Champagne
The only region in the world that produces true Champagne. Grandes Marques, grower-producers, prestige cuvées and rare releases
Wine region · France
Champagne
Home of the world's most festive drink: from the Grande Marque to family winegrowers, from the cathedrals of Reims to the chalk cellars of Epernay
Region
About the region
Champagne is the only region in the world that legally produces real champagne. Unique chalky soils, a cool climate and grapes of three main varieties - Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay - create a drink that has become a symbol of celebration and luxury throughout the world.
The region's double heartbeat is Reims and Epernay. Reims amazes with its medieval architecture and famous Gothic cathedrals. Epernay is the champagne capital of the world, with the legendary houses of Moët, Veuve Clicquot and De Castellane located along the Avenue de Champagne.
Architecture
The Gothic Reims Cathedral is a masterpiece of world architecture, a UNESCO site where French kings were crowned. Hautvillers Abbey - birthplace of Dom Pérignon
Gastronomy
Champagne andouillette, boudin blanc, Chaource and Langres cheeses, pink Reims biscuits, Reims ham and, of course, Champagne with every dish
Geography
The chalk hills of the Montagne de Reims, Marne Valley, Côte des Blancs and Côte de Sézanne: each subregion makes its own distinctive contribution to champagne’s flavour.
What to see
Main attractions
From legendary Champagne houses to cathedrals and natural parks, discover the iconic sites of Champagne
Click a marker or card: they are linked.
WineMoët & Chandon
The largest Champagne house in the world with 28 km of chalk cellars and a history dating back to 1743
- 28 km cellars
- Founded 1743
- Exclusive tastings
Architecture
Reims Cathedral
13th-century French Gothic masterpiece, coronation site of 25 French kings, UNESCO site
- UNESCO Site
- XIII century
- Chagall stained glass
WineAvenue de Champagne
The most luxurious street in the world - more bottles of champagne are stored underground here than there are people in all of France
- Houses Moët, Perrier-Jouët, De Castellane
- 320 million bottles underground
- Excursions
CultureHautvillers Abbey
Medieval abbey where the monk Dom Pérignon created a method for producing champagne. Vineyards and museum
- Home of Dom Pérignon
- Medieval monastery
- Vineyards
WineTaittinger — Crayères
Taittinger cellars are located in 4th century Gallo-Roman chalk catacombs with unique acoustics
- Roman catacombs of the 4th century
- Unique atmosphere
- Private tastings
NatureMontagne de Reims
Picturesque hills with Pinot Noir vineyards, forests and villages. Regional nature park
- Regional Nature Park
- Grand Cru villages
- Walking routes
CulturePalais du Tau Museum
Former palace of the Archbishops of Reims, housing coronation treasures and medieval art
- Coronation regalia
- UNESCO Site
- Medieval Art
WineVeuve Clicquot — Les Crayères
A legendary house with 24 km of chalk cellars, founded by the Widow Clicquot, who transformed Champagne worldwide
- 24 km cellars
- The Story of Veuve Clicquot
- Yellow label since 1772
ArchitectureBasilica of Saint-Remi
11th-century Romanesque basilica dedicated to Saint Remy, who baptized Clovis. A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture
- XI century
- UNESCO Site
- Tomb of Saint-Remi
Towns and villages
Towns and villages of Champagne
From grand Reims to picturesque winegrowing villages, every place holds a piece of Champagne history
Town
Reims
The capital of Champagne, with its great Gothic cathedral, Saint-Remi Abbey, UNESCO monuments and major Champagne houses Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger.
- 13th century Gothic cathedral
- Abbey of Saint-Rémy
- Taittinger Caves
- Veuve Clicquot
Town
Épernay
Champagne capital of the world. Avenue de Champagne is the most luxurious street in the world, under which 320 million bottles of champagne are stored.
30 km from Reims
- Avenue de Champagne
- Moët & Chandon
- De Castellane
- Perrier-Jouët
Village
Hautvillers
Picturesque village on the slopes of Montagne de Reims, where the monk Dom Pérignon developed the champagne method. Here is his grave and a medieval abbey.
8 km from Epernay
- Dom Pérignon Abbey
- Tomb of Dom Pérignon
- Panoramic view of the valley
- Ancient Vineyards
Village
Aÿ
One of the most famous Grand Crus of Champagne, renowned for its Pinot Noir of exceptional quality. Bollinger and Henri Giraud are located here.
5 km from Epernay
- Grand Cru Pinot Noir
- Bollinger
- Henri Giraud
- Historical cellars
Town
Troyes
A medieval town with Gothic churches, old half-timbered houses and a rich history. The historic centre’s outline resembles a champagne cork.
120 km from Reims
- Cathedral
- Half-timbered houses from the 16th century
- Fashion outlets
- Museum of Contemporary Art
Village
Cumières
Picturesque village in the Marne Valley, famous for its Meunier production. From here you can enjoy the most beautiful views of the Champagne vineyards.
12 km from Épernay
- Meunier Vineyards
- Views of the Marne
- Family winegrowers
- Winemaking Trail
Traditions
Traditions and culture
Champagne carefully preserves the unique traditions of production, holidays and the art of living, passing them on from generation to generation
Harvest Festival
The handpicking of grapes in September is a spectacular sight, with hundreds of pickers taking to the chalk hills.
- Manual picking in Grand Cru
- Traditional songs
- Dinner at the winegrowers
- Tasting fresh grape must
Sabrage
Opening a bottle of champagne with a saber is a French military tradition dating back to Napoleonic times. Spectacular ritual.
- Napoleonic tradition
- Master classes
- Holiday ceremonies
- Copper Saber
Remuage and disgorgement
Traditional hand riddling of bottles on racks: an art passed down from the time of the Widow Clicquot.
- Hand riddling on riddling racks
- Disgorgement on ice
- Production tours
- Champagne Schools
Fêtes de la Vigne
Autumn harvest festivals in Champagne villages with winegrowers’ parades, fairs and tastings.
- Village Fairs
- Winegrowers’ parade
- Tastings
- Gastronomic markets
New Year's Eve
Champagne is the only place in the world where the New Year is celebrated with special reverence: they open Dom Pérignon, Krug or Salon.
- Prestige cuvées
- Restaurant dinners
- Vertical tastings
- Night Cellar Tours
Confrérie du Sabre d'Or
The Brotherhood of the Saber is a French tradition of initiation into the art of sabering. Ceremonies in Champagne castles.
- Initiation Ceremonies
- Historical castles
- Craftsman Certificates
- Gala dinners
Gastronomy
Gastronomy of Champagne
Discover regional cuisine, from andouillette in champagne sauce to Reims’ famous pink biscuits
Producers
Producers and workshops
Visit the Grande Marque and family-run winegrowers, patisseries and Champagne cellars
Grande Marque
Moët & Chandon
The most famous champagne house in the world. 28 km of chalk cellars, museum and tastings of all cuvées.
WhereÉpernayExcursionsDaily 9:30–17:30PriceFrom 28€
Grande Marque
Veuve Clicquot
24 km of cellars in chalk quarries. The house that gave the world the yellow label and riddling racks.
WhereReimsExcursionsMon–Sat 10:00–18:00PriceFrom 35€
Prestige Maison
Krug
Legendary house of ultra-luxe champagne. Fermentation in small oak barrels is a unique approach.
WhereReimsExcursionsBy appointmentPriceFrom 180€
Récoltant-Manipulant
Egly-Ouriet
One of the best winegrowers in the world. Biodynamics, old vines, world-class micro-productions.
WhereAmbonnayExcursionsBy appointmentPriceFrom 45€
Confectionery
Fossier — Biscuits de Reims
Famous Reims pink biscuit factory since 1756. Tours of production and tasting.
WhereReimsExcursionsMon–Fri 10:00–17:00PriceFree
Grande Marque
Taittinger
Family house with unique Gallo-Roman caves from the 4th century. One of the few large family owned houses.
WhereReimsExcursionsDaily 9:30–17:30PriceFrom 25€
Useful information
Prestigious houses require reservations several weeks ahead, especially Krug and Dom Pérignon Small grower-producers, RM, often offer more intimate, personal tastings Exclusive cuvées unavailable in shops can be bought on site Cellars remain at 10–12°C all year, so bring warm clothes
What to bring home
What to bring from Champagne
The best souvenirs and gifts that will preserve the memory of your journey into the world of champagne
Wine · From €120
Prestige Cuvée
Dom Pérignon, Krug Grande Cuvée, Salon - legendary cuvées in gift packaging
Tip: Choose vintage cuvées: the best years are 2012, 2013 and 2015
Champagne Houses, La Cave
Food · From €8
Reims pink biscuits
Signature biscuits roses de Reims from Fossier in beautiful packaging - a symbol of Champagne
Tip: Traditionally dipped into champagne
Fossier, La Cave, markets
Food · From €12
Cheese Chaource
Soft white mold cheese from the village of Chaource, tender and creamy
Tip: Keeps for a week. Carry in a cool bag
Farms, Halles de Reims
Crafts · From €65
Champagne sabre
A copper or steel sabre for opening bottles: a striking souvenir with a history
Tip: Choose engraved examples
Confrerie du Sabre d'Or, boutiques
Wine · From €45
Récoltant-Manipulant
Rare editions of small winegrowers - Egly-Ouriet, Selosse, Chartogne-Taillet
Tip: Ask about vins clairs, the base wines before the second fermentation
Directly from the winegrowers
Food · From €18
Reims ham
Traditional pressed ham in veal jelly - a gourmet delicacy
Tip: Keeps for up to two weeks. Vacuum-packed
Charcuteries, markets
Crafts · From €30
Champagne books
Illustrated publications about the history, production and houses of champagne
Tip: English-language editions are available
Museums, Cité du Champagne
Cosmetics · From €22
Pommery Cosmetics
Skin care products with grape seed extract from Champagne
Tip: Serums with polyphenols are popular
Pommery Boutiques, Airport
Wine · From €35
Champagne glasses
Crystal flutes and coupes from Zalto, Riedel or local craftsmen
Tip: The Riedel Champagne Wine Glass is ideal for tasting
Cité du Champagne, boutiques
·
Directly at Champagne houses, at La Cave Salvatori in Reims and Épernay, and at Les Halles markets. Many houses arrange delivery. Reims Airport has duty-free Champagne. Look for AOC Champagne: the only guarantee of genuine Champagne.
Where to stay
Where to Stay in Champagne
The best hotels in the region - from luxury castles with Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy wine-growing houses
Luxury · Reims ★★★★★
Château les Crayères
Legendary castle in an English park with a 2 Michelin star restaurant. The best hotel in Champagne according to all ratings.
- Restaurant 2 Michelin stars
- English Park 7 hectares
- Private tastings
- Bar with 500 cuvées
From 600€4.9 ·892 reviews
Boutique · Tinqueux, Reims ★★★★★
L'Assiette Champenoise
An elegant hotel with chef Arnaud Lallement’s three-Michelin-star restaurant. An impeccable gastronomic experience.
- Restaurant 3 Michelin stars
- SPA center
- Garden
- Champagne Collection
From 420€4.9 · 567 reviews
Wine · Champillon ★★★★★
Royal Champagne Hotel
Stunning hotel on a hill overlooking the entire Marne Valley. The infinity pool over the vineyards is unforgettable.
- Infinity pool over the valley
- Panoramic view of the Marne
- SPA Cinq Mondes
- Bellevue Restaurant
From 480€4.8 · 1, 245 reviews
Château · Vertus ★★★★
Domaine Les Clos de Boquemont
A welcoming château among the vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. Tastings with the winegrowing owners themselves.
- Grand Cru Vineyards
- Tastings with hosts
- Farm
- Country comfort
From 180€4.7 ·312 reviews
Boutique · Chaource ★★★★
La Maison de Chaource
Charming little hotel in the village of the famous cheese. Quiet corner of Champagne.
- Cheese factory nearby
- Organic Garden
- Fireplaces
- Local cuisine
From 140€4.6 · 189 reviews
Luxury · Reims ★★★★
Hotel de la Paix
Modern design hotel in the heart of Reims, 5 minutes from the cathedral. Panoramic rooftop bar.
- Reims Center
- Rooftop Bar
- Restaurant
- Hotel tastings
From 220€4.5 · 876 reviews
·
For harvest season in September and New Year, book 3–4 months ahead. Royal Champagne and Château Les Crayères are booked six months ahead. Reims suits a cultural programme; Épernay or Champillon suit vineyard immersion and walking access to champagne houses. Average prices are €200–400 per night, or €400–700 for châteaux and luxury hotels. Autumn harvest-season prices are above standard rates.
· reviews
Route Examples
Route Examples
Ready-made itineraries for independent travel through the champagne region
- Day 1
Reims - Cathedral and Cellars
Arrival in Reims, tour of Notre-Dame de Reims, excursion to the Taittinger or Veuve Clicquot cellars, dinner in the center with local dishes.
- Day 2
Épernay and Hautvillers
Épernay: Avenue de Champagne, Moët & Chandon. Then the village of Hautvillers - the abbey of Dom Pérignon, vineyards overlooking the Marne valley.
Don't want to plan it yourself?
Join a guided tour with an expert sommelier, exclusive access to champagne houses and gourmet dinners.
Champagne wine tourExperiences
Experiences and activities
Choose experiences that will make your trip to Champagne unforgettable
Champagne
Private tasting at Krug
Exclusive tasting of the entire Krug range, featuring oak fermentation and the history of the house.
Duration3 hoursPricefrom 200€
Culture
The cathedral and Chagall stained glass
A personally designed Reims Cathedral tour with an architectural historian: thirteenth-century Gothic architecture and Marc Chagall’s famous stained glass.
Duration2 hoursPricefrom 55€
Champagne
Master class on sabrage
Learn to open champagne with a saber in the tradition of Napoleonic officers. Ritual, history, practice.
Duration1.5 hoursPricefrom 65€
Champagne
Vertical tasting at the winegrower
Taste 8–10 vintages at a small grower’s cellar, a rare immersion in Champagne’s terroir.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 120€
Gastronomy
Dinner at Château les Crayères
A 2 Michelin star gastronomic dinner with the perfect combination of dishes and champagnes from Chef Philippe Mille.
Duration3 hoursPricefrom 180€
Nature
Vineyard Bike Tour
Scenic cycling route through the villages of Grand Cru Montagne de Reims with picnic and tasting.
Duration5 hoursPricefrom 75€
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Champagne?
The ideal time is May-June (vineyards bloom) or September (harvest). Winter is also an interesting time to visit cellars - the intimate atmosphere and the absence of tourist crowds.
What is the difference between Grande Marque and Winegrowers (RM)?
Grande Marque (Moët, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger) buy grapes from thousands of farmers and produce millions of bottles. RM (Récoltants-Manipulants) are family farms that grow their own grapes and make small editions of unique champagne. Egly-Ouriet or Selosse has a special style, rarity and collector's value.
Do I need to book my visits in advance?
Yes, essential. Krug and Dom Pérignon need at least 1–2 months’ notice. Major houses such as Moët, Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger need 2–3 weeks. We handle bookings and confirm visits in advance.
Can you buy Champagne at the houses?
Yes, most houses have exclusive cuvées that are not available in regular stores. Many houses will arrange international shipping. We help with selection, packaging and logistics.
What are "blanc de blancs" and "blanc de noirs"?
Blanc de blancs is champagne made only from white grapes (Chardonnay), light and mineral. Blanc de noirs is made from red varieties (Pinot Noir/Meunier) without extracting colour, giving a fuller, fruitier wine. Both styles are distinctive to Champagne.
What is the temperature in chalk cellars?
Around 10–12°C all year round, regardless of season. This is the ideal aging temperature for champagne. Take a warm jacket - excursions last 1-2 hours.
How to get from Paris to Reims?
TGV from Gare de l'Est to Reims - 45 minutes (trains every hour). Car - 1.5 hours on A4. We organize transfers from Paris or from CDG/Orly airports.
Is the tour suitable for beginners who don't know much about Champagne?
Absolutely! Our guides adapt their explanations to the group’s knowledge. For beginners, an excellent introduction. For experts, access to private cellars and rare cuvées.
What are “dosage” and “Extra Brut”?
Dosage - the amount of sugar added after disgorgement. Extra Brut (less than 6 g/l) - virtually sugar-free, mineral style. Brut (less than 12 g/l) is the most common. Demi-Sec - semi-sweet. Doux - sweet.
Cancellation Policy?
More than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.
Art Wine Guide
Ready to discover Champagne?
Book a tour and discover the world of the most festive drink in its only home
- Professional guiding500+ guests
- 24/7 supportAlways in touch during the tour
- Flexible cancellationMore than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.