Architecture & Art, Food & Drink, France (Outside of Paris), Travel

Champagne & Cathedrals: A Luxurious Guide to France’s Sparkling Wine Country

June 30, 2025

The Champagne region of France is more than just effervescent wine—it’s a graceful blend of medieval towns, vineyard-draped hills, and centuries-old cellars. Whether you’re a champagne aficionado, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a refined escape from Paris, this legendary region offers a perfect mix of indulgence and history. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable journey through Champagne.

Located just 45 minutes by train or about two hours by car from Paris, the Champagne region is an easy and rewarding detour from the capital. You can travel via high-speed TGV directly to Reims or Épernay, or rent a car to explore the smaller towns and rural vineyards at your own pace. For those who prefer a stress-free experience, organized day tours from Paris offer door-to-door transportation and curated tastings.

I’ve organized the post by town and have also included the best Champagne domains to visit with links for how to book a tour. Please note that this post includes links that by clicking them, at no cost to you, I may make a small commission to continue to bring great content!

Reims

Your journey begins in Reims, the historic and cultural heart of Champagne. This vibrant city boasts some of the grandest Champagne houses, including Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery. Each offers its own unique experience, from the elegant chalk caves of Ruinart to the avant-garde art installations deep within Pommery’s cellars. Between tastings, be sure to visit the Reims Cathedral, a soaring Gothic masterpiece that once hosted the coronation of French kings. Its stained glass windows—including those by Marc Chagall—are breathtaking.

Champagne Ruinart

Address: 4 Rue des Crayères, 51100 Reims, France

Website: ruinart.com

Instagram: @ruinart

Veuve Cliquot

Address: 1 Rue Albert Thomas, 51100 Reims, France

Website: https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-us/visitus.html

Instagram: @veuvecliquot

Champagne Taittinger

Address: 9 Rue Saint-Nicaise, 51100 Reims, France

Website: taittinger.com

Instagram: @champagnetaittinger

Champagne Pommery

Address: 5 Place du Général Gouraud, 51100 Reims, France

Website: https://www.champagnepommery.com/home

Instagram: @champagnepommery

Épernay

Further south, the town of Épernay is home to the legendary Avenue de Champagne, a regal boulevard lined with stately maisons such as Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. Beneath the surface lies a maze of underground cellars, where millions of bottles quietly age. While Moët dazzles with its grandeur, don’t overlook smaller gems like Boizel or De Castellane, which offer more intimate tours and tastings.

Moët & Chandon

Address: 20 avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France

Website:https://www.moet.com/en-us/visit-us

Instagram: @moetchandon

Perrier-Jouët

Address: 26 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay, France

Website: https://www.perrier-jouet.com/en-us/the-house

Instagram: @perrierjouet

Boizel

Address: 46 avenue de Champagne, 51200 Épernay, France

Website: https://www.boizel.com/en/

Instagram: @champagneboizel

De Castellane

Address: 57, Avenue de Verdun 51200 Épernay, France

Website: https://www.castellane.com/en/visites

Instagram: @champagnedecastellane_be

Hautvilliers

A short drive from Épernay, the charming village of Hautvillers is a must. This is where Dom Pérignon himself perfected the Champagne-making process. Wander the quiet cobbled streets, visit the abbey where he lived, and enjoy tastings at family-run houses like Champagne G. Tribaut or Champagne J. Lasalle.

Dom Pérignon

You may need to book through Moët & Chandon as they now manage the Dom Pérignon name and legacy.

Champagne G. Tribaut

Address: 88 rue d’Eguisheim, 51160 Hautvillers, France

Website: https://www.champagne.fr/en/visit-champagne

Instagram: @champagne_g.tribaut

Champagne J. Lasalle

Address: 29/31 rue de Reims, 51500 Rilly La Montagne, France

Website: https://jlassalle.com/

Instagram: @champagnejlassalle

Troyes

If you have time, consider venturing to Troyes, a beautifully preserved town with medieval half-timbered houses and narrow streets. Stay at La Maison de Rhodes, a luxury boutique hotel and spa tucked inside a 12th-century building, and savor the slow rhythms of Champagne’s southern edge.

What to Eat in the Champagne Region of France?

As you explore the region, indulge in local culinary specialties. Try andouillette de Troyes, a regional sausage beloved by locals, and pair your tastings with creamy Chaource or pungent Langres cheeses. For a special meal, book a table at Michelin-recognized restaurants such as Le Foch in Reims or Les Berceaux in Épernay.

Where to Stay in the Champagne Region of France?

When it comes to accommodations, you have options for every mood and budget. In Reims, the grand Domaine Les Crayères offers château-style elegance with manicured gardens and Le Parc, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Near Épernay, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa combines sleek luxury with vineyard views and an infinity pool. For something cozier, consider a vineyard B&B in the hills surrounding Hautvillers.

How to Plan for your trip to the Champagne Region?

To make the most of your Champagne escape, plan ahead. Many Champagne houses require advance reservations, especially in high season. Aim to mix visits to both large, iconic maisons and smaller, independent producers to appreciate the diversity of the region’s offerings. And unless you have a designated driver, consider hiring a local guide or private tour to enjoy tastings safely and stress-free.

Conclusion

From the chalky cellars of Reims to the golden slopes of Hautvillers, the Champagne region offers a heady mix of elegance, history, and natural beauty. Raise a glass, soak in the view, and let the spirit of Champagne enchant you.

Ready to Book Your Trip to the Champagne Region of France?

Let’s make it happen! I can help you organize the perfect trip to France. Please see my Book with Me Page for more information. Or head to my European Itinerary Starter Plan to get started planning right away!