The northeastern province of Champagne, a 45-minute ride from Paris by high-speed train, offers more than just the wine for which it was named. Aside from sipping Champagne during a tasting session at historic wineries such as Veuve Clicquot and Moët and Chandon Champagne, you can explore the historic treasures of Reims and Epernay, sample truffles handcrafted by chocolatiers, and see the birthplace of Dom Pèrignon. Visit for a few hours on a small-group tour from Paris, or devote a couple days to exploring the vine-covered hills along the Champagne Routes.
The best time for Champagne-tasting and vineyard tours is between April and mid-October, but people crowd the region’s small towns in July and August. If you don’t mind crowds, visit for the annual La Champenoise wine-tasting marathon in May, the annual Joan of Arc Festival in Reims in June, or the biannual Foire de Châlons agricultural fair (March and September). For wine lovers, the best time to visit is for the grape harvest, which kicks off in late September.
Public transport can be patchy and infrequent throughout the Champagne region, and having your own wheels is highly recommended for touring the Champagne houses and wineries. Better yet, hire a private driver or join an organized tasting tour, so you don’t need to worry about designating a driver. Cycling between the vineyards is the most scenic way to get around, but opt for an electric bike, as the region’s hills can quickly slow you down.
Take a break from Champagne-tasting at the Lac du Der, where you can rent a bike and cycle the 24-mile (38-kilometer) lakeside trail. Outdoor activities abound: Rent a boat to cruise the lake, enjoy water sports such as windsurfing or jet-skiing, and then head to one of the six sandy beaches to picnic by the shore. This is a bird-watching hot spot, too, so look out for cranes swooping across the lake.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +33 | Language(s) French | Attractions 13 | Tours 128 | Reviews 2,405 |
Champagne is known for Champagne. Only sparkling wine produced in this region is allowed to be called Champagne, with the houses of Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, and Moët et Chandon making their home in the area. Explore the idyllic French countryside and the historic towns of Reims and Strasbourg.
...MoreCatch the TGV train from Gare de l’Est in Paris—it’s about 45 minutes to the Reims Ville station in the center of Reims, which is the largest city in Champagne. Otherwise, it’s about two hours by car, or about three hours by bus.
...MoreIf Champagne is your main focus, Epernay offers convenient houses and caves to tour along its Avenue du Champagne. It has a quieter, countryside atmosphere compared to the university city of Reims, which boasts the Reims Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Roman ruins to explore.
...MoreYes—Dom Perignon is a vintage brand owned by the house of Moët et Chandon, and they share the same cellars and house in Epernay. Visits to Dom Perignon require an appointment and are a private experience, so as to fully immerse yourself in the history of the iconic Champagne.
...MoreThe historic city of Reims is the largest city in the region, boasting several Champagne houses and the 13th-century Reims Cathedral where the kings of France were once crowned. You can tour and taste at Champagne houses and explore the vineyards outside the city to immerse yourself in the area.
...MoreMoët et Chandon is the best-selling Champagne brand in the world, located on the Avenue du Champagne, in Epernay. Founded in 1743, the house has been name-dropped in songs by Queen, Prince, and Mariah Carey, and a visit is sure to evoke the luxury for which the brand is known.
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