Champagne (France)

Champagne: A Sparkling Adventure

Champagne, the world-renowned wine region in northeastern France, offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and effervescent experiences. This guide will help you navigate the rolling hills, explore charming villages, and savor the finest bubbles in the birthplace of champagne.

Wine Regions

Towns and Villages

Épernay and Reims stand out as the main hubs for champagne exploration. Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne houses prestigious champagne houses, while Reims boasts a stunning Gothic cathedral and Roman ruins.

  • Épernay: Home to Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët
  • Reims: Visit Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger
  • Hautvillers: Quaint village where Dom Pérignon perfected champagne-making techniques
  • Aÿ: Known for its Grand Cru vineyards and picturesque setting

Wine Producers

Champagne boasts a mix of prestigious large houses and small, family-run producers. Many offer tours and tastings, providing insights into the champagne-making process.

  • Large Houses: Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon
  • Smaller Producers: Billecart-Salmon, Pol Roger, Ruinart
  • Grower Champagnes: Egly-Ouriet, Jacques Selosse, Pierre Péters

Tip: Book tours in advance, especially during peak season (May-October).

Accommodations

From luxurious châteaux to cozy B&Bs, Champagne offers diverse lodging options. Stay in the heart of wine country for easy access to vineyards and tasting rooms.

  • Luxury: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Domaine Les Crayères
  • Mid-range: Hôtel Jean Moët in Épernay, Best Western Hôtel de la Paix in Reims
  • Budget: Campanile Reims Centre – Cathédrale, Premiere Classe Epernay

Dining

Champagne’s culinary scene pairs perfectly with its sparkling wines. Enjoy local specialties and Michelin-starred restaurants.

  • Fine Dining: Le Parc at Les Crayères (2 Michelin stars), L’Assiette Champenoise (3 Michelin stars)
  • Casual Eats: Bistrot Le 7 in Épernay, Le Café du Palais in Reims
  • Local Specialties: Jambon de Reims, Chaource cheese, Biscuits roses de Reims

Tip: Many restaurants offer champagne pairing menus, showcasing local wines with each course.

Wine Shops & Bars

Champagne offers numerous options for purchasing and tasting wines beyond the major houses. Explore local wine shops and bars for unique finds and expert recommendations.

  • La Fine Bulle (Épernay): Specializes in grower champagnes
  • L’Epicerie au Bon Manger (Reims): Wine shop with organic and biodynamic selections
  • Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage (Reims): Cozy bar with an extensive champagne list
  • C. Comme Champagne (Épernay): Tasting bar featuring over 350 champagnes

Tip: Ask for recommendations based on your taste preferences and budget.

Other Shops

While wine dominates, Champagne also offers unique shopping experiences for local products and souvenirs.

  • Fossier (Reims): Famous for pink biscuits (Biscuits roses de Reims)
  • La Petite Friande (Épernay): Artisanal chocolates and confections
  • Les Halles du Boulingrin (Reims): Covered market for local produce and specialties
  • Maison Vatel (Reims): Gourmet food shop featuring regional products

Attractions

Beyond wine, Champagne boasts rich history and cultural attractions. Balance your wine tours with visits to these notable sites.

  • Reims Cathedral: Gothic masterpiece and coronation site of French kings
  • Palace of Tau (Reims): Former archbishop’s residence, now a museum
  • Crayères des Ruinart: Ancient chalk cellars, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Musée de la Vigne et du Vin (Épernay): Museum dedicated to viticulture and winemaking

Tip: The Champagne Tourist Route connects many attractions and wineries.

Events

Time your visit to coincide with one of Champagne’s festive events celebrating wine, culture, and local traditions.

  • Habits de Lumière (Épernay, December): Light shows, parades, and champagne tastings
  • Fêtes Henri IV (Aÿ, July): Renaissance-themed festival with costumed parades
  • Champagne Harvest Festival (Various locations, September-October): Celebrate the grape harvest
  • Reims Jazz Festival (November): International jazz performances in historic venues

Tip: Book accommodations early for popular events, as they can fill up quickly.

Appellations

Understanding Champagne’s appellations helps in appreciating the nuances of different wines. The region is divided into several sub-regions, each with unique characteristics.

  • Montagne de Reims: Known for full-bodied Pinot Noir
  • Côte des Blancs: Renowned for elegant Chardonnay
  • Vallée de la Marne: Produces fruit-forward Pinot Meunier
  • Aube (Côte des Bar): Southern area known for Pinot Noir

Tip: Look for “Grand Cru” and “Premier Cru” designations for top-quality wines.

Grape Varieties

Champagne’s signature grapes are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These varieties thrive in the region’s cool climate and chalky soils.

Other permitted grapes include Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris, though they’re rarely used.

Main Wine Styles

Champagne produces several styles, each with unique characteristics:

  • Blanc de Blancs: Made entirely from Chardonnay, known for elegance and finesse
  • Blanc de Noirs: Produced from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, offering body and structure
  • Rosé: Created by blending red and white wines or through brief skin contact
  • Non-Vintage: Blends from multiple years, representing house style
  • Vintage: Made from grapes harvested in a single, exceptional year

Food Specialties

Champagne’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local delicacies include:

  • Jambon de Reims: A dry-cured ham
  • Langres: A soft, washed-rind cheese
  • Biscuit rose de Reims: Pink cookies traditionally dipped in champagne
  • Chaource: A creamy cow’s milk cheese

Drives & Walks

Explore Champagne’s picturesque landscapes:

  • Route du Champagne: A scenic drive through vineyards and charming villages
  • Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park: Offers hiking trails with panoramic views
  • Marne Valley: Walk along the river, passing historic champagne houses

Itineraries

Plan your Champagne adventure with these sample itineraries:

3-Day Champagne Tour

  1. Day 1: Explore Reims, visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, tour Veuve Clicquot
  2. Day 2: Drive to Épernay, visit Avenue de Champagne, tour Moët & Chandon
  3. Day 3: Explore smaller producers in Côte des Blancs, enjoy a champagne lunch

5-Day Champagne Immersion

  1. Days 1-2: Reims (as above)
  2. Day 3: Épernay and Avenue de Champagne
  3. Day 4: Côte des Blancs, focus on Chardonnay-based champagnes
  4. Day 5: Aÿ and Hautvillers, visit Dom Pérignon’s tomb

Getting There & Around

The Champagne region is easily accessible from Paris:

  • By train: High-speed TGV trains connect Paris to Reims in 45 minutes
  • By car: A2 motorway from Paris to Reims, about 2 hours drive
  • By bus: Flixbus offers budget-friendly options from Paris to major Champagne cities

Within the region, consider:

  • Renting a car for flexibility in visiting smaller villages and vineyards
  • Using local buses for budget travel between major towns
  • Booking guided tours for a hassle-free experience and expert insights

Best Time to Visit

The Champagne region offers unique experiences year-round:

  • Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming vineyards, fewer crowds
  • Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, outdoor events, busiest season
  • Fall (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals, beautiful foliage
  • Winter (November-March): Quiet period, cozy tastings, potential for snow-covered landscapes

Sustainability Efforts

Champagne is committed to environmental sustainability:

  • Viticulture Durable en Champagne: A certification program for sustainable vineyard practices
  • Carbon footprint reduction: Lighter bottles and optimized transportation
  • Biodiversity preservation: Encouraging cover crops and natural pest control methods

Look for producers with sustainability certifications when planning visits.

Language Tips

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few French phrases can enhance your experience:

  • Bonjour – Hello
  • Merci – Thank you
  • S’il vous plaît – Please
  • Une coupe de champagne – A glass of champagne
  • Santé! – Cheers!

Further Resources

Enhance your Champagne knowledge with these resources:

Explore Wine Regions