Visiting Champagne means diving into the rich, sparkling history of one of France’s most celebrated regions, synonymous with prestige, tradition, and celebration. Nestled in the heart of the Champagne region, this iconic destination is about so much more than just Champagne wine. From Reims to Épernay, and along the legendary Champagne Tourist Route, you’ll uncover historic Champagne cellars, stunning vineyards, and a culture built on centuries of winemaking mastery. Top Champagne houses open their doors for immersive tastings and unforgettable Champagne cellar tours. Whether you’re strolling through the world-famous Avenue de Champagne or exploring classic caves beneath grand mansions, you’ll enjoy authentic glass-of-Champagne moments while soaking in the unique heritage of the Champagne wine region. Enjoy our guide and discover all the top things to do in Champagne France with us!
What are the best things to do in Champagne ?
Stroll the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay
Known as the “Capital of Champagne,” Épernay is a must for anyone exploring the Champagne region. The legendary Avenue de Champagne, often nicknamed the “Champs-Élysées of Champagne,” is lined with some of the world’s most prestigious Epernay Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Champagne de Venoge. This avenue is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among the top attractions for wine, architecture, and history lovers alike. While visiting Champagne, be sure to enjoy cellar visits, the annual Habits de Lumière festival, a sound and light celebration, and elegant walks among the famed Champagne mansions and tasting rooms that shape the heart of Champagne’s vineyard culture.
Discover our tips and latest guide on the top things to do in Epernay for yout next journey!
Savor wine and champagne in Épernay
Champagne Pierre Mignon
At Champagne Pierre Mignon, visitors enjoy authentic Champagne cellar tours and guided tastings in a welcoming, family-run Champagne house. Experience the best of Champagne tradition, discover unique sparkling wine cuvées, and meet winemakers whose knowledge spans generations. This is the perfect stop for sparkling wine and Champagne enthusiasts seeking an intimate, hands-on Champagne tasting experience.
Maison Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon Champagne house in Épernay is a flagship of the Champagne world, created in 1743, and home to the renowned Dom Pérignon vintage. Explore its legendary underground cellar system (caves), taste sparkling wines in beautifully designed tasting rooms, and learn why Moët & Chandon helped popularize Champagne worldwide.
Champagne Leclerc Briant
Champagne Leclerc Briant in Épernay is acclaimed for its organic and biodynamic Champagne production methods. These terroir-driven sparkling wines are expressive, fresh, and a favorite for wine travelers searching for authentic Champagne tastings in the vineyard-rich Champagne region.
Les Sensations Vigneronnes
Les Sensations Vigneronnes offers a new twist on Champagne tasting, focusing on small grower estates in Épernay with interactive wine tours, vineyard walks, and hands-on education. Taste a variety of Champagne styles, explore the art of winemaking, and connect with Champagne’s vibrant local culture.
Champagne Boizel
Champagne Boizel is a standout Champagne house on the Avenue de Champagne, celebrated for its multi-generational winemaking, terroir-driven sparkling wine, and engaging cellar visits. Their historic Champagne caves house a refined tasting room and an impressive collection of vintage bottles, a real highlight for Champagne region visitors.
Champagne de Venoge
Champagne de Venoge is a historic Champagne house on the Avenue de Champagne, renowned for its innovative cuvées and iconic Cordon Bleu blend. Take a Champagne tasting tour of their cellars, admire the stunning mansion décor, and discover what makes de Venoge a key part of Champagne’s sparkling history.
Champagne Gosset
Champagne Gosset is the oldest Champagne house still in operation and is synonymous with rich, traditional styles. At their Épernay cellars, discover mature, complex sparkling wines and dive deep into the region’s winemaking legacy.
Champagne Mercier
Champagne Mercier is a dynamic, approachable Champagne house promoting tradition and accessibility within the wine world. Take a Champagne Mercier tour for a blend of cellar visits, fun Champagne tastings, and a peek into Champagne’s marketing history.
Champagne Comtesse Lafond
Champagne Comtesse Lafond is beloved by visitors for its artisanal approach, captivating tastings in the cave, and traditional cellar tours right on Avenue de Champagne. Enjoy a warm welcome and an exploration of Champagne blending in one of the most genuine destinations in the Champagne wine region.
Visit Reims
No city embodies the sparkling glamour of Champagne like Reims. Visiting Champagne in Reims lets you discover legendary Champagne houses in Reims, ancient cellars (crayères), and elegant wine tastings. Renowned Champagne houses in Reims such as Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Bollinger, and Taittinger anchor the city’s wine legacy. Don’t miss an oenology workshop or the magical Reims Christmas Market set against grand Gothic architecture, this is Champagne’s cultural and culinary heart.
Dive into our latest guide and discover all the best things to do in Reims!
Explore the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Notre-Dame de Reims is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famed for its stained glass and historical sculpture. This stunning cathedral hosted the coronations of French kings and stands as a symbol of the Champagne region’s rich heritage. Adjacent to the cathedral, visit the Palais du Tau for more royal French history and art.
Hike the Montagne de Reims
The Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park is a mecca for wine adventure, a stunning destination filled with century-old vineyards, scenic trails for e-bike and hiking, chalk caves, and wine villages. Stops like the Cave aux Coquillages showcase the influence of chalk and marine fossils on Champagne’s terroir and taste.
Taste at top champagne houses in Reims
Champagne Veuve Clicquot
See the sparkling wine world through the eyes of Veuve Clicquot, one of the most iconic Champagne houses. Renowned for the signature Yellow Label, powerful Pinot Noir-driven blends, and the legendary Madame Clicquot story, the cellar tours here are some of the most memorable in Champagne.
Champagne Vranken-Pommery
Champagne Vranken-Pommery is famed for architectural grandeur, immersive Champagne tastings, and vast crayères, a must for anyone interested in Champagne’s union of art, sparkling wine, and dramatic cellar architecture.
Champagne Ruinart
Champagne Ruinart stands out for its chalk crayères, a vast network of UNESCO-listed caves beneath Reims used to mature fine Chardonnay-based Champagnes. Ruinart is a must for anyone committed to tasting Champagne in a dramatic, historic setting.
Champagne Taittinger
Champagne Taittinger’s signature style is fresh and aromatic, offering sparkling wine tastings and exclusive tours through their ancient Gallo-Roman cellars. Discover the expressiveness of Taittinger’s cuvées and why this Champagne house is an unmissable Reims attraction.
Champagne G.H. Martel & C°
Champagne G.H. Martel & C° offers a classic experience, with Champagne tastings in their traditional cellars, a favorite for visitors who love authenticity and rich wine heritage.
Champagne Pol Couronne
Champagne Pol Couronne is all about hands-on experience. Join Champagne masterclasses and tastings in their stylish tasting room; learn the art of sabrage and taste pure Champagne terroir in every glass.
Le 3 by Champagne Thiénot
Le 3 by Champagne Thiénot brings modern flair to traditional Champagne. Enjoy balanced, elegant Champagnes and discover why this house is winning over sparkling wine aficionados in Reims and beyond.
Champagne Mumm
Champagne Mumm, recognized for its iconic red label, offers one of Reims’ most energetic Champagne house tours. Discover bold blends, learn about global sparkling wine success stories, and celebrate Champagne tradition in a truly vibrant tasting setting.
Explore Hautvillers
Hautvillers is a picture-perfect village and the spiritual home of Champagne, forever linked to the legendary Dom Pérignon monk. Visit the local vineyards, explore captivating grape harvest traditions, and see how the village’s rustic architecture and scenic vistas capture the soul of Champagne winemaking.
Admire the Verzenay Lighthouse in the Champagne Region
Set above rolling vineyards, the Verzenay Lighthouse towers over the Marne and offers panoramic Champagne region views. Explore the on-site Champagne museum, learn about winemaking and daily vineyard life, and appreciate the scenic beauty that has made this site a Champagne region icon.
Visit Troyes
Plan a day trip or weekend escape to Troyes, a charming Champagne region city known for its half-timbered houses, basilica, and cathedral. Traverse medieval streets, admire art and stained glass, and indulge in the great food, Champagne, and cheese pairings this town offers, all surrounded by beautiful vineyard landscapes.
Things to Do in and Around Champagne
Discover the History of Champagne
The Champagne region is a must for lovers of sparkling wine and French winemaking heritage. Explore World Heritage vineyard slopes, caves, crayères, and timber-framed villages such as Troyes and Hautvillers. The vast Champagne cellars of Reims and Épernay, dug deep into the chalk, are truly awe-inspiring, containing miles of aging bottles, Champagne Krug and vintage Dom Pérignon, and centuries of bubbly history.
Meet local producers for tastings, enjoy sabrage, and savor seasonal food pairings. Dine at a Michelin-star restaurant, relax in a mansion or hotel amid the vines, and visit local museums to learn about the art and culture that make Champagne a one-of-a-kind European wine region. Nearby, outdoor adventures at Lake Der-Chantecoq and the historic ramparts of Langres await.
The Wine Routes of France
Travel the classic French Wine Road, from the sweeping Champagne vineyards and sparkling wine cellars to the most celebrated villages of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, and Provence. Whether you explore by e-bike, car, or on foot, every journey is a blend of wine tastings, food, and discovery. Experience the hospitality of open Champagne houses and wineries along the Champagne Tourist Route, taste from vintage bottles, and learn why France is the home of great Champagne.
The Champagne Tourist Route
The famed Champagne Tourist Route is the ultimate way to experience Champagne in a day trip or on a longer stay. See UNESCO-protected vineyard slopes, historic caves, crayères, and wineries stretching from Reims and Épernay to the Montagne de Reims, Marne Valley, and Côte des Blancs. Stops along the de Champagne route offer tastings, cellar visits, local food, and beautiful French village life. Don’t forget to sample Champagne cheese and chat with local winemakers for a full taste of the Champagne wine region.
Good to Know Before Visiting Champagne
Is Champagne in France worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Champagne region in France is internationally acclaimed for its iconic bubbly, beautiful vineyards, and historic Champagne houses. Whether you’re interested in tastings, UNESCO World Heritage cellars, gourmet food, or cultural landmarks like Reims Cathedral, visiting Champagne is an unforgettable experience for wine and travel lovers.
Is it worth visiting Ruinart Champagne France?
Yes! Visiting the Champagne Ruinart house is a top Champagne region highlight. The tour of its famed chalk crayères (cellars) is a truly unique Champagne experience. You’ll enjoy tasting sophisticated sparkling wines in a UNESCO-listed site with centuries of winemaking history.
Is the Veuve Clicquot tour worth it?
The Veuve Clicquot tour in Reims is absolutely worth it—it’s one of the most famous Champagne house experiences. Discover the incredible caves, enjoy a Champagne tasting, and learn the inspiring story behind Madam Clicquot’s innovation.
What to wear to Champagne in France?
For visiting Champagne cellars and vineyards, smart casual attire is recommended. Wear comfortable shoes for tours (especially for walking in cellars and de Champagne caves), and bring a light jacket as Champagne cellars remain cool year-round. For tastings or dining at a Michelin-star restaurant, business casual or chic attire is perfect.
Where should you go to visit Champagne?
The Champagne region is famous for its vineyards and rich cultural heritage. Must-see cities include Reims—renowned for its cathedral and top Champagne houses—and Épernay, often called the “capital of Champagne.” For those seeking a more intimate experience, villages like Hautvillers and Aÿ-Champagne offer charming views and a wealth of history.
What are the most beautiful villages in Champagne?
Among Champagne’s charming villages, Hautvillers stands out for its connection with Dom Pérignon—the legendary monk of Champagne. Verzy is famous for its twisted beech trees known as “Faux,” while Rilly-la-Montagne boasts breathtaking vineyard views. Each village offers an authentic gateway to the region’s winemaking culture.
Which cities in Champagne are worth visiting?
Besides Reims and Épernay, consider visiting cities like Châlons-en-Champagne, with its tranquil canals and historic landmarks, and Troyes, known for colorful timbered houses and medieval charm.
When is the best time to visit Champagne?
The best time to visit Champagne is from May to October. During these months, the climate is pleasant, and the vineyards are alive with activity—especially during the grape harvest in September, offering a truly authentic wine experience.
Where to stay in Champagne?
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa – Luxury with vineyard views.
An iconic hotel with spa, panoramic views over the vineyards, and top-tier amenities—perfect for a premium wine getaway.
Domaine Les Crayères – Elegance in Reims.
This prestigious hotel features a Michelin-star restaurant, lush gardens, and exquisite service—ideal for a sophisticated stay in historic Reims.
Château de Sacy – Authentic Champagne charm.
This elegant château-hotel in Sacy offers modern comfort and a romantic atmosphere, making it a great spot for immersing yourself in Champagne’s wine culture.
Where to eat in Champagne?
Here are some of the best restaurants:
Restaurant L’Assiette Champenoise – Michelin Star Dining
A renowned spot in Tinqueux (near Reims), perfect for gourmet dinners with regional produce elevated by creative chefs.
ARBANE – Elegance and Haute Cuisine
A refined Reims address offering French contemporary cuisine—ideal for a special night out.
Le Grand Cerf – Refined Local Cuisine
Located in Villers-Allerand, this restaurant pairs local products and Champagne in a warm, inviting setting.
When should you visit Champagne?
Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting Champagne, with optimal weather and bustling vineyard activity. Winter also has its charm, featuring traditional Christmas markets and mulled wine enjoyed in cozy local settings.
Why is Champagne considered the cradle of sparkling wine?
The region is known as the birthplace of Champagne because the traditional method was perfected here over the centuries. From monastic traditions to grand Champagne houses, Champagne’s richness lies in its unique world-renowned heritage.
What are the must-do tours in Champagne?
Unmissable tours include Reims Cathedral, the vast underground galleries of historic Champagne houses, and the iconic Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. Don’t miss vineyard walks and unique sites like the Cave aux Coquillages.
Where to visit the top Champagne houses?
The grandest Champagne houses are mainly in Reims and Épernay. Along the Avenue de Champagne, you can see prestigious façades and taste signature blends straight from the producers.
What can you do on a Champagne weekend getaway?
A Champagne weekend combines tastings at several Champagne houses, scenic vineyard walks, and cultural discoveries in Reims and Épernay. It’s the perfect destination for blending great wine, cultural heritage, and gourmet pleasures.
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