France is a country with plenty of things to see and do, rich in culinary delights, fine wines and unforgettable experiences—offering something special for every kind of traveler. For wine lovers and history buffs, the Champagne region of France is a dream destination. The unique chalky terroir blending with time-honored winemaking traditions create this world-renowned region for producing the only sparkling wine that can legally be called champagne. From exploring centuries-old cellars to admiring a stunning Gothic cathedral or sipping bubbly in a treehouse, there’s no shortage of history, luxury and unforgettable experiences. Whether you have just one day in the Champagne region or a long weekend to explore, here are seven must-do activities for a sparkling escape.
1. Take the Train from Paris
The easiest way to reach the city of Reims (pronounced “Raans”) in the heart of the Champagne region is on a high-speed train from Paris. Ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, the scenic train makes it a surprisingly easy day trip. On my first trip, three friends and I took the train for a fantastic day in Reims. If you want to explore Épernay, direct trains take about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Paris. Once in Reims or Épernay, some wineries are within walking distance of the train stations and taxis are readily available. You can also pre-arrange a private guide for a more personal experience. A day trip comes with a warning though – you’ll likely be dreaming of visiting again on your return train to Paris.
2. Spend a Day in Reims: Historic Cathedral and Champagne Caves
Reims isn’t just known for its rich viniculture and prestigious Champagne houses, but also for a rich history of 30 French kings crowned at the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral. It is known as the “City of Coronations” or “City of Kings.” During World War I, Reims was badly damaged. On May 7, 1945, the German Third Reich signed the surrender agreement in Reims. It’s the biggest city in the Champagne region and a worthy first stop.
The iconic Gothic cathedral was damaged in a 1914 fire, then after the wars it was fully restored. The stunning cathedral is adorned with over 2,300 statues including the famous “Smiling Angel,” a symbol of the city’s rebirth after war damage. Inside the cathedral, highlights include Chagall’s stained-glass windows and the 6,742-pipe organ. If you love history, hire a private guide or join a guided walking tour for a deep dive into the historic sites in Reims.
Beneath the city, is a subterraneous world steeped in an illustrious history. Get a glimpse of this underground world at the champagne house of Taittinger. Chalk caves dating to the 1250s were part of an abbey destroyed during the French Revolution. The caves in and around Reims maintain the ideal temperature and humidity for aging champagne and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the ones at Taittinger. Founded in 1932 out of a champagne house dating to 1734, a tour at Taittinger is an excellent introduction to the Champagne region. After your tour, have lunch outside at one of the cafes with a view of the cathedral. As you shop and stroll, make your way to Maison Fossier, the oldest biscuit house in France (1756), to try their famous pink biscuits called “Biscuits rose de Reims” which are traditionally dipped in champagne. Pop into Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage, a cozy bistro-style bar that’s famous for its extensive and curated wine list with emphasis on champagnes and sparkling wines.
Along with Notre-Dame de Reims, Saint-Remi Basilica and Palais du Tau were awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1991. Saint-Remi Basilica is just outside of the city. It’s dedicated to the bishop who baptized the first king of France. Marvel at the works in Musée des Beaux-Arts in the abbey before heading underground. The Gallo-Roman tunnels were carved into the chalky terroir during the first century AD. Many of the cryptoporticus tunnels have collapsed, but one restored section is open for visitors. Palais du Tau was the residence of the Archbishop of Reims. Temporarily closed for renovations, it’s being transformed into Musée des Sacres, a museum filled with treasures of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
If you want more than a day in Reims, splurge on an elegant chateau stay at Domaine Les Crayères. If that’s beyond budget, there’s a variety of accommodations in the Centre-Ville. The vibrant and historic neighborhood near the cathedral is filled with restaurants and shops. Reims is a phenomenal experience on its own or as an introduction to “Montagne de Reims,” the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the “Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars” recognizing the champagne production of the region.
3. Visit the Oldest Champagne House
Founded in 1729, Maison Ruinart is the oldest champagne house. Inspired by Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk, Ruinart is known for their Blanc de Blancs and rosés. In Reims, Ruinart ages its champagne in historic chalk cellars called crayères. The caves are some of the deepest in the region going down to 38 meters (over 124 feet). You can see the caves and learn the history of Ruinart on a guided two-hour tour. For an unforgettable champagne pairing, book the Petit R Immersive Dinner where each of the five courses is crafted to complement their world-class cuvées. It is an extravagant visual gastronomic experience. It is my top dining experience….ever!
4. Stay in Luxury: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
If planning longer than a day in the Champagne region, indulge with an over-the-top luxe stay at the five-star Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa overlooking a picturesque setting of rolling vineyards and nearby Épernay. The panoramic terrace views alone are swoon-worthy. Savor the flavors of Michelin-star dining and unwind with a blissful spa treatment during your stay. I thoroughly enjoyed early morning walks on nearby trails before a decadent breakfast with a view on the terrace.
5. Sip and Stroll Éperney’s Avenue de Champagne
Take a day or at least an afternoon, to tour and taste at the grand champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne. Founded in 1743, Moët et Chandon is an excellent starting point. If it’s a nice day, enjoy the iconic champagne on the patio of the neo-classical style mansion. After your visit, take a picture at the Dom Perignon statue. At Perrier-Jouët, a champagne house dating to 1811, delight in sipping a glass of their rose. A fun aspect of Épernay is discovering champagnes you’re not familiar with like Leclerc Briant, which happens to be the champagne in rooms at Royal Champagne.
You’ll likely be famished after multiple tastings. Our group devoured delicious wood-fired pizza at Le Sardigne. Excellent dinner options for classic French brasserie fare are L’Edito and La Banque.
If you want to stay in Éperney, Hotel Jean Moët is a lovely option close to the major wine and spirits houses. For an aerial view of the picturesque town and stunning surrounding terroir, get up early for a sunrise hot air balloon flight.
6. Do a Wine Tasting Day
On my second trip to France’s Champagne region, the group of friends I was with hired a driver for wine tasting days. We did two tastings, and the first stop was Champagne Alfred Gratien, a few miles from Éperney’s town center. This family-run champagne house since 1864 is famous for their oak barrel-fermented champagnes. They are one of the only houses to use 100% oak barrels.
Another champagne house I really enjoyed was Le Domaine Pommery. After you descend the steep stairs into the crayères, look back the stunning mural on them. Pommery has one of the largest champagne cellars in the world spanning 18 kilometers (just over 11 miles) of interconnected cellars and crayères as deep as 30 meters (about 100 feet).
7. Go Beyond the Big Houses
For a completely unique experience, go to a champagne bar roosted in the trees. Part of the fun is the adventure getting to Le Perching along aerial boardwalks and swing bridges in the forest. Sip your bubbly in one of the swing seats for an extra effervescent experience. The view from this treehouse champagne bar is fabulous too. For a deep dive into champagne culture and history, visit Pressoria in Aÿ, a historic village in the region. The multi-sensory journey through the region’s winemaking process is fascinating. They also have a lovely terrace with a view for a tasting after your tour.
Cheers to your adventure in the Champagne region or as they toast “to your health” in France, “Santé!”
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