of grand mansions and Champagne houses that include Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger. Tours here often begin with a walk through lush vineyards and end in candlelit cellars deep underground. It's not uncommon to learn about the riddling process or the art of dosage while sipping a chilled flute among history-rich stone walls. You can also enjoy a spa treatment for an afternoon while you're there at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa.
If you're looking for a more intimate experience, the surrounding countryside offers visits to family-run domaines in charming villages like Hautvillers, Aÿ, and Bouzy. These smaller producers often open their doors to curious travelers, eager to share stories of their land, methods passed down through generations, and their philosophy on blending and aging. Tasting with a vigneron in their kitchen or vineyard can feel like a return to the origins of Champagne itself.
Beyond the bubbles, Champagne-Ardenne is a region of quiet beauty and layered history. Rolling hills covered in vines, forests laced with walking trails, and river valleys dotted with medieval towns make it an ideal destination for slow, scenic travel. Stop by the Église Saint-Sindulphe in Hautvillers, where the monk Dom Pérignon, a name forever linked with Champagne’s origin story, is buried.
Champagne tours run year-round, but harvest season in September brings a special energy. Visitors might witness the hand-picking of grapes, the pressing process, and even the early stages of fermentation. Winter, by contrast, offers cozy cellar tours and festive markets under the twinkle of holiday lights.
A journey through Champagne-Ardenne is as much about the land and people as it is about the drink itself. Each flute holds centuries of craftsmanship, layers of geology, and the pride of a region where celebration is a way of life. Whether you’re raising a glass in a grand salon or a village courtyard, the experience is unmistakably Champagne.
🥂 A 5-Day Journey Through Champagne-Ardenne
Day 1
Arrive in Reims by high-speed train from Paris in under an hour, and start your journey with a step back in time at the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it served as the coronation site of many French kings, notably Charles VII in 1429, in the presence of Joan of Arc. It’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and spiritual grandeur. As evening falls, treat yourself to dinner at the Michelin-starred Le Foch, where local ingredients and an extensive champagne list set the tone for the days to come.
Day 2
Begin your champagne journey underground with a tour of Taittinger’s Roman chalk cellars, an atmospheric introduction to the region’s deep winemaking roots. Follow that with a visit to Champagne G.H. Martel & Co for a more intimate tasting experience. After a leisurely lunch at Brasserie Excelsior, wander over to the Villa Demoiselle, an Art Nouveau beauty that blends architectural wonder with boutique champagne tasting. In the evening, dress up for a performance at the Opéra de Reims, a jewel-box theater offering ballet, opera, and classical music in a romantic setting.
Day 3
Leave the city behind and enter the vine-laced hills of Montagne de Reims. En route to Champillon, stop in the charming wine villages of Verzenay or Rilly-la-Montagne, and visit the Lighthouse of Verzenay for sweeping vineyard views and a fascinating Champagne museum. Check into the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, a luxurious hilltop retreat overlooking the Marne Valley. Spend the afternoon unwinding at the spa with a vinotherapy treatment or a dip in the infinity pool, champagne in hand, of course. Cap off the day with a Michelin-starred dinner at Le Royal, where vineyard views meet exquisite seasonal cuisine.
Day 4
Head down into Épernay and stroll the famed Avenue de Champagne, lined with elegant mansions housing legendary producers like Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger. A guided cellar tour at Moët reveals over 28 kilometers of aging tunnels beneath your feet. For lunch, try La Table Kobus, a stylish bistro serving Champagne-friendly fare. Then explore the biodynamic wines of Leclerc Briant, a house known for its sustainable approach and bold, expressive blends. Return to your hotel for a final toast as the sun sets over the vines.
Day 5
Before you depart, enjoy a tranquil morning in the Parc naturel régional de la Montagne de Reims, home to the enchanting Faux de Verzy—a forest of whimsical, twisted beech trees. It's a quiet, grounding way to reflect on the richness of the region. After a countryside lunch or a quick return to Reims, catch your train back to Paris—or wherever your next adventure awaits.
🥂 Travel Notes:
Getting there: Reims is just 45 minutes from Paris via TGV.
Getting around: Hire a local driver or rent a car for maximum flexibility (and safe tasting).
When to go: Late spring through early fall offers the best weather and vineyard activity.
Tasting tip: Many champagne houses require advance reservations—book early.