Tour the Champagne Houses and Taste the Bubbly:
No visit to Champagne would be complete without a tour of its famous Champagne houses. The region is home to some of the most prestigious names in sparkling wine production, and many of these offer immersive tours that take you behind the scenes of the champagne-making process.
- Reims is home to iconic Champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger. Most of these houses offer guided tours through their historic cellars, where visitors can learn about the complex methods of fermentation and maturation that result in the famous bubbly. Many tours end with a tasting session, allowing you to savor a glass of Champagne straight from the source.
- Épernay, another key city in the Champagne region, is famous for the Avenue de Champagne, where you’ll find luxury Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Mercier, and Pol Roger. Walking along this elegant avenue lined with stunning 18th-century mansions is an experience in itself.
Tip: Book your tours in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak seasons (spring and summer), as spots can fill up quickly.
Explore the Vineyards and Scenic Countryside:
The Champagne region isn’t just about tasting wine—it’s also about experiencing the breathtaking landscape that surrounds the vineyards. Champagne is made from grapes grown in the picturesque vineyards that stretch across the hills of this region.
Vineyard Tours: Many local producers offer vineyard tours, which give visitors the chance to walk through the vines, learn about the different grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay), and understand how the terroir affects the taste of Champagne. Some tours also include a light lunch or picnic overlooking the vineyards, offering an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Scenic Drives and Cycling: The Champagne countryside is dotted with charming villages and historic sites. A scenic drive along the Montagne de Reims or through the Côte des Blancs will take you past rolling hills covered in grapevines and picturesque villages like Verzy and Ay. For the more active traveler, cycling tours are a popular way to explore the vineyards and enjoy the peaceful landscape at a slower pace.
Visit the Historic City of Reims:
Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning architecture. While it’s known for its Champagne heritage, the city also boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and landmarks worth exploring.
Notre-Dame de Reims: The city’s crown jewel is the magnificent Reims Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the site of the coronation of many French kings. Marvel at the intricate stained glass windows, the stunning facade, and the sheer grandeur of this historic cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century.
Palace of Tau: Adjacent to the cathedral is the Palace of Tau, a former royal residence where French kings prepared for their coronation ceremonies. The palace houses a museum with royal memorabilia, tapestries, and an impressive collection of religious relics.
Basilica of Saint-Remi: Another important site in Reims is the Basilica of Saint-Remi, a beautiful church and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the relics of Saint Remi, the bishop who baptized Clovis, the first king of the Franks, in the 5th century.
Tip: Reims is also home to numerous charming cafes, bistros, and restaurants where you can sample local cuisine, such as croquettes de Reims (cheese croquettes) or langres cheese, paired perfectly with a glass of Champagne.
