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Wine Lover’s Travel Guide to Visiting Champagne France

Guide to Visiting Champagne France

A visit to the Champagne region of France is quite different compared to visiting any other wine region across the globe. Located northeast of Paris, this small region produces what may be considered the most renowned and recognizable wine in the world.

While the region may be small, there is plenty to do and see, and of course, lots of bubbles to sip along the way! This straightforward travel guide is designed to highlight some of the best things to do in Champagne in addition to some of the best vineyards to visit.

Champagne Region Basics

First, check flight prices directly into Paris . The easiest way to get to Champagne is by either car or by rail. There are direct express trains (TGV) running multiple times daily from Paris to Reims , the capital of the Champagne. The train ride will take you approximately 45 minutes.

RELATED: 45 Best Things to Do in Paris This Year

There is also a train route available that takes you to the second city of the Champagne — Epernay . Getting to Epernay by train will take a little bit longer, closer to an hour and a half. That being said, whichever destination you choose to begin your journey should be based on the kind of experience you’re looking to have in Champagne.

Reims is a wonderful town to walk around, with many Champagne retailers, restaurants, and tasting rooms. If you’re looking to visit the producers themselves, or visit Epernay , we suggest renting a car as having the flexibility will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Book Our Most Highly-Rated Champagne Tour

For all aficionados of sparkling wines, this immersive day-long expedition to the heart of the Champagne region will be truly rewarding. Starting with an deep dive into Champagne House Boizel, you will relish tastings and a fascinating tour of their exquisite underground cellars. As you traverse the renowned Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, home to the finest champagne houses globally, you’ll gain insights into the region’s history and unique soil composition. This adventure also includes a relaxed lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. This intimate tour has a maximum capacity of 8 guests, promising a personalized experience.

Tickets for the TGV can be purchased online in advance or at the station, and there are several departures throughout the day. Travelers can also choose from a range of seating options, including standard, first class, and premium classes.

RELATED: 2 Day Planned Itinerary for Visiting the Champagne Region of France

Champagne Tour Options

Once in Champagne, there are many premium, private tour options available to visitors. While we have several favorites, À La Française offers a great full-day option that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reims or Epernay. It’s ideal for both first time visitors and experienced Winetraveler’s who are looking to get a fresh taste and local’s perspective. If you’re looking for a backup tour option, the same company offers a Grower’s tour (for serious sparkling wine enthusiasts) , including a stop at Champagne House Boizel and their underground cellars. The tour also provides a lovely lunch at Le Clos Corbier.

By the way, if you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time in Paris or simply looking to get your palate wet, we recommend visiting and having a guided experience at O Chateau inside their wine cellar in Paris for tastings and pairings. You’ll get to sample and understand Champagne before visiting, in addition to some of France’s other acclaimed wine regions and classic cuisine offerings.

What To See in Champagne France

Cathedrale notre-dame de reims (reims).

The Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims is an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Champagne. The cathedral is one of the most iconic and significant buildings in the region, and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the area.

Constructed in the 13th century, it’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture, featuring intricate carvings, towering spires, and breathtaking stained glass windows. The interior is equally impressive, with vaulted ceilings, ornate decorations, and a peaceful atmosphere that inspires contemplation and reflection.

The cathedral holds a special place in French history and culture, as it was the site of coronations for many of France’s monarchs, including Charles VII and Louis XVI. Today, visitors can admire the impressive architecture, explore the rich history and artistry, and experience the spiritual significance of this remarkable building.

Palais du Tau (Reims)

This majestic building located in the heart of Reims. Once the residence of the archbishop of Reims, the Palais du Tau is now a museum that houses some of the most important artifacts from Champagne’s rich history. The building itself is a stunning example of medieval architecture, featuring a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles that showcase the opulence and grandeur of the French monarchy. The palace is home to a vast collection of treasures, including tapestries, sculptures, and ceremonial objects, that tell the story of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

One of the most impressive features of the Palais du Tau is its ornate façade, which features intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning architecture, explore the museum’s impressive collection, and learn about the fascinating history of the palace and the region it represents.

Porte Mars (Reims)

Porte Mars was built in the 3rd century AD and served as a monumental gateway to the city from the Roman road that connected Reims to other important cities in the region. The arch is made of stone and stands at an impressive 33 meters (108 feet) tall, with three arches and intricate carvings and decorations. Despite its age, the arch is well-preserved and has been carefully restored over the centuries.

Today, Porte Mars is a popular attraction and is considered one of the most significant Roman landmarks in France. The arch’s impressive size and details, which include depictions of Roman gods and goddesses, battles scenes, and other decorative elements, will not soon be forgotten. The arch is also located in a picturesque park, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with a bottle of Champagne. Audio tours and even games for exploring the area on your phone are now bookable in advance.

Avenue de Champagne (Epernay)

A drive down this avenue will quickly acquaint you with many of the famed producers of Champagne. Unseen at street-level, there are hundreds of miles of caves, which house over 200 million bottles slowly aging over time, just beneath your feet.

Abbey of Hautvillers (Ay, FR)

Located on the edge of the Reims Mountain Nature Reserve, the Abbey of Hautvillers is a stunning historic monastery. This beautiful abbey is best known for being the birthplace of Champagne, where the monk Dom Perignon is said to have perfected the production method of this famous sparkling wine. The abbey itself is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture, featuring a beautiful church, tranquil cloisters, and impressive buildings and gardens. Visitors can explore the abbey’s rich history and learn about the life of the monk who called it home.

One of the highlights of a visit to the Abbey of Hautvillers is the opportunity to sample some of the world’s finest champagnes produced by the many wineries in the area. The surrounding vineyards and countryside provide a stunning backdrop for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, while the picturesque town of Hautvillers offers charming cafes, shops, and restaurants to enjoy. Whether you’re a history buff, wine lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in the French countryside, the Abbey of Hautvillers is an enchanting destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Where to Stay in Champagne

Hotel de la paix (reims).

Hotel de la Paix is functional and well-located – a reasonable and comfortable option for most travelers. This historic hotel offers a perfect blend of classic French architecture and modern amenities, making it an ideal base for visitors exploring the region. It features 165 tastefully decorated rooms, each with a unique design and layout. Guests can choose from a range of room types, from classic to superior, all featuring comfortable beds, luxurious linens, and en-suite bathrooms.

The Hotel de la Paix also offers a range of facilities and services to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Guests can relax in the hotel’s spa, which features a sauna, steam room, and indoor pool, or work out in the fitness center. The hotel’s restaurant, Le Parc, offers delicious French cuisine made with local ingredients, and the bar is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail after a day of exploring.

As we mentioned, of the best features of the Hotel de la Paix is its prime location, just steps away from many of Reims’ top attractions, including the cathedral, Palais du Tau, and the bustling shopping district.

Les Crayeres (Reims)

Highly regarded & centrally located in Reims – Les Crayeres is adorned with a two-star Michelin restaurant. It’s set within a stunning 17th-century chateau, and now a five-star hotel offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury, making it a popular choice for discerning travelers.

The Les Crayeres property features 20 elegant rooms and suites, each beautifully decorated with antique furnishings, fine linens, and luxurious amenities. The rooms are spacious and offer plenty of natural light, with views of the chateau’s manicured gardens or the surrounding countryside.

During the day, you can enjoy a range of activities. Stroll through the chateau’s gardens, play a game of tennis on the hotel’s courts, or have a relaxing massage at the spa. The hotel also offers a range of meeting and event spaces, making it a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.

Similarly to Hotel de la Paix, one of the highlights of a stay at Les Crayères is its proximity to some of the region’s top attractions, including the famous champagne houses, the Reims Cathedral, and the Palais du Tau. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a luxurious escape, Les Crayères is an unforgettable destination that offers the perfect blend of history, luxury, and elegance.

L’Assiette Champenoise (Tinqueux)

L’Assiette Champenoise is a luxurious hotel and restaurant located in Tinqueux, just outside of Reims. This stunning five-star property is widely considered to be the most luxurious accommodation in the region, offering a unique blend of world-class hospitality, exquisite cuisine, and impeccable service.

The hotel features 38 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each individually decorated with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities. The spacious rooms offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards, providing a peaceful and idyllic setting for a relaxing stay.

The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the highlights of a visit to L’Assiette Champenoise, offering a range of innovative dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients and paired with the finest champagnes from the region. The restaurant’s wine cellar is also impressive, with an extensive collection of rare and vintage wines.

In addition to relaxing amenities like a steam room and spa, the hotel also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.

Understanding Champagne as a Wine

It’s no secret that Champagne is a very special wine. Surprisingly, how these wines are made is still a mystery to many. At its core, Champagne is an incredibly well made wine that takes dedication and patience to produce. It is a wine that is intimately tied to the “terroir” of the region, and each house’s unique philosophy on production.

Champagne is made as a blend of three main grape varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, & Meunier . The process has its roots in blending, in which still wines of each varietal are made from different parcels of land and then blended together, creating the signature cuvee for each producer.

RELATED: Going Beyond Champagne: Try These Sparkling Wines from Around the World

In some cases, the winemaker may be working with as many as 400 different base wines! Once the blend is decided upon, the wine is inoculated with yeast for a second time, and sealed. As the fermentation occurs for the second time in the bottle, the bi-product — carbon dioxide — is trapped in the sealed environment. This creates the bubbles that make Champagne so famous.

The wines age with the yeasts in the bottle for a minimum of 15 months, but most producers choose to age their wines for much longer periods. This length of aging helps to create the toasty aromatic signature of Champagne.

RELATED: Sparkling Wine vs. Champange – What’s the Difference?

Each producer has its own signature blend. For example, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is a signature blend for that producer. However, the same producer may also make a multitude of other “cuvees”, including single-vintage or single-parcel Champagnes. Tasting Champagne is a unique experience in that both the land as well as the winemaker hold so much influence over the final product in the glass.

If you’re looking to taste a variety of Champagne styles from legendary producers, see our list below of some of our favorite eateries, wine bars and beyond.

Best Wine Bars, Cafes, & Restaurants in Champagne

• Le Bocal (Reims, FR) – Local café & fishmonger, serving a plethora of raw seafood, one of Champagne’s most natural pairings. Casual with great outdoor seating.
• Café du Palais (Reims, FR) – Classic French dining adorned by art deco décor and stained-glass ceilings dating from the 1930’s.
• L’Epicerie Au Bon Manger (Reims, FR) – Casual & delicious cafe. Great for breakfast – also wonderful to pick up cheese & charcuterie for a lunch to-go.
• Glu Pot (Reims, FR) – Local favorite pub for late-night bottles of bubbly. Ask for the off-menu list.
• Perching Bar (Verzy, FR) – Wine bar built into the forest – a true treehouse Champagne tasting experience with spectacular views. No reservations.
• Le Coq Rouge (Reims, FR) – Casual & busy bar, centrally located.
• Tresors de Champagne (Reims, FR) – Bar featuring the producers of the « Special Club », founded in 1971 to promote small, family-run producers of Champagne. By-the-glass features change daily and a unique opportunity to try a custom flight of producers, many of whom are closed to the public.
• Le Parc Les Crayeres (Reims, FR) – Located at a 20th-century château, Chef Philippe Mille’s more casual off-shoot of Michelin-starred Le Parc.
• L’Assiette Champagnoise (Tinqueux, FR) – Fine dining from famed Chef Arnaud Lallement adorned with three Michelin stars, and naturally an exceptional wine list.

If you’d prefer to visit the Champagne producers themselves, see the stunning vineyards and understand their wine-making practices, we recommend to the below 4 producers for an all-encompassing experience. It’s an ideal lineup if you’re spending a weekend in Champagne country.

Best Vineyards in Champagne France to Visit

• Veuve Clicquot (Reims, FR) – 2-hr or 1.5-hr tours booked in advance, offered Tuesday through Saturday.
• Moet & Chandon (Epernay, FR) – 1-hr tours & access to their 28 miles of caves. Open to the public, although booking is required.
• Larmandier-Bernier (Vertus, FR) – A unique opportunity to visit a family producer, Larmandier welcomes visitors Monday to Saturday, by appointment.
• Pommery (Reims, FR) – Guided, luxury private tours are offered via our partner Royal Journey France . Additionally and by appointment only, 1-hr tours are offered through the caves of Pommery , or choose the tour the Villa Demoiselle, sister producer to Pommery and architectural landmark of Reims. Advanced booking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Champagne France

How many days should you spend in champagne.

The number of days you spend in Champagne largely depends on your particular travel style. However, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Champagne to get a taste of what the region has to offer. In this amount of time, you can visit several of the major Champagne houses, enjoy wine tastings, and explore some of the beautiful countryside and historic towns within the region. 2-3 days will give you enough time to have a good overview of the region and its wine-making traditions. If you have more time to spare, you can easily spend a week or more in Champagne, especially if you want to visit some of the smaller, family-run Champagne houses or take part in some of the region’s many festivals and events.

What is the best time of year to visit Champagne?

Champagne is a beautiful wine region to visit year round. However, there are a few times of the year that are particularly good for visiting if you want to avoid crowds and have a more immersive experience: In Spring, between April and June , the vineyards start to come alive after the winter months. The weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. April and May are particularly good months to visit if you want to avoid crowds. During the autumn months of September and October , visiting Champagne is ideal as the grape harvest takes place, and the vineyards are at their most beautiful. The weather is also still mild, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. In the winter, between November and March , the weather can be cold and snowy but it’s a great time to visit Champagne if you want to avoid crowds and experience the region’s Christmas markets and festivals. Many Champagne houses also offer unique winter experiences, such as champagne tastings by the fireplace.

What should you wear when you visit Champagne?

French style tends to be elegant and understated, so consider packing classic pieces that are both comfortable and stylish. Additionally, many Champagne houses have dress codes for wine tastings, so it’s important to dress modestly and avoid clothing that is too casual or revealing. If you plan to dine at a high-end restaurant or attend a special event, it’s a good idea to pack a few dressier items, such as a cocktail dress or a dress shirt and slacks. When you’re out during the day, wear comfortable shoes. Champagne is a region with plenty of vineyards, historic towns, and cobblestone streets (yikes heels!), so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in for extended periods.

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Leave a comment, ask a question or share a review cancel reply, comments ( 6 ).

You made me want to hop the next flight to Paris. I can’t imagine a more perfect day!

We are bookmarking this article for when we get to Champagne! We are huge fans of the wine and hope to get there soon…thanks for all the terrific recommendations!

I absolutely love Champagne-but my favorite thing (other than visiting small grower-producers I represented in past) it sitting in wine bars and restaurants and getting to choose from sooooo many different Champagnes by the glass! Not just the big guys- give me some steak tartare and a glass of champers and it’s a good day!

I’ve spent time looking at how to plan a trip to visit Champagne and now I have a much better blueprint. This answered all my questions! And OMG the Perching Bar sounds like my idea of Heaven! A Treehouse with Champagne? Are you kidding me? I may go and then never leave.

I’m ready to pack my bags and hit the road. I reallly appreciate how well you described how to get there fraround m Paris. Sounds simple and certainly worth it

Every year we visit Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire in Villers sous Châtillon a family runned business in the Marne valley. They produce excellent award winning champagnes from their 12 hectares. they are open the whole week and we always had a warm welcome. On Sundays they open only in the morning. For more information about their champagnes and their vinfication you can have a look on http://www.champagne-lemaire.fr

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Best Champagne houses to visit

• Wine weekends

There has never been a better time to visit Champagne. The region’s hotels, restaurants and visitor experiences are finally catching up to the reputation of the wines themselves.

There’s plenty to see around Reims and Épernay, both possible as day trips from Paris on the train, although it’s certainly worth getting out into the villages to escape the tour groups.

Top tips for visiting Champagne producers

Book in advance, preferably by at least two weeks, and make sure to call if you’re going to be more than a few minutes late. Bear in mind that the roads can be deceptively slow when the tractors are out during the summer months!

Lunch closures are sacred (including for car hire companies in Reims and Épernay), and don’t forget to check for when the numerous public holidays might fall.

Smaller producers are often more reluctant to take visitors during peak times of vineyard work (late June, July and around harvest), and all but the largest houses effectively shut down in August.

If you have the chance to do a little research into the house before you visit you’ll be rewarded. It’s always worth remembering that many smaller producers do not have dedicated staff for greeting guests and doing tours so are taking time out of busy days to share their work. Many smaller growers will not be able to sell you wine because their stocks are fully allocated, although Reims and Épernay have some excellent bottle shops where you might be able to find the wines. Despite this, fees for visits are generally reasonable compared to many other wine regions.

The top Champagne houses to visit:

Ruinart , reims.

Descend into the centuries-old chalk mine caverns at Ruinart. Credit: ruinart.com

Seeing the Gallo-Roman crayères of Reims is essential. Many of the finest of these ancient chalk mines, repurposed for Champagne storage during the 18th and 19th centuries, lie under a hill to the south of the city, so take a taxi or public transport from the centre (or walk for about 40 minutes from the train station). Ruinart, one of the oldest houses in the region, is one of the most atmospheric to visit, with its beautifully maintained house and garden. Its carefully curated tours end with tastings of the house’s supremely elegant Chardonnay-focused cuvées.

Cellar tours £65/€75 per person, with a tasting of two cuvées. Champagne brunch £70/€80 per person, weekends only by reservation.

4 Rue des Crayères, 51100 Reims, France

+33 3 26 77 51 52

GH Mumm , Reims

Maison Mumm. Credit: www.mumm.com

For a more accessible introduction to Champagne in Reims, head to Mumm’s historic house for a popular tour of its extensive cellars as well of some of its quirkier projects (such as the first bottle of Champagne in space). It’s worth booking on the Grand Cru Experience to make sure you get a taste of the fine and elegant RSRV range, showcasing some of this important house’s renewed efforts with wines from grand cru villages and lengthy lees ageing. During the summer months Mumm also offers a series of unique experiences at weekends, including the thought-provoking sensory tasting and Champagne and cheese pairing.

Discovery Experience £30/€35 per person Grand Cru Experience £43/€50 per person Taste Encounters £65/€75 per person

34 Rue du Champ de Mars, 51100 Reims, France

[email protected]

Pierre Gimonnet & Fils , Cuis

The beautiful village of Cuis. Credit: www.champagne-gimonnet.com

Visiting independent growers is an essential part of any Champagne itinerary. Many of them work very small, localised parcels of vineyards, but at Gimmonet (one of the larger growers in the region) you can get to know a whole sub-region of Champagne: the northern Côte des Blancs, home of some of Champagne’s greatest Chardonnay. These are impeccably crisp, pure wines which present a vivid picture of the chalky slopes between Cuis and Oger. It’s best to book a visit in advance, although this is one of the rare growers that has published opening hours. After your visit, head down into the Côte des Blancs to find warm welcomes from producers such as Champagnes Lancelot-Pienne, Diebolt-Vallois, Delamotte, Franck Bonville, Doyard and Larmandier-Bernier.

1 Rue de la République, 51530 Cuis, France

+33 3 26 59 78 70

Moussé Fils , Cuisles

In the vineyards with the chickens at Champagne Moussé Fils. Credit: www.champagnemousse.fr

Heading west from Épernay, the Marne Valley is home to some of Champagne’s most charming landscapes. Gently folding hills and woodland replace the uniform carpets of vineyards found around the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs, and the Pinot Meunier grape is king. There is none of Champagne’s famous chalk near the surface here – the Pinot Meunier grape thrives on the argile verte or green clay of the local area. With its impeccable vineyard work and an off-grid, sustainable winery full of unique innovations, Cedric Moussé’s family domaine in Cuisles is a top place to explore. You may even get to meet Moussé’s chickens or flock of vineyard sheep.

3 Rue de Jonquery, 51700 Cuisles, France

+33 3 26 58 10 80

[email protected]

Drappier , Urville

In the Drappier vineyards. Credit: www.champagne-drappier.com

Most visitors to Champagne arrive from Paris or the north of France, and miss out on the Côte des Bar region, 90 minutes drive south of Reims. From the stunning medieval town of Troyes (and nearby Chardonnay village Montgueux) to the rolling landscapes which are more naturalistic than the north, with farmland, woodland and pasture all cohabiting, the Côte des Bar is a now a hotbed of independent Champagne producers, many of which have moved on from selling their Pinot Noir grapes to the larger houses. Family-run Drappier is the key Champagne house of the south, with a lineup of naturally expressive, gastronomic Champagnes that champion Pinot Noir on the Kimmeridgian limestone that’s also found in Chablis.

Visit and tasting £18/€20, by appointment.

Rue des Vignes, 10200 Urville, France

+ 33 (0)3 25 27 40 15

[email protected]

The cellars at Ayala. Credit: www.champagne-ayala.fr

Aÿ is one of Champagne’s most important grand cru villages, sitting opposite Épernay in the Grande Vallée de la Marne. Its Pinot Noir has been renowned for centuries, although the house of Ayala (sister house of better-known Aÿ stalwart Bollinger) works increasingly with Chardonnay to create attractively delicate, refreshing Champagnes. Sitting at the top of the village, the property boasts a terrace with superb views, so make sure to book a Prestige Visit (€40). Deeply atmospheric and beautifully lit cellars lie beneath the house, and the lineup of wines is increasingly impressive, especially the Blanc de Blancs and Perle d’Ayala.

Prestige Visit £35/€40

1 Rue Edmond de Ayala, 51160 Aÿ, France

+33 (0)3 26 55 15 44

Gosset , Épernay

Maison Gosset. Credit: www.champagne-gosset.com

Épernay’s grand Avenue de Champagne is the region’s most famous street, but aside from Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët, it is not furnished with as many top-notch visitor experiences as one might expect. Gosset, one of Champagne’s oldest houses based in Aÿ, now owns a fine property in the south of the town, set in a two-hectare park. Book a guided tasting of the house’s invigoratingly dry, taut Champagnes together with a visit into the chalk cellars beneath the domaine. There’s also a bar and terrace for an informal drink. If you’re on a day trip without a car it’s about a 30 minute walk to the picturesque vineyards of Pierry and Moussy. Alternatively, head to Champagne Alfred Gratien in the town centre for a contrast in Champagne styles.

+33 3 26 56 99 56

12 Rue Godart Roger, 51200 Épernay, France

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« Much like his champagne, as soon as Monsieur Moët enters the rooms boredom disappears. »

Welcome to the official Champagne website

To visit our website, you must be of legal age to drink alcohol in your country of residence. If no such laws exist in your country, you must be over 21.

Tourism in Champagne

Events celebrating our love of champagne are held year-round.

Some are eagerly awaited calendar highlights for the whole region. 22 January is the feast day of St Vincent , the patron saint of winegrowers. Organised by the Archiconfrérie Saint-Vincent, a wine-growing fraternity, Growers and Houses come together to celebrate this highly symbolic date.  

At the end of July, Aube hosts Champagne Route in Celebration . This light-hearted, joyous festival is a great opportunity to meet with the region’s growers and taste their cuvée wines.  

The end of the harvest is another annual highlight for the whole of the wine region which, after weeks of labour, can finally take a well-earned break to celebrate their efforts! This end-of-harvest party is called Le Cochelet in Marne and Le Chien in Aube. When all the grape clusters have been delivered to the pressing centres, the 120,000 or so pickers get together one last time for a celebratory meal! 

At the end of October, in Aisne, the Champagne et Vous  festival organises a whole host of tastings, concerts and other activities to whisk you behind the scenes of how Champagne is made. 

The 4th Friday in October is Champagne Day . A special day each year when the Champagne terroir takes pride of place, not just in the region but all over the world! Professional tastings, Champagne dinners; there are all sorts of ways Champagne Day can be celebrated! 

In December, head to Épernay for Les Habits de Lumière , an unmissable festive extravaganza! The iconic Avenue de Champagne sparkles with light and colour! Each House along the Avenue shows off its courtyard to striking effect. Light shows are projected on the building fronts: a sensational event not to be missed! 

Music to your ears For music fans, Champagne hosts an exciting line-up of concerts and festivals all year round. Alongside the famous Foire de Châlons show is the Foire en Scène festival for example, where a great many renowned musicians have performed.   At the end of May, a whole programme of concerts is put on at the Foires de Champagne in Troyes. A relaxed atmosphere for all the family awaits!   So what are you waiting for? Come and join in! We look forward to welcoming you to Champagne, and sharing our beautiful region, our wines and our hospitality with you.

Terroir, culture and history.

Let’s leave the countryside behind now and head into town. Reims, Troyes, Épernay or Château-Thierry, take your pick! Each town boasts a wealth of heritage and a packed activity programme all year round. Sightseeing of their cathedrals, historical monuments and wine cellars – not least the symbolic crayères in Reims, wine cellars hollowed directly out in the chalk subsoil which have gained recognition on the UNESCO World Heritage list. 

Be sure to pop in to the Boulingrin covered market while you’re in Reims. A treasure-trove of Champagne culture awaits in this historical monument built in 1929 in a modern architectural style. The local producers you’ll meet there will happily tell you more about their profession and their products. If you’re a fan of authentic local produce, every year more than 200,000 visitors flock to the Foire de Châlons show, making it the second most popular agricultural show in France. 

Champagne’s history goes back centuries . A visit to Champagne is akin to taking a fascinating trip through this history, from the Romans to the Kings of France, from the beginnings of sparkling wine to the official recognition of the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Museums, castles, memorials: the region is home to countless monuments for journeying back in time.

Even on a simple wander through our streets, you’ll be surprised by how many subtle references to Champagne you come across, harking back through the ages, on the architecture around. On a building front at the end of a street, you might suddenly spot a few bunches of grapes. On the monumental Subé fountain or Porte de Mars arch in Reims, you can make out vine leaves that leave no doubt as to the region’s historical ties with viticulture.

Champagne’s museums shine the spotlight on Champagne  and are a fantastic place to come and find out more about this fabulous wine . Why not head to the museum in Épernay for example! In Aÿ, Pressoria has an immersive experienc e in store, calling on all your senses: look, touch, smell and listen; to unlock the mysteries of Champagne wine! 

A day out to the wonderful city of Troyes is also heartily recommended for its medieval history . Troyes is a charming, picturesque town, its streets and squares lined with colourful half-timbered houses which give it a truly authentic feel. With magnificent churches, its cathedral dedicated to St Peter & St Paul and 16th century townhouses, the city is like an open-air museum! Enjoy strolling down its quaint little streets to the banks of the River Seine, or admiring the city’s oldest half-timbered houses in the Saint-Nizier district. Have a closer look at the shape of the city centre on a map, and you’ll see that it resembles a Champagne cork!  

At the gateway to the Champagne region, the town of Château-Thierry awaits with its fair share of history and historical monuments, including medieval castles, churches and museums. Château-Thierry is also the town where the famous 17th century writer of fables, Jean de la Fontaine, was born.  

A paradise for nature lovers

Champagne is often talked about as if it was a single region. But it would be more accurate to say Champagne regions, in the plural, as it is so multifaceted ! Just like its wine, its different grape varieties and its infinite array of aromas. And its landscapes, with its patchwork of forests, vines, flatlands, villages and towns, lakes and rivers.

Champagne is truly a wonderland for nature lovers! You’ll fall under its spell whatever the season . In the spring, the trees break out into leaf and the days become milder. Just the season for a cycle ride through the gently rolling scenery. The sweeping views from the hilltops will take your breath away! Lose yourself amidst the rows of vines that spread out before you, as far as the eye can see. In the warmer summer months, head to the lakes and rivers for a refreshing dip or canoe outing on the water, to cool off. In the autumn, vibrant shades of orange and yellow grace the vines. Looking out over the Champagne countryside in the evening light, it will look as if the vineyards are cloaked in gold. As the temperatures drop and the vines gradually shed their leaves, a deep sense of calm fills these landscapes. 

Explore the Champagne region

Côte des Bar

A trail that will take you through iconic historical and cultural sites, for a getaway providing a real change of scene.

Vallée de la Marne

An immersive experience into the region’s heritage, combining historical sites with stunning views over the River Marne and its valley.

Reims and its region

Discover the places that gave birth to the Champagne legend and enjoy truly out-of-the-ordinary experiences as you get to know Champagne in unexpected ways.

Épernay and its region

An invitation to discover Champagne in all its diversity: vines, gardens, emblematic Houses, monuments, wine cellars, and much more besides…

The Côteaux Vitryats

Set off on a jaunt through Champagne, taking in a whole series of out-of-the-ordinary immersive and sensory experiences.

The Ultimate Three Day Guide to Visiting Champagne

05/02/2023 17:02

Ah, champagne. That otherworldly wine with its hypnotic bubbles, heady aromatics and je ne sais quoi.

Though the bubbles that scale the length of every glass may be the one thing that seduces us at first sight, it is in fact something else that captures our hearts and imaginations. The coolest of wine producing climates and chalkiest of lands is unique to the region of Champagne, contributing concentration, freshness, salinity and finesse.

With borders now officially open, there’s no need to live vicariously through your bountifully stocked cellar or that occupying glass of champagne. Relative ease of travel, and a new-found enthusiasm for tourism, makes Champagne the most exciting wine region to visit in 2023 and beyond.

Where, once, the edifice of Champagne’s finest Maisons stood imposingly behind firmly shut gates, many are beginning to open; even investing in visitor centres with immersive experiences. There are also more discovery opportunities, vibrant dining options, and first-rate hotels springing up all over the place.

Still, don’t expect the kind of walk-in access you would get in places like the Barossa, Margaret River or Hunter Valley – for example. Plan ahead, and with these tips, and you won’t have a problem.

The Marne River

Divide and Conquer

Champagne is an astonishingly large landscape to navigate, so it’s best to have a strategy. There are five main growing regions to choose from spread across 34,000 hectares reaching almost 130km between the northernmost township (Reims) and the southernmost (Troyes). What’s more, there are 319 villages spread across them.

Best to taste, rather than trek your way around Champagne with some well-planned visits and tastings in more accessible locations.

Approach your itinerary in the spirit of ‘divide and conquer’ to maximise your time. If you have three days, make the most of it by dedicating an entire day to each of the closest and most celebrated growing areas: Reims and the Montagne de Reims, the Grande Vallée, then Épernay and the Côte des Blancs.

Approach your itinerary in the spirit of 'divide and conquer' to maximise your time.

The Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa

Where to Rest

The Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa , in Champillon, is the region’s newest five-star hotel - voted one of Europe’s top three – and a destination in itself. A favourite resting place for Napoleon and his generals, today’s renovation cleverly integrates top architectural design and panoramic views with the sweeping landscape of cascading vineyards into the Marne Valley.

The hotel hangs its hat on providing bespoke experiences for guests – almost anything can be arranged including visits to Maisons, bike or horse riding through the vineyards, hot air ballooning or even a crash course in understanding and tasting champagne, hosted by one of their sommeliers.

Each of the 47 rooms casts a gaze over rolling vineyards to Épernay, spaciously designed and furnished with natural materials. But before you rest your head, dine at Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Royal, headed-up by Executive Chef, Jean-Denis Rieubland (formerly of La Tour d’Argent in Paris) and the very approachable Chief Sommelier, Daniel Pires. The wine list is impressively geared to a younger generation of Champagne producers without sacrificing some better-known and favourite Maisons. Prices start at 700€ per night, including breakfast.

The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

Résidence Eisenhower

Résidence Eisenhower, conveniently located in the heart of Reims, is another that recently opened its doors. Not so much a hotel as it is an upmarket B&B, it belongs to the owners of Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck and was the residence of General Eisenhower in the days of deliverance during World War II. This is a beautiful old mansion that has been passionately restored to capture the former glory of its French heritage. You will be warmly greeted by the Maîtresse de Maison, Annelies Pieters, who says she can ‘open doors to secret locations’. All you need to do is ask. Double rooms start at 350€ and suites at 450€ per night, including breakfast.

Reims and the Montagne de Reims

Reims is the region’s major township and the most accessible base for any trip to Champagne. It is also home to many of Champagne’s luminaries – the big Maisons. It’s completely walkable, punctuated with a fascinating history and boasting some fantastic restaurants, Michelin-starred or not.

Start your day in the Champenois way with a Pain aux Raisin or Pain au Chocolat , a take-away coffee (if you can stomach France’s taste for long-life milk) and walk. If you’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss the covered farmer’s markets, Halles du Boulingrin, famous for its specialty produce and especially good for locally made Paté en Croute, which I enjoy with porc et comté.

There is more foot traffic than road traffic around Reims any time of the day, but in the morning it is distinctly light and serene. Stroll down the multi-coloured cobblestones on Rue de Tambour then pass by Place du Forum with its historic cryptoporticus (covered passageway) centre.

Along the way be enticed by one of the quaint cave à vins – wine shops – with champagne of variegated kinds and many you most likely have never heard of. La Cave Colbert and Les Caves du Forum are two of the most intriguing, but reserve some extra time for La Boutique Trésors de Champagne. There you will be introduced to the champagnes of its 28 artisan members, better known as ‘Special Club’, representing some of the very best champagnes from each estate.

Saturday Markets Halles du Boulingrin

When you’ve chosen a bottle or two, walk on until you reach the Cathedral of Reims . Pause a moment, take a seat, and marvel at the awe-inspiring majesty of its Gothic super-structure under which 25 Kings of France were coronated. Across the way there’s a small restaurant called La Grande Georgette – keep this in mind for lunch or dinner – the food is good French Bistro-esque and the views even better.

By 10am, most Maisons will be ready for you. If this is your first time in Reims, a visit to one of Champagne’s UNESCO world heritage listed crayères will bring you instantly up-to-speed with the uniqueness of Champagne’s terroir. Ruinart, Taittinger, Veuve Cliquot, Pommery and Martel are all custodians of these incredible chalk mines with their cathedral-like ceilings, towering 30 meters high, excavated by engineering Romans harking back to the 4th Century A.D. Today they house millions of champagne bottles, in perfectly cool and humid conditions, during unhurried years of maturation. Taittinger’s prestige, Comtes de Champagne, finds its natural resting place here under the beautiful remains of the 13th century Saint-Nicaise Abbey.

Finish off with a flight of champagne tastings, then satisfy any hunger pains from that searing acidity with lunch at a Champenois hang-out. Au Bon Manger, Sacré Burger, The Glue Pot and Le Wine Bar may have casual menus but their attraction is the crowd they pull and inspiring wine lists with hard-to-find grower champagnes.

Champenois hang-out, Au Bon Manger

But if you’d rather be out of town, and a little off the beaten track, head south toward the grand cru village of Verzy. Les Faux de Verzy is a forest worth visiting for its wonderfully evocative dwarf beech trees. Here, you will also find The Perchingbar – literally a treetop bar – with sweeping views across the Montagne de Reims. Traverse the suspended bridges, take a seat on one of the swings and sip your champagne as the sun goes down.

There are also small producers, close by, with a friendly smile and an open door – so long as you have an appointment. Eric Rodez is one of the leading small growers from the grand cru village of Ambonnay, just a little further south of Verzy. Pinot noir sits at the centre of Rodez’ blends which he has used to build flavoursome and vinous wines with excellent mineral definition.

On Fridays, by appointment only, you can swing by Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche , the famed brother duo of Bérêche et Fils in Ludes. Their wines strike a masterful balance between opulence, energy and tension starting with their excellent non-vintage Brut Réserve and going all the way across their single-vineyard cuvées.

Heading north-west, on your way back to Reims, stop at Nicolas Maillart in Écueil, on the Petite Montagne de Reims. He’s known for his GQ good looks as much as his impressive old-vine fruit producing ripe and bright champagnes with loads of complexity and enthralling minerality.

Other good producers accepting appointments include Benoît Marguet in Ambonnay, Hugues Godmé in Verzenay and the cooperative, Mailly, located in the village it’s named after. But always call ahead or book online beforehand.

So, it’s the end of the day, and you’re feeling weary. Head back to Reims for dinner, where there is no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants. Racine, L’Assiette Champenoise, Les Crayères and Le Foch are all excellent and have different takes on French fare.

Les Faux de Verzy

The grande vallée.

The wines of the Grande Vallée are some of the most celebrated in all of Champagne’s history, famed for their south-facing ripe fruit character, power and elegance. Principally planted to pinot noir, there is some excellent and voluptuous chardonnay here too. Begin in Cumières, then hop onto Hautvillers, Dizy and Aӱ before finishing in Mareuil-sur-Aӱ . Here, the Marne River-lined villages offer spectacular views and an appreciation for the lay of the land.

Allocate time at Hautvillers , one of the prettiest villages in all of Champagne, with its medieval streets, charming buildings and handmade signs hanging from every house with the name or occupation of those who live there. Travellers from all over pass by to see its historically significant abbey where the monk, Dom Pérignon, worked as a winemaker.

Heading west, along the undulating landscape of endless vines and small country houses, is Aӱ. This is serious grand cru territory once coveted by Popes and Kings of France and home to Bollinger, Ayala, Deutz, Gosset and Lallier as well as some celebrated growers like Geoffroy. Many of the big Maisons source their best fruit from here, drawing on historical parcels for iconic cuvées such as Louis Roederer’s esteemed, Cristal Rosé.

Unless you are in the trade, you won’t be able to visit Bollinger , but you’ll be able to see their baby sister, Ayala, just down the road, and be taken through its cellars and a tasting. Also, Gosset, Champagne’s oldest wine house, will welcome you. I would highly recommend booking an experience at Geoffroy , which source most of their fruit from Cumières, passionately led by Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy and his wife, Karine. Try Geoffroy’s Les Houtrants Complantes, a single parcel beauty planted with lesser-known varietals. A rarity in Champagne.

Round out your time in Aӱ with a little gastronomy at its foothills. Instant Terroir is a fabulous and relatively new restaurant where Executive Chef, Alexandre Fortuné (who has lived in Melbourne), delights with modern French cuisine and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. I found the champagne list particularly good, inclusive of tiny producers and hard-to-find bottles.

See out your Grande Vallée tour with a drive through the picturesque neighbouring village of Mareuil-sur-Aӱ , home to Billecart-Salmon, Philipponnat and wonderful growers, R.Pouillon . The village is famous for producing powerful wines from single vineyards - namely Clos Saint-Hilaire and Clos des Goisses - especially the latter, with its impressively steep 5.5 hectares of chalky soils and warm exposition overlooking the Marne canal. If you have time, a visit to meunier specialists, Billecart-Salmon , will not disappoint.

At the end of the day, head to the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa , just a stone’s throw away, and take a seat at Le Bellevue Restaurant for a bistro-style meal with sweeping views. Try the sole meunière with lemon and capers – one of their specialities.

The Village of Hautvillers

Epernay and the Côte des Blancs

Épernay may not technically be in the Côte des Blancs but it’s close enough to make the most of your time in both. This is Champagne’s other sweet spot, with its quintessentially French countryside cobblestone roads, boulangeries, quirky boutiques and green spaces. It’s around 35 minutes south of Reims, just over the river in the Côteaux Sud d’Épernay.

Walk the entire length of its stunning Avenue de Champagne if for no other reason than to marvel at the grandeur of its famous renaissance and classically designed Maisons, stoically residing behind gilded gates. As you walk, consider that underneath the streets, there are 110km of chalk cellars containing millions of champagne bottles, all slowly maturing.

Whilst some Maisons have firmly shut gates, many are open, though you won’t be treated exclusively. Moët et Chandon, Boizel, de Venoge and Mercier are some of the big names offering tours, but if you prefer something more intimate, skip these and opt for biodynamic pioneers, Leclerc Briant, located just a short drive away from Avenue de Champagne. Perrier-Jouët is another worth visiting along the esplanade. Their newly launched, Le Cellier Belle Époque, is the town’s most beautiful destination where you can taste different House cuvées, signature cocktails and culinary creations.

Continue your walking tour of Épernay, passing by the Hôtel de Ville (city hall), Le Jardin de l’Orangerie owned by Moët et Chandon, and L’église Notre-Dame on your way to collecting a souvenir bottle of champagne or two. Wine retailer, Le 520 , has one of the most extensive collections of champagne in the world with a catalogue spanning more than 30 pages.

Then take a seat at Épernay’s popular watering hole, Sacré Bistro, where the locals go. Choose champagne by the glass or bottle from an impressive wine list and snack on delicious tapas like tempura de poulet and rillettes de crabe or lunch from a more substantial casual menu.

This afternoon, head east out of town and plunge into the chalky, salty depths of Champagne’s finest terroir for chardonnay – the great Côte des Blancs – just 10 minutes from Épernay. The growing area is extensive, stretching from Chouilly in the north to Vertus in the south, some 17km apart.

A visit here will teach you so much about the uniqueness of champagne. Its famously chalky white slopes are extraordinary, often with little or no topsoil.

The Côte des Blancs

In the north, visit Vazart-Coquart l ocated in Chouilly where the terroir imparts roundness with a lovely line of mineral acidity. Just a little further down in Cramant the profile changes to a creamy, silky texture. Top producers include Philippe Glavier, Voirin-Jumel and Diebolt-Vallois.

Next village over, Avize, has power and structure but also balance. Here, Jacques Selosse is on the agenda for many champagne lovers but you’ll be hard-pressed to get an appointment. Opt instead for a drink or light bite at his fantastic restaurant, Les Avises . Oger , with its minerality and rich fruit, is home to a young husband and wife team at Domaine Vincey who are doing extraordinary things with single cru bottlings. Heading south, to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, there is a strict line of acidity and strong saline presence. Pierre Péters is its famous inhabitant whose blanc de blancs are majestically crafted and some of the best in the area. And finally, in Vertus, where the terroir is more opulent and juicy, it’s worth the drive to Larmandier-Bernier, one of the finest producers in the Côte des Blancs.

By now, you’ll be in the mood for food. Make your last night memorable with dinner at La Grillade Gourmande back in Épernay. It’s the best place in town and a Francophile’s dream. This Michelin-starred restaurant is frequented by Champagne’s most important people who return for its traditional French cooking and warm family-run hospitality.

As you dine, look around and take it all in. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, too much of anything is bad, but too much of champagne is just right. I’m guessing you will be back.

Words by Sara Underdown.

Images supplied by various producers and tourism offices as well as the Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa and Residence Eisenhower.

Originally published by The WINE Magazine (December  2022 Issue).

TOURS   in

The best wine  tours in champagne , the champagne is ready to warmly welcome you. 2024 cham pagne tours are stunning ready for the best champagne tour enjoy a private tour in champagne in france taste champagne , visit  famous big brands of champagne, meet  small producers , discover  champagne cellars,   landscapes, vineyards and  viewsights . complete your exp erience with special  champagne tastings,   champagne specialities and champagne pairing . if you just want to have fun or to become a champagne expert, we tailor our tours o ff the beaten path . meet locals and live a personal, wonderful and authentic experience  .

Last minute champagne tours

Day tour : A big winery and a small producer

Next availability :

​ April Monday 22 2024

April Thursday 25 2024

April Friday  26 2024

April Monday  29 2024

April Tuesday  30 2024

From: 420€/pers

Champagne day Tour

Visit small wineries : Champagne cellars, real winemakers and tastings.

From: 350 €/pers

Champagne & heritage tour

Immerse a day in historical and cultural heritage with Champagne !

Big wineries day Tour

Visit in one day the biggest wineries of champagne and taste them ! 

From: 520€/pers

Dom Pérignon day tour

Enjoy a luxury day tour with Dom Perignon and Dom Ruinart. 

From: 1190€/pers

Big and small wineries Tour

Combine in one day  a big house of Champagne and a small producer. 

Veuve and Moët day tour

Enjoy a special day with Veuve Clicquot, Moët and a gourmet lunch. 

From: 640€/pers

Multiple days tours

2 days Champagne   discovery

Combine a day of big wineries and a day of small ones !

From: 840 €/pers

3 days Champagne  and heritage

Combine historical & cultural heritage and a Champagne experience! 

From: 1250€/pers

2 days full of big houses of Champagne

Enjoy  7 big wineries of Champagne in Reims and Epernay in 2 days. 

From: 1050€/pers

4 days gastronomy and Champagne

If you like  gastronomy as much as champagne  this tour is for you ! 

From: 2590€/pers

3 days Champagne  "Aromas"

Challenge your taste and discover unique high quality Champagnes.

From: 1520€/pers

4 days Best of  Champagne

All the best of the Champagne in 4 days. All secrets revealed !

From: 2710€/pers

Masterclass tours

Masterclass vertical tasting

Create Champagne through workshops as a Champagne winemaker. 

Masterclass Create Champagne

From: 790€/pers

Masterclass day tour

Combine Vertical tasting and Create your own Champagne in a day.

Romantic tours

Romantism & Champagne day

Enjoy a special  romantic Champagne day for the 2 of you only.

From: 1290€/pers

2 days Romantism & Champagne

Create life-long memories with romantism and Champagne.

From: 2190€/pers

Half-day champagne Tours

Cellar tour, tasting & views

Small winemaker meeting, cellar tour and tasting.

From: 180€/pers

Veuve Clicquot  special Tour

Visit Veuve Clicquot champagne and enjoy the Champagne landscapes.

From: 220€/pers

Moet & Chandon special tour

Visit Moet & Chandon champagne and enjoy the Champagne landscapes.

Ruinart special tour

Visit Ruinart champagne and enjoy the Champagne landscapes.

From: 240€/pers

Dom Pérignon special tour

Enjoy a half-day with Dom Perignon and a double tasting.

From: 590€/pers

INSTAGRAM @toursinchampagne

GUESTS REVIEWS

“The champagne 2-day tour is an absolute must! Stephane went to such effort to make this trip special for us, we will remember it always. Juan was our guide. Juan’s knowledge and enthusiasm seemed to be endless, you will learn so much about what makes the region special, it will take days to fully digest. One of the highlights for us, was the private tour of the small independent Champagne house where we learnt about the whole process of making the Champagne, from master of the vines. Juan translated for us, as our French is limited, although the winemaker's passion was transcendent of any language! The champagne is also  delicious in fact..... We took away some souvenirs to be shipped! If you want to experience the real Champagne, from real, passionate people, you will be in for a real treat! Thank you Stephane & Juan, our trip in Champagne with you was the highlight of our entire holiday..... à la prochaine fois. Edward & Katharine.

Edward,  UK

Champagne delivered to your door !

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Experiences & Tours

Plunge into the Clicquot art of living: the House invites you to a total immersion in its history and exceptional heritage, through a tour in the Unesco World Heritage-listed Crayères, a stroll among the vines, a Rosé-themed picnic on the estate of the Manoir de Verzy, or lunch on the sunny terrace of the brand-new Café Clicquot.

Choose the experience that suits you best below! 

July 4 to July 6, 2024

May 26, 2024

From June 22 to August 31

Saturdays and Sundays only

Opening period

Wednesday to Sunday, March 13th to April 28th and October 30th to December 29th

Tuesday to Sunday, April 30th to July 7th and September 3rd to October 27th

Open 7 days a week from July 8th to September 1st

Closed on May 1st and December 25th

Opening hours

9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Visit Center & Saint-Pétersbourg

1 Rue Albert Thomas

51100 Reims

Accessibility

Visit, boutique and café accessible to people with reduced mobility (to be mentioned when making an appointment).

Going There

30 min walk from the city center

10 min drive from Reims Champagne-Ardenne train station

15 min by car from City Centre Station

Public tours:

[email protected]

+33 (0) 3 26 89 53 90

Private tours:

[email protected]

+33 (0) 3 26 89 42 64

Open since March 2023, our first permanent Clicquot Café in the world is open to all visitors. 

Extend your experience at our House's Visit Center to the Café Clicquot terrace for a chic and relaxed bistronomic experience.

Our House also offer private tours of our Cellars and Vineyards. Please contact us for more information. 

1. Can I bring my pet with me to the cellars?

The site will not accept animals inside. We meet standards related to our food safety certifications and cannot accept animals throughout the visitor centre.

2. Is there free parking near your cellars?

There is a car park for our visitors - it consists of 5 bus spaces and 20 car spaces. There is also a drop-off point right in front of our reception if you arrive by cab. There is also a space for bicycles.

However, we do not have space to keep your strollers or wheelchairs. Nevertheless, upon request at the reception, you will be able to go down to the cellars with your strollers or wheelchairs for your visit.

Any items left unattended are under the responsibility of our visitors.

3. Is there a shop on site?

Open Wednesday to Sunday: from March 13th to April 28th and October 30th to December 29th

Open Tuesday to Sunday: from April 30th to July 7th and from September 3rd to October 27th

Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5:30pm

4. Where can I access the General Terms and Conditions of Sale?

The General Terms and Conditions of Sale are available here.

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The Beginner's Guide to Visiting Champagne

By Mark Ellwood

If that celebratory glass of champagne has gone to your head, you’re not alone. Americans are drinking France's most famous fizz more and more: In 2017, stateside shipments of Champagne reached their highest levels ever , at 23 million bottles (a five percent increase from the previous year). What if you want to go further than the local wine store, and visit the land that gave the world the ultimate mood-lifter in a glass ? You won't be able to just show up and traipse around Veuve Clicquot's svelte vineyards; you'll need a plan. We gathered our need-to-know tips into this handy primer to help you out.

First things first: The term "Champagne" isn't a catch-all for anything sparkling in a glass. It refers to a type of bubbly, made according to specific standards, within one of the sub-zones of France's Champagne region. This winemaking region surrounds Paris on the northeast side, with the cities of Reims and Epernay often used as visitors' home bases (heavy-hitter producers like the aforementioned Veuve and Mumm are there, too). They're both easily accessible by train from Paris and less than a two-hour ride away, though you can rent a car (or hire a driver—particularly recommended if you plan to drink and not stay overnight).

Epernay is one of our favorite home bases for a Champagne tour.

Two days is plenty for a first visit, according to Caroline Brun, one of the area's foremost guides. “Don’t worry," she says with a laugh. "You will be addicted to Champagne after that first visit, and next time, you can visit for longer.” Avoid harvest time, usually in late summer, especially if you want to see the smaller, independent vineyards rather than just the big name brands. Those owner-operated set-ups—known as grower champagnes—will likely be too busy to welcome visitors. Instead, Brun recommends going in October and November. “The harvest is over, but you can still find some grapes remaining in the vineyards," she says. "The colors are changing, so all the slopes aren’t green, but reddish gold.”

What to Pack

Though quaffing a glass of champagne might be glamorous, adopt a more practical approach for outfitting yourself when you visit the region. Bring sneakers or flat shoes: Many of the roads are cobbled, the cellars are uneven, and you’ll likely be picking your way through the vines. A sweater or down vest is handy, too: The weather in this part of northern France can prove rather English (think: gray and rainy, regardless of time of year), and the caves are often chilly, too.

Have a Strategy

Don’t expect to be spontaneous, either. Unlike Napa, or even Bordeaux, where tasting rooms are usually ready to welcome walk-ins, even the larger houses in Champagne operate by appointment. Check websites to book your slot (be prompt: lateness isn’t just considered rude—it might result in your forfeiting access). Wineries open in the morning and almost all will shut over lunch. “Remember that it’s really important to have a hearty breakfast, since you may well have your first tasting at 10 a.m. [before drinking all day], and you may not be used to that,” says Jenna Jones, from wine tour specialist Grape Escapes .

Logistics in the region can be frustrating. Public transportation is patchy, and taxi prices are exorbitant: Call for a pick-up from a vineyard beyond city limits, and you’ll pay not only for your journey, but for however long it takes for the taxi to arrive, too. If you want to explore those less accessible champagne houses, it’s best to book a tour that includes transport. You can book a tour through Grape Escapes, and Brun, too, offers custom private tours, starting at €350 per person; contact her at [email protected].

If time is short, visit Montagne de Reims, home to Ruinart and Taittinger.

Where to Taste

Champagne has five main regions , or zones. Stay in Reims to explore the Montagne de Reims , which focuses on pinot noir. This zone makes the fullest bodied Champagnes, often intended to age. By contrast, base yourself in Epernay to explore the pinot meunier–focused region of the Vallée de la Marne . Pinot meunier is usually blended with other grapes; for example, it’s used with pinot noir to make delicious blanc des noirs . Stay there, too, if you’re curious to see the Côte des Blancs , which focuses solely on chardonnay-based bubbly. This is also used in blends or to make the light, aperitif-style blanc de blancs Champagne. You could make Troyes your base if you want to explore two lesser-known areas: the Aube , which contributes grapes mostly for non-vintage fizz, and the newish Côte de Sézanne , which specializes in chardonnay-focused plantings.

The first three regions will hold the greatest interest for most travelers. You can visit all three in a single day, albeit with a little planning, but if you’d rather spend less time commuting and dive deep into a single region, Jones recommends focusing on the Montagne de Reims. Most household name champagnes lean heavily on pinot noir, she says, so visitors’ palates tend to be accustomed to this style. Such familiarity also makes tasting more accessible, and it’s easier for a newbie to discern the subtle differences between the houses there.

Among the major marquees, don’t miss Taittinger , which most insiders agree is the best organized and most insightful of the visitor experiences. Ruinart , too, is a standout. Among grower champagnes, try Eric Rodez in Ambonnay, which makes an unusual blanc de blancs from chardonnay grown there, or the Côte des Blancs–based Henry de Vaugency , where the English-speaking owner Pascal conducts tours personally (his Grand Cru quality wines start at less than €20 per bottle, too). There’s a fine museum at the tiny vineyard of Meteyer , which also produces superb Champagne from the Côte des Noirs; another notable nearby is Lamiable , in the Grand Cru village of Tours sur Marne.

Laura Kiniry

Blane Bachelor

Stacey Lastoe

For more suggestions of standout boutique producers, check Vine Trail . One major advantage to visiting smaller produces like these: The entire process takes place onsite, so you can see the journey from grape to bottle. Larger brands, by contrast, tend to welcome visitors solely to their cellars, where the bottles are stored.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

Where to Stay And Eat

Epernay is arguably the handiest base, as it’s at the center of the region. What's more, its main drag is the Avenue de Champagne, whose tenants read like a roll call of the area’s best-known alums: Moët & Chandon (tip: despite the SNL skit, it's pronounced "Mo-ET"), Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, and more. Even better, a new five-star hotel and spa, Royal Champagne , opened this spring north of the town and is owned by Franco-American couple Denise Dupré and Mark Nunnelly, who also own biodynamic Champagne house Leclerc Briant . It’s on a storied site, where Napoleon once guzzled a few magnums. The head sommelier of its restaurant, Alberto Segade—a veteran of London’s Claridge's —is especially knowledgeable.

Reims has its own attractions beyond the local wine—its Gothic cathedral, for example—and as a university town, is much livelier in the evenings; both Ruinart and Taittinger are here. Stay in the city center at the historic, 18-room Grand Hotel des Templiers . There’s a fistful of Michelin-starred restaurants in the city—and though delicious, they tend to be overpriced. Consider eating among the locals at fish restaurant Le Bocal , tucked in the back of a fishmonger, and the funky, deli-style wine shop and wine bar Au Bon Manger .

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider Troyes . Less business-focused than the other two, it retains far more of those medieval buildings, with their familiar, whitewashed wooden façades. One of them is the wood-timbered Maison de Rhodes , right in the historic center. It was once the local base for the Knights of Malta, hence the name. The wine bar and shop Au Crieurs de Vin in town features mostly organic Champagnes, many of them surprisingly affordable.

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How to visit the champagne houses in reims, france.

Reims, a city in northeastern France, is known for its Champagne houses. Visitors from all over the world come to Reims to experience the Champagne region and learn about the history and production of Champagne.

In fact, there are over 250 km of cellars and Gallo-Roman galleries in Reims, and many Champagne houses open their doors to visitors for tours and tastings.

When planning a visit to Reims, it is important to research the Champagne houses in advance to ensure you can visit the ones you want to see like Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery, and Ruinart.

Each Champagne house offers unique tours and tastings, so you’ll want to do some research to find the best ones for you. We’ve been to all of these houses and have offered our thoughts and recommendations below.

Planning your trip to Reims?

• Rent a car from the Paris airport through Discover Cars to drive to Reims.

Where to Stay in Reims:

• Hotel Continental – Very nice high end hotel in the city centre
• Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix – mid-range, great location

Best Tours and Experiences in Rome:

• Small Group Full Day Tour – Visit 3 Champagne houses, where you’ll try a variety of champagnes. There’s also an included three-course lunch. (8 hours)
• Private Full Day Tour – Visit 3 Champagne houses, visit Hautvillers where Dom Perignon created Champagne, and have a 3-course restaurant lunch. (8 hours, 2 people minimum)

Table of Contents

How to Visit Reims

Visiting Champagne houses in Reims is not only a great way to learn about the history and production of Champagne, but it is also an opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. The Saint Remi area of Reims is home to many Champagne houses and is a 30-minute walk from the city center.

Visitors can also take guided tours of Reims, go on excursions in the vineyard of Champagne, and discover the UNESCO heritage of the region. With so much to see and do, a visit to Reims is a must for Champagne lovers and history buffs alike.

Self-Guided Tour

I usually prefer to do self-guided touring when I visit wine regions because it gives me the greatest flexibility and I actually really like researching and choosing the wineries I want to go to.

While there is a little more work involved because you have to set up all the tours yourself, there are tools that will help make this super easy. The one I use is called  Rue des Vignerons . It’s a French website that makes booking wine appointments super easy.

You can book online up to 30 minutes before and your appointment is confirmed instantly. This is the website I used to book all of my Champagne tasting appointments.

In our descriptions below, I will give you links directly to Rue des Vignerons for each winery so you can easily book it.

Group/Private Tour

There are many group and private tours to choose from. You can go on a group tour, which are plentiful, often including up to 10 people and are on a pre-planned route so you don’t have to take care of a single detail.

Below are two group tours and a private tour we recommend:

• Small Group Full Day Tour – Visit 3 Champagne houses, where you’ll try a variety of Champagnes. There’s also an included three-course lunch along the way. (8 hours)

Getting to Reims

Reims is a beautiful city located in the Champagne region of France. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and of course, its champagne houses. If you are planning a trip to Reims to visit some of the famous champagne houses, there are a few ways to get there.

One of the easiest ways to get to Reims is by train. Trains leave Paris Est station regularly throughout the day, taking approximately 45 minutes to reach Reims via the high-speed TGV. This is a great option for those who are already in Paris and want to take a day trip to Reims.

If you prefer to drive, you can take the A4/E50 directly to Reims from Paris, which is approximately 143 km or 89 miles.

It is important to note that parking in Reims can be difficult, so it is recommended to park outside the city center and walk or take public transportation to your destination.

Champagne Houses to Visit in Reims

Champagne pommery.

Jeanne Pommery built this incredible Elizabethan-style mansion in the 19th century. If you’re looking for an experience you won’t forget, a stop at Pommery is absolutely necessary.

You won’t believe your eyes when you see the estate. Inside the estate, which you’ll see on a guided tour, are ancient Roman caves, chalk caves that are accessed by an impressive staircase, and tasting rooms that look more like art galleries.

It’s one of the largest Champagne house, making around 500,000 cases a year. There are a few differnt tours you can take at Pommery. Be sure to  book in advance . The tours are given in English, French, and German. Prices range from 22€-35€.

Location:  Place General Gouraud, 51100, Reims, France Hours:  Early April to mid-November: every day 9:30am-7pm. Mid-November to late March: every day 10am-6pm Email: [email protected]

Champagne Taittinger

Another Champagne house with an impressive chalk cave that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Taittinger will stun you from the moment you arrive at the impressive entrance gates.

Unfortunately, their main location is currently closed, but you can still visit Demeure des Comtes de Champagne in the center of Reims and try the tasting experience called “À la table de Thibaud IV”.

The experience is meant to showcase the life of Thibaud the fourth, King of Navarre, who was also a poet, while tasting the two signature cuvées of the House: the Brut Réserve and the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs.

It’s a mix of audio and tasting and is offered in English and French. The price is 60€ and it lasts about 1 hour.

Location:  À la table de Thibaud IV – Champagne Taittinger, 20 rue de Tambour, 51100 Reims

Champagne Lanson

Champagne Lanson is the only big House located in the heart of Reims that offers a unique visit experience that takes you on a journey from the vine to the flute. Their tour guides you on a journey through the different stages of the wine making process, providing a truly immersive experience.

You’ll see the vineyards, then be guided to the “Clos Lanson”, then to the various places where the cuvees are made, passing through the cuveries and finally to the cellars. The tour will be followed by a tasting of the House’s emblematic cuvée: Le Black Création 257.

Tours lasts approximately 2 hours and are available in both English and French.

Champagne G.H. Martel & Co

Located within a 5-minute drive of Veuve Clicquot and Taitttinger is G.H. Martel & Co. This Champagne house offers wine tasting and tours to their medieval chalk caves, which were dug between the 4th and 15th centuries, at a depth of 22 meters.

Along the tour, they have a collection of winemaking tools and machinery to see. The tour also includes a film of the Champagne house and winemaking process and an eco museum.

If you don’t have the time for a full tour, you can stop into the wine shop for a tasting at any time. There are a few Champagne flights to choose from ranging from 12-20€.

Location:  17 rue des Creneaux, 51100, Reims, France Hours:  Daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm. Tours in French and English until 5:30pm Email: [email protected]

Champagne Mumm

The House Mumm started in 1827 in the historic birthplace of the Champagne, Reims. This almost bicentenary estate opens the doors of its cellars where about 25 million bottles rest peacefully in the cellars.

The Mumm family, whose lineage includes barons and knights, dates back to the 12th century. They were originally wine merchants based in Cologne, Germany , but expanded into France when they saw potential for the region and expansion of their business. They’ve been going strong ever since.

Today Mumm is spread across nearly 25 kilometers in the heart of Reims. Visitors can explore the long history of this cellar and learn about the process they’ve followed for centuries.

There are three visit types: The Cordon Rouge Mumm experience, the discovery experience, and the 100% Grand Cru experience. The visit will end at one of the most beautiful museum about champagne. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to taste their Champagnes.

Location:  G.H. Mumm, 29 Rue du Champ de Mars, 51100 Reims, France Hours:  Daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-5:30 or 6pm, seasonally. Tours in French and English until 5:30pm Boutique available during opening hours Email: [email protected]

Champagne Charles de Cazanove

Champagne Charles de Cazanove has been in business since 1811, and its production is 3 million bottles per year. It can be quite interesting visiting a large house like this to learn the Champagne making process. The facility was built in 2019, so it’s very modern.

You can book a tasting only, or embark on one of their three tours, which takes you to their production facility and give you an explanation of the process, along with a demonstration in their eco-museum.

The tour will be followed by a comparative tasting of 3 non-vintage Champagnes (2 whites and 1 rosé) or you can add on a vintage tasting as well.

Champagne Pol Couronne

Champagne Pol Couronne was started in 2015. This family-owned champagne house, located in the historic city of Reims, offers a private tour and tasting in their showroom, so you can get an intimate look into the meticulous craft of champagne-making.

The personalized tastings here are exceptional. Your palate is in for a treat. Each sip allows you to taste the terroir, skill, and passion that go into making each bottle. Champagne Pol Couronne offers a tasting of 3 Champagnes, or 3 Grand Cru Champagnes

They also offer a Champagne masterclass and a sabering experience, if you’re looking for something more unique.

Veuve Clicquot

Location:  1 Place des Droits de l’Homme, 51100 Reims, France Season: Closed end of December to mid-March Email: [email protected]

You’ve likely already heard of this Champagne brand, as it’s one of the most popular Champagnes being sold around the world. The underground cellars of Veuve Clicquot are one of the main highlights of a visit. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

They’ve been making wine since 1772, then bought the underground quarry in 1909, and turned it into a wine cellar. You will learn all about the fascinating history – including the cellars being used as a shelter during the war – on a guided tour.

When you purchase tickets for your visit, it can include a tour and a few different types of tasting options.  Click here  to see them all. Prices range from 35€-250€ depending on the tour your book.

Other Champagne Houses Nearby

Not too far away from Reims, there are many more opportunities for Champagne tasting. If you’re going to be in the area, I would definitely recommend stopping by a few of these:

Pressoria is the brand new sensory interpretation center for champagne wines, housed in the walls of a former Pommery pressing center in the commune of Aÿ. This boutique Champagne house presents a unique blend of traditional techniques and modern innovation.

You’ll start with an immersive tour through the 10 rooms that make up the sensory experience, then you will finish the visit in their tasting room, with an unobstructed view of the hillsides classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

You’ll be given a guided tasting of 2 champagnes, to discover the diversity of the wines of the region. It’s a fun way to discover champagne through your five senses.

Villa Signolle

A family-run business since 1802, they offer specialist champagnes for experts and amateurs alike. They do the harvesting, handling and winemaking of all their own grapes, from one of the best terroirs in the Champagne region.

Their villa is on the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. You can taste on their terrace or in the lounge, inside a house listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Try the Blanc de blancs Grand Cru Zéro Dosage to test the minerality of the Côte des Blancs, then taste the powerful vintage Blanc de Blancs from 3 different villages. Finish with their Blanc de Noirs to discover the fruit of the southern Champagne region.

Champagne Le Gallais

In 1927, Hachod Fringhian, the grandfather of Charlotte Morgain Le Gallais, obtained the Clos du Château de Boursault, which had long belonged to Madame Veuve Clicquot. Five generations later, Charlotte runs part of the estate: 7 parcels with their own characteristics, in the family vineyard, overlooking the Marne valley.

When you visit, you can do a simple tasting of their 3 cuvees or you can do a tour and tasting. The tour is the way to go as you’ll learn all about the Champagne making process. You first see their modern wine press, vat room and cellars, located under a 16th century manor house. Then, go for a walk in the vineyard to learn more about the cultivation of the vines.

To end this experience, you will taste 3 vintages in the tasting room, with a panoramic view of the vineyards of the Marne Valley.

Tips for Visiting Champagne Houses in Reims

Visiting Champagne houses in Reims can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to plan ahead to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your visit.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Champagne houses in Reims is during the spring and summer months, from April to September. During this time, the weather is mild and the vineyards are in full bloom. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of year, so it’s important to book your visit well in advance.

If you prefer a quieter time to visit, consider going during the fall or winter months. While the weather may be cooler , you’ll have a more intimate experience and may even get the chance to see the vineyards during harvest season.

What to Wear

Visiting a Champagne house is a special occasion, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Besides, the French are fashionable people and they might not appreciate your casualness as much as you do. It’s recommended to wear smart-casual attire, such as a dress or slacks and a nice shirt. Avoid wearing flip-flops, as they may not be allowed in some of the cellars – no open toed shoes.

It’s also important to wear comfortable shoes, as you may be doing a lot of walking and standing during your visit. And don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong in the vineyards.

Reservations

It’s essential to make reservations in advance for your visit to a Champagne house in Reims. Most houses and growers don’t accept visitors at all without an appointment. The best way to do that is to click those handy buttons I included above to make a reservation through Rue des Vignerons .

When making your reservation, be sure to let the house know if you have any special requests or preferences. Some houses may be able to accommodate dietary restrictions or offer private tours for an additional fee.

It’s also important to arrive on time for your appointment, as many houses have a tight schedule and may not be able to accommodate late arrivals.

Where to Stay in Reims

Reims is a beautiful city with a wide range of accommodation options, but not a lot of luxury hotels, and even less international brands you might be looking for.

The city has several high-end hotels such as the Hotel Continental , , and the La Caserne Chanzy Hotel . For those on a mid-range budget, there are also plenty of options such as the Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix and the Holiday Inn Reims Centre .

Regardless of where you choose to stay, it’s important to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Where to Eat in Reims

Reims is known for its Champagne, but it also has a lot to offer when it comes to dining. From Michelin-starred restaurants to local bistros. One of the top restaurants in Reims is Les Crayères , which has earned three Michelin stars. The restaurant is located in a beautiful chateau and offers a fine dining experience with a focus on French cuisine. Reservations are recommended.

For a more casual dining experience, Racine is a popular choice. This bistro serves up classic French dishes using locally-sourced ingredients. Reservations are also recommended here. If you’re looking for something sweet, head to Maison Fossier . This bakery has been around since 1756 and is known for its pink biscuits, which are a local specialty.

For a more unique dining experience, Le Foch is a restaurant located in a former train station. The restaurant serves up modern French cuisine and has a great wine list.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Before You Go

Since you made it to the end of this article, you’re probably pretty interested in wine tasting. Here are a few more articles we think you might enjoy.

• How to Visit Champagne Houses in France
• Best Wine Regions to Visit in France
• Where to Go Wine Tasting in Burgundy, France
• Where to Go Wine Tasting in Bordeaux, France
• How to Visit the Epernay Champagne Houses in France

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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Ultimate Champagne Tasting in Reims Guide

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Visiting Champagne is always a good idea. For those who love bubbly and want to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and flavors of this delightful beverage, you know you’ve got to pay a visit to the largest city in the region: Reims. To help you plan the perfect trip, this is the ultimate Champagne tasting in Reims guide! 

I recently spent 4 days exploring the ins and outs of both Epernay and Reims and can honestly say, “Wow!” 

Did I feel a bit like a bubble after those 4 days? Yes, but it was honestly such a great experience to try various Champagnes ranging from large and smaller houses to everything in between. 

So let’s talk about everything you need to know about Champagne tasting in Reims including the best Champagne houses to visit in Reims, best tours, fun facts, and even a sample 1-day itinerary! 

There are many ways to visit Champagne, so let’s talk about how to best explore Reims! 

What is Champagne?

First things first, what is Champagne? Aside from being a wine region in France located in the Grand Est, it is a delightful sparkling wine that is made in the Champagne region. 

You’ve probably heard that Champagne is only called Champagne if it is made in this region of France, and that is true. But it also has to be made using the Traditional Method or Methode Traditionelle. 

This means that there is a second fermentation process, where yeast and sugar are added to the bottle with the wine and it is fermented a second time in the bottle. Then, after aging, the bottles go through riddling, which is a process where the bottles are angled down and then turned each day until the dead yeast cells (lees) settle in the neck of the bottle.

Then, through a process called disgorging, the neck is frozen and the lees are removed. And finally, sugar can be added to the wine before it is sealed again.

This process makes the lovely Champagne that we know and love today. 

Can you find other sparkling wines in France made this way? Of course! Only it will be called Cremant rather than Champagne. 

Fun Facts About Champagne:

• Grapes used in the production of Champagne are typically Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier
• Vineyards have been planted in Champagne since Roman times
• Before the Traditional Method of Champagne making became popular in Champagne, it was known as a fault for the wine to be effervescent. Later on, it became popular amongst royals and winemakers started trying to produce sparkling Champagne
• Dom Perignon helped perfect the Champagne making process
• Madade Cliquot invented the process of riddling to get rid of the dead yeast cells in the wine

Alright, now that you have a brief history and understanding of how Champagne is made, let’s talk about Champagne tasting in Reims specifically. 

Best Champagne Houses in Reims

There are Champagne houses all over the region, with grapes coming from the 5 subregions: Montage de Reims, the Marne Valley, Cote des Blancs, Cotes de Sezanne, and Cotes des Bar. 

I’ll mention a few Champagne tours you can take from Reims to other houses in the countryside, but for now, let’s talk about the best Champagne houses in Reims you can visit. 

1. Maison Ruinart

4 rue des Crayères, Reims

If there is one Champagne house that you must visit in Reims, definitely head to Maison Ruinart . This is the oldest established Champagne house. In fact, their cellars are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The house began in 1729, and the cellars are actually located in old Roman chalk quarries. I went on this tour on my recent visit to Reims and it was epic!

First of all, the cellars were incredible and you could see old mine steps! They also have an art installation in the largest quarry. Definitely book a tour to see it during your time in Reims. 

They also do brunches on weekends for €80 for adults and €45 for kids under 18. 

Tour Price: €75 for adults. Includes 2 tastings of their Champagne. 

2. Taittinger

Residence of the Counts of Champagne, 20 rue de Tambour, 51100 Reims

The origins of this Champagne house date back to 1734, with the founder, Jacques Fourneaux, working closely with Benedictine monks to learn how to make Champagne. 

In 1932, Pierre Taittinger acquired the estate and changed the name. This place also has cellars made from old Roman chalk mines, and they are one of the largest producers of Champagne. 

They are not currently offering tours of the cellars, but they plan to begin the tours again in July 2024 after renovations. You can, however, go on a virtual tour of the cellars .

They do offer tastings which include 2 of their Champagnes to taste. 

Tasting Price: Starts at €37 per person. 

3. Veuve Cliquot

1 rue Albert Thomas, 51100 Reims

Veuve Cliquot is always a super recognizable bottle. That iconic yellow label can be spotted far away. So why not visit where it is made in Reims?

Not only is the bottle iconic, but we can thank the widow Madam Cliquot herself for many things about Champagne today! For starters, after her husband passed away, she took over the wine business. “Veuve” in French actually means “widow.”

She is credited with creating the first vintage Champagne where all the grapes in the bottle are from the same year versus blended with other years. She also invented the riddling table to get rid of the lees. 

Learn more about her life and accomplishments, as well as visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site chalk cellars during a tour. 

There are quite a few tours offered here, including the Yellow Label tour, blended rose tour, La Grande Dame tour, and more! Be sure to book a tour with a cellar visit! Each includes a tasting of their Champagne. 

Tour Price: Starts at €35. 

4. Champagne Pommery

5 Place du Général Gouraud, 51100 Reims

This is definitely a popular spot to check out, mostly because you can do a self-guided tour of the Pommery Champagne house in Reims. 

Plus, this house also has a strong female history, with Madame Pommery inventing the first Brut Champagne, a drier Champagne.

With UNESCO World Heritage Site Gallo-Roman chalk cellars, it is definitely worth a visit. Learn about the wine-making process and the history of the house with a self-guided digital and audio tour. There is also a contemporary art exhibition to witness. 

The tour also wraps up with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne. 

And if you want to have a tasting and lunch, you could book the Gastronomic Visit where you will go on a guided tour and end at the restaurant with a food and Champagne pairing. 

Tour Price: Starts at €27 for adults. 

5. Champagne Pol Couronne

11 Cours Jean-Baptiste Langlet, 51100 Reims

Located close to the famous Reims Cathedral, you can book a tasting at the boutique of Pol Couronne . 

While you could certainly just do a tasting or split a bottle to enjoy either inside or outside, the best thing you can do is book the sabrage.

Sabrage is the art of opening a bottle of Champagne with a saber. This place is the only one in Reims to let you do this! We did this during our last visit and it was so much fun and easier than I thought it would be. 

Oh, and after you’ve popped the Champagne you get to enjoy it. 

Tasting Price: Starts at €28 for 3 tastings. The sabrage starts at €52. 

6. G.H. Mumm

34 rue du Champ de Mars, 51100 Reims

Another popular Champagne house in Reims, you can schedule a visit which includes a tasting. The history of this house dates back to 1827, and you can visit their lovely cellars and have a tasting during a tour. 

Their tours help you understand Champagne from the inside. Learn more about the house and wine during a tour . 

Tour Price: Starts at €28.

7. Champagne Lanson

66 Rue de Courlancy, 51100 Reims

Another one of the oldest Champagne houses in Reims, it was founded in 1760, and their Champagnes are enjoyed in over 80 countries.

There are a few tours that you can book here , and they share their history as well as how they get their grapes all the way from the vine to the flute. This is definitely one of the best Champagne houses to visit in Reims. 

Tour Price: Starts at €32.

8. Champagne GH Martel & Co

17 Rue des Créneaux, 51100 Reims

This smaller Champagne house sits in the middle of the city. It also has chalk pits that date back to the Medieval period, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Visits here include a visit to the cellars as well as 3 tastings of their Champagne.

Tour Price: €25. 

Best Champagne Tours in Reims

Honestly, you could book and go to most of the Champagne houses on your own. Many are either walkable or you could take a short taxi or Uber ride. And many houses are fairly close together including Pommery, Veuve Cliquot, and Ruinart Champagne. 

However, if you are short on time or want someone else to handle all the logistics, here are a few tours you can take of Reims Champagne houses. 

1. Paris to Reims Champagne Tour

This tour is for those who only have time to take a day trip from Paris. Thankfully, as Paris is only about 45 minutes away via train and 1.5 hours via car, it really is fairly easy to visit here on a day trip. 

This trip takes you from Paris to Reims where you’ll visit 2 Champagne houses and have tastings at each and a local restaurant or winery for a 3-course lunch. 

Book it here!

2. Reims Champagne Tour

Enjoy tastings at 2 Champagne houses, Pommery and Veuve Cliquot, as well as tour their cellars during this tour of Reims. The tour also includes a 3-course lunch with a Champagne aperitif. 

3. E-Bike Tour Through Champagne 

Want to get out of the city and explore Champagne a little deeper? Then, definitely book this tour where you’ll see Avenue de Champagne in Eperany, explore the historical village of Hautvillers, ride through a UNESCO vineyard, enjoy a cellar visit with tastings, and have a local lunch with Champagne.

4. Sabrage Workshop

Want to learn about the history of Sabrage and even open your own bottle of Champagne with the saber? This is a great workshop that goes into the art of sabrage. 

5. Private Champagne Tour From Reims

Want a private tour with your friends or family around Champagne from Reims? This is a great tour that includes stops at Hautvillers Abbey, Avenue de Champagne, a vineyard, and a winery and has plenty of tastings.

Perfect 1-Day Reims Itinerary Including the Best Champagne Houses in Reims

If you only have a full day to explore Reims, then you better do it right! Here is a quick 1-day itinerary for Reims. 

Start out the morning with a quick stop for breakfast and coffee at a bakery. You’ll need something on your stomach before a day of sipping Champagne. 

Then, head to the Reims Cathedral . This is definitely a must-visit during your Reims itinerary as it is where the French kings were coronated. 

This Gothic cathedral has origins dating back to the 5th Century, but the currently constructed cathedral was completed in the 14th Century. 

After a visit to the Reims Cathedral, head to Champagne Ruinart for a tour of their cellars and tasting. We booked the 10:45 am tour when we went. But the earlier the tour the better, so that you can enjoy your 2 tastings and lunch today.

Once you’ve wrapped up your Champagne Ruinart tour, I recommend grabbing lunch down the street at Le Refrectoire at Pommery for a lovely meal paired with a glass of their Champagne. 

Then, I recommend booking the afternoon visit of Veuve Cliquot for the Yellow Label tour. Make sure you have enough time between Ruinart, lunch, and this!

After that, book a later sabrage with Pol Couronne to wrap up your time tasting in Champagne. 

Once you’ve enjoyed your Champagne tastings in Reims, I recommend Brasserie Le Boulingrin for dinner and perhaps grab a glass of Dom Perignon at the rooftop bar at Restaurant Gabrielle Toit Terrasse . 

Where to Stay in Reims

I recommend spending a full day and night in Reims to get the most out of your experience here. Here is where to stay based on your budget:

Budget: VRBO

Reims can get pricey when it comes to hotels, so you can definitely check out Airbnb or VRBO for great home rentals. This rental is in the downtown area and has all the comforts of home. 

Mid-Range: Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix

Located in the heart of Reims near the cathedral, this is a great place to base yourself for exploring. It also has modern rooms, a cocktail lounge, a sauna, and an indoor heated pool. 

Luxury: La Caserne Chanzy Hote & Spa

This is where I stayed last time in Reims, and honestly, it was because I had Marriott points and this is a Marriott hotel. However, it was amazing! Not only did I have a room with the best view of the Reims Cathedral, but it was just a great location overall. They also have a lovely spa with a hammam, sauna, pool, and a place for a massage and other spa treatments. 

Other Things to Know About Champagne Tasting in Reims

Here are a few other things to know before you go Champagne tasting in Reims:

• Book tastings and tours in advance! It can be a bit busy, and tours and tastings fill up quickly. I recommend booking everything in advance if you can. This isn’t like other wine regions in France where you can just show up. Most tours require a reservation, and many need a reservation for tastings too. I suggest booking directly on their website, or with Champagne-booking.com . 
• How many Champagne houses can you see in a day? 2-3 is the most you really want to do in a day. You need to allocate time to get to each place, and tours can last between 1-2 hours. But, if you have lunch at one with a restaurant, like Pommery, you can sneak in a taste of their Champagne but during a meal rather than a full tour. 
• When to visit: May through October is generally the best time to visit Champagne. The weather tends to be better this time of year, and you can even witness the harvest in September. However, April was when I visited and I found it far less crowded and still lovely. Just dress warmly as it is a chillier region of France.
• Reims Champagne tours which are best? Personally, my favorite was the OG: Champagne Ruinart. I loved the presentation of the Champagne as well as the epic cellar tour. 
• How long do you need to visit Reims? At least a full day, but I highly recommend spending a couple of days to really get to see the city sites as well as visit Champagne houses. 
• How long should you visit Champagne? I spent 4 days between Epernay and Reims and, while I felt like it was a great amount of time for both cities, I feel like another couple of days would’ve been perfect to explore the countryside.
• How to get to Reims: You can easily get to Reims thanks to the train station. Fly into Paris and take the 45-minute train to the city. You can also rent a car and drive from Paris. 
• How to get around Reims and Champagne: You can mostly walk around Reims, but some Champagne houses can be on the other side of the city, so calling a taxi or Uber is a good idea. For visits to the countryside, you can either rent a car , go on a tour, or hire a private driver . DO NOT drink and drive! Always have a sober driver if you plan to drive yourselves. 

I hope this helps you when it comes to planning your Reims itinerary and going Champagne tasting in Reims! Which Champagne house in Reims would you most like to visit?

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4 thoughts on “Ultimate Champagne Tasting in Reims Guide”

Hi there very helpful blog…… do you have the correct address for Champagne Pommery? When I enter it in Google Maps it shows a location in Bordeaux! Perhaps a Google Maps glitch. Greg

Hi Greg, and thank you! There are a lot of roads that are copied in cities, so if you just type in the street address and not the city, it’ll likely take you somewhere else. If you put in the address with Reims, it should pop up.

Thank you so much for your post. It was very helpful! Thanks to your recommended timeline, we have a train booked from Paris (April 2024) to arrive at Reims at 9:15am. 10:45am appt at Ruinart and a 3pm at Lanson. We wanted to go to Pommery as well but weren’t sure we’d have time between those two appointments to do the full tour/tasting (since we also need to eat lunch) …so we took your advice to book a lunch at Pommery’s Le Réfectoire at 1pm instead since it’s nextdoor to Ruinart and then we can at least try the Pommery champagne with lunch. Question: We only have 2 hours at Pommery before our 3pm at Lanson. I was really hoping to see the Pommery cellars. They allow for a self-guided tour ticket at 2pm. Do you think 1 hour is long enough for the lunch and is 45 min enough time to walk the cellars (i’m assuming self-guided tour, we can do it on our own time). Then we’d uber to our 3pm Lanson reservation. (Unfortunately Lanson only offers 3pm tours, nothing later). Thanks so much!

Hi Beverly! Thanks so much for reading! And yes, we didn’t have time to see Pommery either so we grabbed lunch there and is was delicious! I’ll say that to be safe, I wouldn’t book the Pommery Tour ahead of time. It is self-guided, so chances are if it isn’t busy (which when I went last year it wasn’t in April but you never know) you can check it out before going to your next tasting, but in France, lunches can take up some time. That way, if you are running late and need to go straight to Lanson you aren’t out of money. But the Ruinart tour will also include a cellar visit, so you’ll get to experience the historic cellars while in Reims. I hope this helps and have fun!

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13 Top Champagne Houses in Epernay France You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

Nestled in the picturesque champagne region of France, just a stone’s throw away from Paris, is the charming town of Epernay. It’s a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast, as it is home to some of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses. Surrounded by rolling hills, ancient churches, and lush vineyards, Epernay provides a beautiful vista for  drinking bubbles. 

But how do you decide which of the great champagne houses in Epernay to visit? In this guide I’ll give you a quick overview of how to get to and get around Epernay and then we’ll get right into the top 13 Epernay champagne houses, what makes each one unique and your options for a champagne tasting. And I’ll give you my top three recommendations for the best champagne houses in Epernay.

➡️ Book Your Champagne Tastings in Epernay

• Getting to Epernay and Getting Around

Table of Contents

13 Top Champagne Houses in Epernay

My top 3 picks, champagne houses on the famous avenue de champagne, 2. villa signolle, 3. moët & chandon, 4. perrier-jouet, 5. chateau comtesse lafond, 6. champagne de venoge, champagne houses in epernay but not on champagne avenue, 7. jacquinot et fils , 8. champagne de castellane, 9. champagne alfred gratien, champagne houses around epernay, 10. pressoria, 11. gaston chiquet, 12. champagne le gallais, 13. lancelot royer, my top tips for visiting epernay:.

Epernay train station is on the high-speed TGV train line to Paris and it takes just over one hour to get between the two. The largest town in Champagne, Reims, is on the same train line. Trains between Epernay and Reims run roughly once an hour and take about 20 minutes.

The train stations for both Epernay and Reims are only a short walk from the town centers, so train travel is a great option to get to and around Epernay. 

There are some great  hotels in Epernay  but many people choose to stay in the larger Reims. There are lots of  interesting things to do in Reims  plus there are some good hotels. I have chosen to stay in Reims on both of my visits to Champagne and have then visited Epernay by train. This option worked well for me.

By car, Epernay is easily accessible via well-maintained highways. Take the A4 motorway from Paris east towards Reims, then exit onto the D951 road towards Epernay. Depending on traffic, the drive should take about an hour and a half. From Reims, it’s a quick 30-minute trip along the D951 as well.

I also used uber during my stay and I generally didn’t have to wait too long for rides. However, Uber availability and costs can fluctuate extensively.

Once you arrive in Epernay, getting around the city is a breeze. The town is relatively small, so walking is often the easiest way to move between champagne houses and cellar visits.

If it is a special occasion you might want to look at private tours like  hiring your own guide/driver  to take you around Epernay. 

It is also very easy to visit Epernay as a day trip to Paris. Book your train tickets and champagne tastings or go on one of these  organised day trips from Paris to Champagne.

#1 TOP PICK

Champagne Mercier ✔️ Unique Tour ✔️ Great Value ✔️ Delicious Champagne

Moet & Chandon ✔️ Most Famous Name ✔️ Wow Tour ✔️ Stunning Courtyard

Villa Signolle ✔️ Boutique Experience ✔️ Blanc de Blanc Expertise ✔️ Taste in a 19th century villa

Yes, believe it or not, there is an actual  Avenue of champagne in Epernay,  and the street is home to some of the most famous names in bubbles. The Avenue de Champagne begins in the heart of Epernay and his home to houses such as Moet, Pol Roger, Perrier Jouet and many more. 

Unsurprisingly, it is a beautiful street and a lovely stroll experience. The architectural style of the houses on Champagne Avenue is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also highly convenient as it means all of the champagne houses on Avenue de Champagne are within walking distance of each other and within walking distance of the center of Epernay and Epernay station. 

I will divide this article into the champagne houses on the actual Avenue and then those houses that are in Epernay but may require some transport beyond your feet.

Champagne Mercier began producing champagne in 1858. The doors to its grand old cellars in Epernay swung open in 1869, and today, in my opinion, it is one of the best champagne-tasting experiences in the region. Here is why I liked it so much:

• the unique mini train that takes visitors through 18 kilometres of underground wine cellars
• the tunnels also feature sculptures by Gustave Navlet
• The giant Mercier Cask – this huge champagne barrel was drawn by 24 oxen from Epernay to Paris in 1889. 
• In my opinion, this was one of the best value champagne tastings in Epernay.
• And of course I enjoyed the champagne!

There are two tasting options at Mercier:

• Mercier Duo: tour the cellars and taste two glasses of Mercier champagne with a sommelier. 
• Golden Bubbles: As above but with three glasses of Mercier champagne. 

Address: 68 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:30-12, 2-430 

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Champagne Mercier

The roots of Villa Signolle-Champagne Michel Gonet weave back to the 19th century. Villa Signolle made a name for itself with its outstanding Blanc de Blancs champagne. This means champagne that has been made with only white grapes eg no pinot noir. 

I really enjoyed my tasting at Villa Signolle because it was more like visiting someone’s beautiful home than a tasting. The tasting room is actually one of the salons of their 19th-century villa or on the flowery terrace depending on the weather. This is a much more sedate and charming champagne-tasting experience. 

Tasting Options:

• Taste three blends (including two blanc de blancs) in a 90 minute tasting
• Blind wine-tasting game. Taste six different cuvees and finish with a blind tasting of one of the six. Can your palate remember? 90 minute tasting.

Address: 37 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 11-6:30

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Villa Signolle

In 1842, Moët uncorked its first-ever vintage of champagne wines and by the 1860s, their Brut Imperial was the toast of the town. With the largest patch of vines in Champagne and about 30 million bottles aging in 28 kilometers of cellars, Moet is of course arguably the most famous name in champagne with a rich history.

Unsurprisingly, Moet et Chandon offer some of the more expensive tasting options in Epernay. It is possible to visit the courtyard at Moet et Chandon and get a photo with a statue of Dom Perignon and not visit the most famous champagne house in the world, but how many times will you realistically be in Epernay?

• The Signature Experience: 90 minutes with an overview of Moet et Chandon from a house ambassador. Taste two champagnes and compare, including the house’s latest vintage (the second champagne will be non-vintage).
• Grand Vintage Tour: 90 minutes including a cellar tour and a tasting of two vintage champagnes in a private tasting lounge.
• A La Volee: This two hour tour offers a unique experience: tasting two vintage moet champagnes that have just been disgorged. A third glass of vintage champagne is included in the tour.  

Address: 20 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Mon-Sunday 9:30-6, close at 11:30 on Mondays

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Moet & Chandon

It seems appropriate that Perrrier-Jouet began in 1811 with a love affair between Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët. They are known for their slightly more floral, Chardonnay-led blends and, of course, their beautiful bottles. 

If you visit Perrier-Jouet in summer, they often have a pop-up cafe in their beautiful courtyard, which is well worth visiting.

There are two tasting options:

• Art of Chardonnay: Taste two champagne blends in a one-hour tasting
• Art of Vintage: A guided tasting of the latest vintages from the house. 

Address: 26 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Thursday-Monday 11:30-8:30 (closed Tue & Wed)

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Perrier-Jouet

Comtesse Lafond started this family-owned brand in the 1800s, and today, it is run by her great-great-grandchild, Baron de Ladoucette. This is one of the smaller producers in Epernay, which makes for a more personalised experience. It is also housed in a spectacular castle on Champagne Avenue.

This is also one of the only champagne houses in Epernay that offers a saber experience (the opportunity to learn and experience removing a champagne cork with a sword).

Tasting Options

There are three options for tastings 

• Taste 3 cuvees and take a tour of the chateau
• Taste 3 different champagnes in three different locations on the property and experience a sabrage of your own (the cork being removed from the champagne with a knife) 
• Taste three different champagnes in the Comtess Lafond showroom.

Address: 79 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 11-1, 2-6

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Chateau Comtess Lafond

Champagne de Venoge traces its origins to the ambition and vision of Henri-Marc de Venoge, who, in 1837, left his native Switzerland for the rolling hills of Champagne with the dream of creating his own eponymous champagne house. 

The brand’s pioneering spirit was evidenced by Henri-Marc’s son, Joseph de Venoge, who would later introduce the notable “Cordon Bleu” label — a symbol of excellence that endures within the brand’s identity to this day.

The house was previously a 19th-century stable and is home to a champagne bar that can be visited at any time. 

• Tasting of Cordon Bleu Brut and Princes (two glasses) (with and without cheese options) lasting 30 minutes.
• Princes tasting: 2 flutes from the Princes range (with and without a tuna and sardine platter) lasting 30 minutes.

Address: 33 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 10-5 (hours may be extended in summer)

➡️ Book Your Visit to Champagne de Venoge

➡️  Book a Guide to take you around Epernay’s Champagne Houses

The story of Jacquinot et Fils begins with Pierre Jacquinot, who, alongside his two sons, Jacques and Jean-Guy, officially established the brand in 1947 in the aftermath of World War II. However, the Jacquinot family’s roots in the Champagne region trace deeper, with their winemaking prowess honed over several generations, dating back to the 1920s when Pierre began selling his still wines from Epernay.

The house is home to one of the deepest cellars in Epernay, located 20 meters underground. This chalk cellar was dug by hand in 1873.

90 minute tour through the champagne-making process with a tasting of three non-vintage champagnes.

Address: 36 Rue Maurice Cerveaux, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat and Sun 1030-5

➡️ Book Your Visit to Jacquinot et Fils

Champagne de Castellane was founded in 1895 by nobleman Viscount Florens de Castellane. The viscount, known for his flamboyance and an eye for branding, chose the red cross of Saint Andrew, a symbol of the ancient province of Champagne, as the emblem to adorn his bottles, ensuring that his champagnes would be instantly recognizable.

This Epernay Champagne house rapidly gained notoriety, not only for its exceptional bubbly but also for the iconic “Tower Castellane,” which was completed in 1905 and became a brand symbol. This remarkable structure, which soars above the vineyards of Épernay, offers panoramic views of the region and is one of the landmarks of Epernay.

• Cellar Tour with one glass of champagne over 60 minutes
• Cellar Tour and Tower (reservation necessary) Visit the famous Tower Castellane and enjoy two glasses of cuvee over 90 minutes

Address: 63 Av. de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Monday-Sunday 10-12, 2-6

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Champagne de Castellane

Champagne Alfred Gratien was founded in 1864 when Alfred Gratien, at the age of 23, established his eponymous Champagne house in Épernay. The house is known for its dedication to aging its champagnes much longer than the minimum requirements, with non-vintage bottles resting on their lees for about three years, and vintage champagnes even longer, often reaching up to 10 years.

• Tour and Tasting Discovery includes two glasses of vintage champagne and takes 90 minutes
• Tour and Tasting L’Empreinte includes four glasses of champagne and takes 90 minutes
• The Alfred Gratien style is two glasses of cuvee and takes 30 minutes
• Champagne and Cheese workshop includes four tastings and four cheeses over 60 minutes

Address: 30 Rue Maurice Cerveaux, 51200 Épernay, France Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 (closed Sunday and Monday)

➡️ Book Your Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien

@boutiqueadventurer Champagne Avenue in Epernay France is my idea of heaven! #champagne #epernay #champagneavenue ♬ RUNAWAY – KAYDEN

Pressoria isn’t actually a champagne house. It is a sensory interpretation center housed in a former Pommery pressing center in the town of Ay near Epernay. If you want to understand more about the process of making champagne, this is a great option. It’s a full-on exploration of the region’s sparkling heritage—from the grand old presses to the intricate craft of fermentation. 

In addition to an immersive tour through 10 rooms, you’ll be given a guided tasting of two glasses of champagne. 

Address: 11 Bd Pierre Cheval, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne, France Opening Hours: Friday-Wednesday 930-630 (Closed Thursdays)

➡️ Book Your visit to Pressoria

Champagne Gaston Chiquet carved out its place in champagne history when Gaston Chiquet registered the brand in 1919, but the family’s roots in the vineyards of the Vallée de la Marne stretch back to as early as 1746. 

It was Gaston, alongside his brothers Fernand and Marcel, who took the bold step of becoming one of the first growers in the region to produce their own champagne, setting a new precedent for what would become the esteemed Récoltant-Manipulant (RM), or Grower Champagne movement, where producers craft champagne solely from their own vineyards.

They own prime parcels in the villages of Dizy, Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and Hautvillers. Their champagnes have a particular emphasis on Pinot Meunier. Today, the tradition continues with the family’s eighth generation.

Taste two cuvees and one vintage champagne over one hour. 

Address: 912 Avenue Gén Leclerc. 51530 Dizy Hours: Mon-Sat 8-6 (closed Sundays)

➡️ Book Your Visit to Champagne Gaston Chiquet

Back in 1927, Charlotte Morgain Le Gallais ‘ grandad, Hachod Fringhian, got his hands on the Clos du Château de Boursault, a patch that once was part of Madame Veuve Clicquot’s empire. Fast forward through five generations and you’ve got Charlotte at the helm, overseeing seven unique plots that make up a slice of the family’s vineyards, all perched with a view over the Marne valley.

• Tour and Tasting Le Gallais Experience with three glasses of vintage champagne over 90 minutes.
• Tasting of Three Cuvees over 30 minutes
• Initiation to Sabrage where you learn to open your own bottle with a sword 

Address: 2 Rue Gilbert Maurice, 51480 Boursault, France Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 930-530 (closed Sunday and Monday)

➡️ Book Your Visit to Champagne Le Gallais

The roots of Champagne P. Lancelot-Royer are deeply entrenched in the chalky soils of Cramant, a Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs known for producing some of the finest Chardonnay grapes in all of Champagne. The house was created in 1960 by Pierre Lancelot and then resumed by his daughter and her husband. 

The tour and tasting includes two glasses of champagne over one hour. 

Address: 540 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 51530 Cramant, France (About 20 km south of Epernay) Hours: Monday-Sunday 10-12, 2-5 (Except Sunday when it is closed in the afternoon)

➡️ Book Your Visit to Lancelot Royer

• Book all of your tastings ahead of time particularly if you are visiting on a weekend or during the summer
• Check out my guide to  Visiting Champagne France  before your trip
• If you’re interested in staying in Epernay, check out my guide to the  best hotels in Epernay.
• If it is a special occasion why not get  your own private tour guide to take you around Epernay  and the surrounding area?
• If you’re looking for some good French brasseries that won’t break the bank, I recommend  L’Oben  and  Le P’tit Champenois.  I have had excellent meals at both.
• There are several really cute wine bars in the heart of Epernay that offer wine tasting and opportunities to purchase champagne. I really liked  La Fine Bulle.
• If you are thinking about staying in Reims you might want to read my guide on the  top things to do in Reims , best champagne houses in Reims  and my guide to the  best hotels in Reims.

I covered all of the costs involved in putting together this guide to champagne houses in Epernay. However, this article does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Visiting Champagne, France – Things to Know Before You Go

Whether you are a huge champagne fan or are just looking for an interesting part of France to visit, I would say visiting Champagne is well worth it!

In fact, the champagne hillsides, houses, and cellars are considered so special that they made in onto the UNESCO World Heritage List!

The Champagne wine region is a wine region within the historical province of Champagne, located in the northeast of France.

Having visited this part of France several times myself, I’d like to share with you the main things you should know before visiting Champagne, to make the most of your trip.

Things to Know Before Visiting Champagne, France

Where to stay when visiting the champagne region.

The two most obvious places to stay when visiting Champagne are Reims and Epernay.

Reims is the largest city in the region and Epernay is the town with the famous ‘Champagne Avenue’ ( Avenue de Champagne ).

Both have a train station and can therefore be reached relatively easily by public transport.

Why Stay in Reims When Visiting Champagne?

Reims is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a more lively location with more things to do.

You’ll find famous champagne houses here to visit, but also museums, nightlife, etc.

It’s not the prettiest French city but it’s a convenient base and offers the most facilities.

If you choose to stay in Reims, Hotel Cecyl is a good budget hotel option with a very central location. Don’t expect anything luxurious, but it’s a comfortable option.

For a more high-end hotel option in Reims Les Berceaux de la Cathedrale is a gorgeous place right in the city center.

Or, if you really want to splurge, check out Domaine les Crayeres , a luxury 5-star mansion on the edge of the city.

Why Stay in Epernay When Visiting Champagne?

Epernay is where you go to visit the Avenue de Champagne . This is the beautiful street lined with some of the most famous champagne brands, or ‘champagne houses’ as they call them.

Epernay is a cute French town . It doesn’t have as many facilities as Reims, but it’s a great place to stay if you want to soak up that typical small-town French vibe for a few days.

If you choose to stay in Epernay, check out Au Moulin Champenois as a budget-friendly hotel option. Or for a high-end hotel check out La Villa Eugene , which is a beautiful 5-star hotel with a pool, set in a 19th-century mansion

Why You Shouldn’t Stay in Either Reims or Epernay

I have stayed in both Reims and Epernay and really enjoyed both.

But, if you have a car I would recommend staying outside of both, to be surrounded by vineyards and small champagne producers .

It’s a great way to get away from it all , enjoying the beautiful sights this region has to offer.

Hotel Dans Les Vignes is a good option, surrounded by vineyards and located right next to one of my favorite champagne houses, Bonnet-Ponson. But more about champagne houses later.

If you have a slightly bigger budget then check out Domaine du Chalet , which is a beautiful hotel with a pool and spa, within walking distance from several champagne houses.

Lastly, L’Ecrin des Vignes is worth mentioning, which is a gorgeous 18th-century B&B in an idyllic setting.

Tip: it’s worth checking out VRBO  for accommodation as well, especially if you are on a budget or want more space than a hotel room.

Things to Do in Champagne, France

Visit several champagne houses.

Of course, the most popular thing to do when visiting Champagne is taking tours of champagne houses and tasting a lot of champagne !

I would recommend to start with visiting some of the main, world-famous Champagne houses. They offer well-organized tours of their cellars and tastings of several of their champagnes.

After that, go to some of the smaller, often family-run, champagne houses to see the difference.

Of course, visiting the famous brands might give you some bragging rights, but in the end, I enjoyed visiting the smaller producers more.

With the smaller producers, the entire process takes place onsite, so you can see the journey from grape to bottle. Larger brands, by contrast, tend to welcome visitors solely to their cellars, where the bottles are stored.

Which Champagne Houses to Visit?

My two favorite champagne tours were with Veuve Cliquot in Reims and Mercier in Epernay . Mercier takes you on a train through their cellars, which is a fun experience!

The first house to be established in Champagne, in 1729, is Maison Ruinart . Therefore visiting this one, simply because it’s the oldest, is worth it as well. You can find Maison Ruinart in Epernay on the Avenue de Champagne.

Another popular one among the big names is Taittinger . Their tour is one of the best organized and most insightful ones.

And then move on to some of the smaller champagne producers.

If you have a car you can drive into the countryside to visit these champagne houses yourself, but otherwise there are also organized tours you can join.

A few organized tours I’d recommend:

A small-group afternoon champagne tour Perfect if you are staying in Reims and are looking for a tour that also takes you to Epernay.

A full-day champagne tour to Moët et Chandon and a family-run winery, plus lunch Perfect if you are staying in Epernay and want to combine visiting a famous brand with visiting a smaller champagne grower.

A half-day champagne tour, visiting 2 small producers Starts in Reims and is perfect if you’re looking for a tour that focuses just on the smaller producers.

A champagne tour by e-bike Perfect if you are looking for a more active way to explore the champagne region, without it being too challenging. This tour starts in Reims.

My favorite family-run champagne producer is Bonnet-Ponson . They offer a great tour showing you not only their cellars and vineyard but also all of the machinery they use. Plus, they are quite unique in producing organic champagne!

Champagne Salmon is another great option. It’s a medium-sized champagne producer in a beautiful setting and with good tours.

Champagne Dom Caudron is a cooperation of small growers that offers tours. And, if you book ahead you can book a champagne and chocolate pairing ! 

And lastly, Pierson-Cuvelier also comes highly recommended.

The Logistics of Visiting Champagne Houses

Before you visit any champagne house, check their opening hours . Many champagne houses close for lunch and almost all close relatively early in the afternoon.

I highly recommend booking any cellar tours ahead of time. I have been lucky once or twice, walking into a champagne house and being able to join a tour immediately, but generally that doesn’t happen.

All champagne houses offer their tours by appointment, so booking ahead is your best option.

As mentioned, if you don’t have a car and want to visit some of the smaller champagne producers you can book an organized tour.

Taxis are an option, but they are surprisingly expensive in this area.

Tip: the champagne tours take you through the cellars, which are quite cool. Bring a sweater, and wear comfortable shoes because you’ll walk a lot and the floors can be uneven.

Non-Champagne Things to Do in the Champagne Region

Although the main things to do in Champagne are visiting champagne houses and tasting champagne, of course there are other things to do here as well.

A few of my recommendations:

1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the Palace du Tau in Reims Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, located in the center of Reims.

2. Basilique Saint-Remi A medieval abbey church in Reims.

3. Fort de la Pompelle If you have a car, a drive to this fort just outside of Reims is worth it. The Fort de la Pompelle, also known as Fort Herbillon, is one of a number of forts built around Reims after 1870. The forts saw combat during the First World War in the defense of Reims. It’s also a nice area to walk around on a sunny day.

4. Musée de la Reddition This museum in Reims commemorates the end of World War II.

5. Musée Automobile Reims If you love cars and want to do something not champagne related then visit this car museum.

6. Halles Centrales du Boulingrin This typical French covered market is worth a visit. Do check google maps before you go to see if they are open.

7. A sightseeing tour of Reims by segway If you are looking to learn more about Reims and want to do that in a fun way, then check out this tour.

8. The Reims City Pass This pass gives you free admission to museums and unlimited tram and bus rides. Plus it offers discounts on certain restaurants, shops and champagne cellar tours.

9. Épernay’s Hôtel de Ville The town hall in Epernay is an impressive building and worth checking out.

10. Le Ballon d’Epernay For a spectacular view of the area, get onto this moored hot-air balloon.

11. Hautvillers Hautvillers is a cute town worth visiting. Stop here for lunch, a walk around the city, and to visit the abbey. And, The monk Dom Perignon’s final resting place is located in this picturesque village.

12. Eat lots of delicious French food! Ask your hotel for recommendations closeby. But, a few of my recommendations, in Reims, are L’Apostrophe, L’Alambic and Anna-s La Table Amoureuse. And if you’ve had enough French food, try Le Riad for great Moroccan food or Saigon Caphe for Vietnamese food.

How Much Time Do You Need to Explore France’s Champagne Region?

I would say you need two full days to experience the highlights of the Champagne region.

This way you have one day to visit a couple of the main champagne houses and one day to either drive to or go on an organized tour to visit some of the smaller houses in the countryside.

This also gives you enough time to explore Reims or Epernay, soak up the French atmosphere, and enjoy the food.

Tip: depending on traffic or which public transport you take, it takes only around one to two hours to get to Reims or Epernay from Paris. This makes combining a visit to the Champagne region with a few days in Paris a perfect option!

Best Time to Visit Champagne

I would recommend visiting Champagne between May to October. 

The fall harvest begins in late September and that’s when the champagne houses are at their busiest, both on the production side and the tourism side.

Some of the smaller, owner-operated champagne producers might be so busy with the harvest that their options for tours are limited around this time. That’s something to keep in mind if you want to visit smaller champagne houses.

If you are looking to avoid the crowds, November can also be a good month to visit the Champagne region. It does get cold by then though.

Enjoy visiting the Champagne region!

I hope all of this information has given you an idea of where to go in Champagne, where to stay and what to do. It really is a beautiful part of France!

And if you have any questions, just leave a comment below.

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8 thoughts on “Visiting Champagne, France – Things to Know Before You Go”

I’m planing a trip to Paris and Bordeaux but I’d love to stop in the Champagne region in between. It’s our 20th wedding anniversary at the of May 2024 Do you think the vineyards be in bloom with leaves by then or will they still look like they do in winter/early spring? Nature and scenic views are tops on my travel wish list so I’m hoping to see the green rolling vineyards Merci in advance

Hi Dana, Congratulations! That sounds like it will be a great anniversary trip. In May the vineyards should already be quite green. The later in May you visit the better, but I think it’s not a bad time to visit Champagne at all.

Is there any tours that would visit my 3 favorite Champagne houses? Moët & Chandon

Veuve Clicquot

Dom Pérignon

Hi Ailene, Dom Pérignon is produced by Moët & Chandon, so you can learn about both by visiting Moët & Chandon on Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. Veuve Clicquot’s champagne house is in Reims, which is about a 30 minute drive. You can book private tours and tailor them to your preferences. But, if you only want to visit those two houses just taking a taxi might be the easiest option.

Are any champagne houses open on Sundays? We only have the weekend to visit in October.

Yes definitely. Most of the ones on Avenue de Champagne open on Sundays. A lot of the smaller champagne houses do not however. Check on Google maps, most share their opening hours very accurately. But, to be sure it might still be worth contacting the ones you’d like to visit beforehand.

Thank you! Looking forward to it! Appreciate the detailed tips.

Champagne tip: do you know that you can visit the famous and exclusive Champagne house Bollinger? Normally it was closed for the public. A rare opportunity to get an insight into the story of the Bollinger family and the process of creating the beautiful drink of champagne. Interesting and informative tour ending with a tasting experience. I hope you like my tip. 🙂

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Map Of Champagne Wineries

How to reach wineries in champagne.

Wineries in Champagne are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

Looking for a more specific destination?

Read more about champagne, everything you need to know before you visit wineries in champagne.

Are you looking for tips or advice on wineries in Champagne wine region? We have provided a list of wineries in Champagne open for visitors with direct booking options through our website. At WineTourism.com, we are available to answer any questions and help guide you towards the best fit when planning your wine region experience in Champagne wine region. We hope you will discover what makes the region special and enjoy your exploration of the unforgettable Champagne wine region!

The best season to visit wineries in Champagne

There is no best time to visit wineries in Champagne as the region offers incredible possibilities all-year round. A good idea might be to visit  between May and October. In Spring, vineyards are fully green and filled with grapes; in Summer, the temperature rises but wineries in Champagne are willing to welcome you and offer you an amazing glass of fresh French Champagne. Harvesting season begins in late September and that's normally the busiest period for wineries in Champagne. Many people chose to visit wineries in Champagne during the Autumn because of the amazing colors of the landscape and to witness the harvesting of grapes. 

What are the wineries in Champagne like?

Being on the list of UNESCO World Heritage, wineries in Champagne  promise nothing less than an extraordinary experience. All wineries in Champagne have their own unique and distinctive character.  Wineries in Champagne are mostly  historical  and  family-run  businesses, that still produce Champagne with traditional methods. More recently, ancient traditions of winemaking were combined with modern technologies and innovations. A lot of wineries in Champagne show great respect towards sustainability and  organic viticulture  with one thing in mind, the highest quality possible.

The most common grape variety and style of wines in Champagne

Wineries in Champagne plant their vineyards with  Pinot Noir ,  Pinot Meunier  and  Chardonnay  grapes. Also, other approved varieties are Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris but all together cover less than 0.3% of plantings. The most common style of wines produced by wineries in Champagne is, drum roll....  Champagne ! The world's most famous and prestigious sparkling wine can be divided into 7 categories, depending on the sugar dosage it contains:

Language tips to visit wineries in Champagne

Some words to remember before you visit wineries in Champagne:

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions by our visitors, what are the best wineries to visit in champagne.

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