Uncorking the Magic: The Ultimate Guide for Wine Lovers in Champagne

Who doesn’t love a refreshing glass of bubbles? Champagne is the celebratory drink of choice worldwide and popping corks is a well-loved ritual for toasting milestones, enjoying decadent brunches, and brightening up cocktails. 

Whether you’re well versed in the world of Champagne or you just appreciate a good Aperol spritz, when traveling to France, why not visit the region that produces one of the world’s finest drinks? This gorgeous part of France is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with charming landscapes consisting of hilltops, villages, lakes, and rivers. Beyond the bubbles is a history that’s centuries old with sightseeing vistas, quaint cities, and ancient cathedrals.  

In honor of Valentine's Day, we’re uncorking this LuxEurope insider's guide to France’s Champagne region. We’ll share the top highlights and the best things to do in the area from charming towns and smaller independent vineyards to Michelin-starred dining and world-famous producers. Discover why Champagne should be your next French escape. And, don’t forget to make eye contact when you cheer, Santé!

Sip, Savor, and Discover Champagne

Did you know that not every bubbly wine is Champagne?! For a drink to be labeled Champagne, it must adhere to a set of standards under the appellation's rules, including vineyard practices, exclusive grape varietals, and specific grape-pressing methods all originating from Champagne, France. 

This region encompasses over 84,000 acres and has five main growing areas: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne and Côte des Bar. Within these five regions, are over 16,000 growers, 140 co-ops, and 360 houses or crus that create 42 Premier Crus and 17 Grand Crus. 

Located in northeastern France, a 45-minute train ride from Paris, it’s an easy day trip, but you can always extend your stay and get to know the area. It’s a perfect way to spend a couple of days outside the city. 

Of course, there’s Champagne to drink, but there’s also ancient vineyards, museums, castles, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Unlike Napa, you’ll need to plan ahead, appointments are required, and pre-coordination is highly recommended. So, whether you want to visit several areas or spend time getting to know just one, we can coordinate the details and create a seamless itinerary in this beautiful region. 

The Best Time to Visit Champagne

When is the best time to visit? The short answer is: it’s up to you! Luckily, you can travel to Champagne year-round! Although the weather changes with the seasons. Expect hot and crowded in the summer and quiet and cold in the winter. However, celebrations, events, concerts, and festivals happen throughout the year. 

If you’re interested in the harvesting process, the time to visit is late summer but it’s a busier time of year and the smaller producers may not be open for tours and tastings. October and November offer a more intimate setting with fewer crowds and the romantic colors of late fall autumn leaves. 

Top Highlights of the Champagne Region

There’s so much to see and do in this charming region of France from boat rides down the river and private vineyard tours to decadent meals in Michelin-starred restaurants and La Maison Pommery’s chalk cellar tours. Here are our picks of the region's best places to stay, eat, drink, and visit.

Montagne de Reims  

The charming city of Reims has a unique history. Today, it’s a commercial center and the heart of the Champagne region. This area focuses on pinot noir grapes and produces the fullest-bodied Champagnes. Home to the oldest champagne house, Ruinart has been crafting some of the world’s best Champagne since 1729. You’ll enjoy some of the world’s best-known makers including Veuve Clicquot, , Champagne Philipponnat, Bollinger, and Moet & Chandon.

If you’re looking for an exceptional experience, the hotel Domaine Les Crayères is where to be, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and underground wine cellars hollowed out from chalk. Taittinger offers well-organized tours, guaranteeing a memorable time. When you’re in the mood for an authentic experience head to the deli-style wine shop and bar Au Bon Manger.  

The University adds a more lively vibe and nightlife, compared to some of the other quiet villages and towns in the area. The Halles Boulingrin marketplace is a great place to meet some of the local producers and learn about the region's history. The Gothic-style Reims Cathedral, larger than Paris’s Notre Dame, is magnificent and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Facing the cathedral and in the historic city center is the luxurious 5-star La Caserne Chanzy. 

Épernay 

Épernay is the main center of the Champagne region and the jumping-off point for those touring surrounding areas. It’s full of heritage, breathtaking vistas, and historical sites. On the main drag is the Avenue de Champagne with some of the region’s heavy hitters including Moet & Chandon, Pol Roger, and Perrier Jouet. For an outstanding experience, the five-star Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is at the top of our list, equipped with an onsite biodynamic Champagne house, Leclerc Briant. 

History lovers will appreciate the Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum. Towards the south, in Côte des Blancs, is the producer Henry de Vaugency, where you’ll receive personalized tours from the owner. Just outside of Épernay is a 6th-generation family winery, Meteyer. It was the first independent winegrower to receive the “Pierre Cheval de l’Embellissement” award by UNESCO; it has an onsite museum and is open year-round. 

Troyes 

Stroll the quaint streets toward the River Seine and the lesser-known parts of this picturesque town. Explore medieval buildings and learn about the region's history. Visit the local wine cellars and try a glass of Aube Champagne and the exceptional rosé of Les Riceys. The fabulous Hotel Maison de Rhodes is located in the historic center. The authentic wine shop and bar Au Crieurs de Vin serves natural wines and represents the finest Aube Champagnes. 

Château-Thierry  

This town is full of history for both the region, as well as France. The WWI American Battle Monument à côte 204 stands on the hill overlooking the town with spectacular views. Explore 700 hectares of vineyards that produce Champagne Pannier at the Coopérative Vinicole de la Vallée de la Marne. Be sure to check out the Musée du Trésor de l'Hôtel-Dieu, the Medieval castle, and the birthplace of Jean de la Fontaine.

From ancient chalk-carved cellars and Michelin-starred meals to Gothic cathedrals and breathtaking landscapes, there’s so much to see, do, and sip on in the Champagne region. Allow us to take care of the logistics and curate an unforgettable trip to this beautiful region of northern France full of history, culture, and Champagne, of course! Get in touch and we’ll start dreaming up the perfect getaway.