Champagne Travelers Recommend

France’s Champagne region, home to the world’s top Champagne producers, is a bastion of romance. From a private tour of the underground wine fermenting tunnels to a specialty artisan chocolate and Champagne tasting to a freshly prepared gourmet lunch, here are some of the ways you can have a romantic Champagne visit.

• Arrange a tour of the famous Champagne houses (grandes maison de Champagne) to taste some of the world’s most sought-after vintages and explore picturesque Gothic towns and romantic villages.

• Go underground and discover the man-made chalk tunnels (crayeres), which are naturally the perfect temperature for the key second fermentation that gives Champagne its signature bubbles.

• Indulge with aphrodisiacs. Sip pink Champagne and sample homemade chocolates as you tour the scenic vineyards of Epernay with a master chocolatier and winemaker to show you the process.

• For many, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Moët & Chandon, or Taittinger is the ultimate mark of a special occasion. No need to stop with a bottle when you can tour the grounds of the world’s most exclusive Champagne-making houses. Book a private tour to explore at your own pace.

From the glories of its architecture to the value of its vintages, Reims is one of northern France’s most charming (and decadent) cities. Three days is enough time to visit the extraordinary Reims Cathedral, tour exclusive Champagne houses, and even take a day trip into the French countryside. Here’s your perfect itinerary.

Day 1: Ancient Heritage and Gothic Splendor

The city’s unarguable highlight is Reims Cathedral (formally known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1275 and standing 264 feet (81 meters) high, it was damaged during both World Wars but has since been restored to its original glory. Dedicate several hours to soaking up its Gothic splendor. After a break for lunch, glimpse other top landmarks (including the ancient Roman arch Porte de Mars) on a Segway tour of the city. Later in the day, exploring Tau Palace (Palais du Tau) or St. Remi Basilica (Basilique Saint-Remi)—both architectural marvels—before winding down with a cozy bistro dinner.

Day 2: Life Amongst the Vines

In Reims, Champagne isn’t reserved for special occasions—it’s the stuff of everyday life. The petite city is considered the de facto capital of the wine region and is ringed by some of the world’s most exclusive Champagne houses (including Mumm, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger). Spend your second day touring the cellars of one of Reims’ most popular houses, or venture to neighboring Épernay to explore its UNESCO-listed Champagne Avenue (lined by houses such as Moët et Chandon). Most full-day tours include indulgent lunches and round-trip transport, so you can sit back, relax, and sip in style. Upon your return to Reims, head to a neighborhood restaurant or enjoy a casual meal of ham, mustard, and Chaource cheese, all local specialties.

Day 3: Day-Trip Possibilities

Devote your third day to a trip intoa the scenic French countryside. History buffs can embark on a World War I–themed tour of the nearby Forest of Argonne, where battle sites, trenches, and other landmarks still remain. Alternatively, for those with a taste for opulence, the Château de Condé is famed for its sumptuous, Renaissance stylings. Dating back to the 16th century, the estate was frequented by royalty and members of the French nobility over the centuries. For a day trip of a different stripe, the family-friendly Nigloland—an amusement park with dozens of rides and shows—is also within commuting distance of Reims. Whichever excursion you choose, head back to Reims in time for dinner at one of the city’s Michelin-starred, fine-dining haunts.

One of the world’s best-known and most celebrated wine regions, Champagne in northeastern France is a popular pilgrimage point for enthusiasts of all things bubbly. Beyond its vines, the area also boasts charming cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and gastronomic plenty. Here’s how to make the most of your 2-day stay.

Day 1: Vineyard Explorations in Épernay

**Morning:**Few thoroughfares will delight bubbly enthusiasts more than Épernay’s Avenue of Champagne. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the street is lined with many of the world’s most esteemed Champagne houses (and features more than 68 miles—or 110 kilometers—of chalk-carved cellars below ground). Get your morning off to a jubilant start with a tasting session.

**Afternoon:**The spiritual home of the pinot meunier grape, the Champagne region’s Marne Valley boasts gently rolling hills, verdant rows of grapevines, and other picturesque scenery. Épernay is conveniently ringed with wineries, which means you can trade the cellars for the vines on an afternoon vineyard tour.

**Evening:**The self-proclaimed capital of Champagne is also a fitting destination for foodies, with numerous authentic and convivial bistros. After all the bubbly, line your stomach with hearty local dishes like beef cooked in wine or slow-roasted lamb.

Day 2: Sipping and Sightseeing in Reims

**Morning:**Like nearby Épernay, Reims is a major Champagne-region base and the perfect place to enjoy an in-depth tasting tour (though note that pinot noir is the city’s grape of choice). Start your day on an effervescent note with a visit to some of Reims’ top Champagne houses, from Veuve Clicquot and Pommery to Ruinart and Lanson.

**Afternoon:**Take a pause from the sipping and swirling, clear your head, and drop by Reims’ most popular landmarks. It isn’t a visit to the city without a stop at the glorious and soaring Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Segway tours, meanwhile, make for a less strenuous way to sightsee.

**Evening:**Once you’ve worked up a thirst, swing by a Reims wine bar for an aperitif before making your way to dinner. Reims is home to several Michelin-starred heavy hitters, and whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed exceptional fine dining (and wine pairings to match).

From world-famous Gothic architecture to renowned Champagne houses, Reims’ attractions should tempt history buffs, culture vultures, and hedonists alike. Two days is enough time to get acquainted with the petite city’s top attractions, with time for idle flânerie left over—here’s how to plan the perfect stay.

Day 1: Sightseeing and History

Morning: Reims is an approachable city, which means you can discover many of its top landmarks in the space of a single day. Begin your explorations with a speedy Segway tour: Spy ancient Roman monuments like the Porte de Mars and glimpse the Boulingrin covered market. If you’re getting hungry, you can wander in for a quick bite at tour’s end.

Afternoon: After your city introduction, spend the afternoon getting up close and personal with an elegant palace or millennia-old church. Venture into the opulent Palais du Tau (the former residence of the Archbishop of Reims), which dates to the 17th century, or explore the Abbey of Saint-Remi (Basilique Saint-Remi), consecrated all the way back in 1049. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Evening: As the sun starts to set, make your way to Reims’ most famous landmark of all: its wondrous, soaring cathedral. A masterpiece of the high Gothic, the UNESCO-listed cathedral is where France’s kings were once coronated. Time your visit right, and you’ll see the stained glass windows glow with light.

Day 2: Bubbles and Bites

Morning: If day one was about discovering Reims’ architectural highlights, spend your second day in town exploring its gastronomic temptations. As you’ll be indulging throughout the day, begin with a gentle neighborhood stroll, and duck into a café for a light breakfast à la francaise: a croissant and café crème is just the thing.

Afternoon: Surrounded as it is by world-renowned Champagne houses, Reims is a dream destination for oenophiles. In the afternoon, book a tour to visit the famed Champagne Avenue at Épernay, or drop by houses the likes of Taittinger, Mumm, or Veuve Clicquot. Whichever you choose, come prepared to savor numerous glasses of bubbly.

Evening: Despite its small size, Reims has several destination-worthy, Michelin-starred restaurants to its name, including high-end favorites like L’Assiette Champenoise and Le Parc at Domaine Les Crayères. After arriving back in the city center, end your day on a decadent note, and treat yourself to a dinner to remember.

Home to some of the world’s most expensive and beloved wines, the Champagne region is the perfect destination for oenophiles and those after a touch of luxury. Whether you plan to stay locally or are making a day-trip journey down from Paris, one day is enough time to get acquainted with the region’s highlights—here’s what to do.

Morning: Épernay Excursions

Begin your day of explorations in charming Épernay, a small town located right in the heart of the Champagne region. The vineyards around Épernay are known primarily for pinot meunier—one of three main grape varietals (alongside pinot noir and chardonnay) that are typically used in Champagne. Stroll the town’s Avenue of Champagne—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and visit some of the most esteemed houses that line it, from Moët & Chandon to Pol Roger. As Épernay is situated amidst vineyards, some itineraries even make it possible to head off the main drag and wander among the vines.

Afternoon: Reims Explorations

After a morning of Champagne sipping, take a few hours to clear your head (and discover more of the region’s extraordinary scenery). From Épernay, it’s just a quick drive to Reims: the largest city in the region. Grab a baguette sandwich or other quick bite, and go for a sightseeing jaunt. Reims Cathedral—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and high-Gothic wonder—is one of the city’s most important attractions, while Tau Palace  (Palais du Tau) and the Saint-Rémi Basilica are other popular stops. Alternatively, Segway tours offer a speedy and laid-back ways to sightsee. 

Evening: A Gourmet Conclusion

Given that the Champagne region is beloved of gastronomes, gourmets, and wine enthusiasts, booking a dinner to remember is a fitting way to cap off your day’s explorations. L’Assiette Champenoise—a temple of fine dining with three Michelin stars, located on the edge of Reims—offers one of the most lavish menus in the region, plus a wide-ranging selection of rare, vintage Champagnes. The Café du Palais is another local culinary institution, while Le Parc at Domaine Les Crayères serves up glittering, old-world opulence alongside an impressive wine list. Sip and dine in style: It’s the Champagne way.

Though Champagne is within easy commuting distance of Paris, it’s worth taking several days to fully immerse yourself in the region’s beauty, mellow pace, and delectable wine. The area is also renowned for its medieval architecture and culinary acumen. Here’s how to make the most of a 3-day stay.

Day 1: Wine tasting

The Champagne region is home to some of the world’s top-rated wineries, so devote a full day to sipping and swirling. Make your way to scenic Épernay, a charming village just steps from verdant vineyards. Begin with a stroll along the UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne, then drop into one of the famed Champagne houses for a tasting, descending into the chalk-carved cellars. Once you’re suitably merry, return to ground level for a quick bite before heading into the vines. Bicycle tours and rentals offer a relaxed way to discover the vineyards, wend your way through the Marne Valley (Vallée de la Marne), and experience the tranquil French countryside. When the sun begins to set, return to Épernay for a hearty bistro meal and a glass of something special.

Day 2: Sightseeing

On your second day, make the short journey to refined Reims, the region’s largest city, for a wide-ranging sightseeing tour. First, check out the UNESCO-listed Reims Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims), a High Gothic marvel dating to the 13th century. After lunch, zip around town on a Segway tour, or visit some of the city’s other historical highlights, such as the Tau Palace (Palais du Tau) and the Saint-Rémi Basilica (Basilique Saint-Rémi). After a busy day, you’ve earned a glass (or three) of bubbles and a gourmet meal, so venture to one of Reims’ Michelin-starred eateries—from the inventive Restaurant Le Foch to the ultraglamorous Le Parc Les Crayères.

Day 3: A northern France day trip

As tempting as it might be to spend another day sipping flutes, Reims and Épernay are both perfect jumping-off points for further adventures in the north of France. If you’re a history buff, visit one of the key World War I landmarks and explore former battlefields and bunkers. Alternatively, wander around Troyes, Champagne’s third and final major hub. Just over an hour’s drive from Reims, Troyes boasts its own cathedral and vinous attractions. At the end of the day, toast your trip by popping one last bottle.

Reims, in Southeastern France, is the world’s unofficial Champagne capital. Its famous vineyards produce some of the most sought-after Champagne on earth. Visitors can tour the region’s wineries, vineyards, and cellars to learn how the sparkling beverage is made and spend some time tasting different varietals guided by industry experts.

Champagne Tastings

Small-group day trips to the various Champagne houses (grandes maison de Champagne) offer guests in-depth tours of the Champagne producers’ cellars for expert-led tastings. Visitors learn about different grape varietals and production methods, and get extensive background information on the region’s Champagne-producing history and culture that has grown up around it.

Cellar and Vineyard Tours

The world’s best Champagne houses are all here: Mumm, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Moët & Chandon, Taittinger, and Ruinart, to name a few, and visitors are welcome to tour the vineyards and cellars. Some tours include journeys underground into man-made chalk tunnels (crayeres), which are naturally the perfect temperature for the key second fermentation that gives Champagne its signature bubbles.

The bubbly produced in the Champagne region of France is the go-to wine for celebration, and the Champagne winemakers’ reputation for excellence is recognized the world over. Here’s what you need to know about the sparkling wines produced in this UNESCO World Heritage–listed region.

Must-Try Varietals

In this part of France, there is one particular wine style that monopolizes oenophiles’ attention: Champagne. Champagne producers create the eponymous sparkling wine using pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay grapes, which must be carefully pruned, picked, sorted, pressed, fermented, and blended according to strict regulations designed to ensure the quality of wines from the protected appellation.

Champagnes can be broken down into several distinct styles. There are blanc de blancs (made entirely from chardonnay grapes), blanc de noirs (made entirely from pinot noir and/or pinot meunier), and rosé (made either by adding a small amount of red wine to the blend or by exposing the skin during pressing). It can be categorized as being non-vintage (a blend of different years and crus), vintage (made from grapes harvested during a single year), or prestige cuvée (a premium product made with the vineyard’s best grapes). Villages in the Champagne region are classified to help determine grape prices, with grand cru being the highest classification, followed by premier cru and autre cru.

Must-Do Experiences

• Tour the cellars of legendary Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Mumm, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger.

• Take part in Champagne tastings during a wine tour of the region.

• Enjoy a picnic amid the vineyards.

• Take part in a chef-led culinary workshop, creating dishes that will pair well with Champagne.

• Explore Hautvillers, the birthplace of Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk credited with creating Champagne.