Things to do in Champagne

All about Champagne

When to visit

The best time for Champagne tastings and guided tours of the region’s vineyards is between April and mid-October. That said, the biggest crowds flock to Champagne’s small towns in July and August. If you don’t mind crowding, the best things to do in Champagne include the La Champenoise wine-tasting marathon in May. There’s also the Joan of Arc Festival in Reims in June and the Foire de Châlons agricultural fair in March and September. For wine lovers, the best time to visit is for the grape harvest, which kicks off in late September.

Getting around

Public transport can be patchy and infrequent throughout the Champagne region. It’s worth having your own wheels to tour the Champagne houses and wineries. Better yet, hire a private driver or join an organized day trip to avoid worrying about designating a driver. Cycling between the vineyards is the most scenic way to get around. Just opt for an electric bike, as the region’s hills can quickly slow you down.

Traveler tips

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 windsurfing or jet-skiing, and head to one of six beaches to picnic by the shore. This is a bird-watching hot spot, too, so look out for cranes swooping across the lake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Champagne known for?

Champagne is, of course, known for Champagne wines. Only sparkling wine produced in this region is allowed to be called Champagne. Notable houses like Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, and Moët et Chandon make their home in the area. The best things to do in Champagne include exploring the idyllic French countryside, Reims, and Epernay.

How do I get to Champagne from Paris?

Catch 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.

Is Reims or Epernay better?

If Champagne is your main focus, Epernay offers convenient houses and caves to tour along its Avenue de Champagne. It has a quieter, countryside atmosphere compared to the university city of Reims. Reims’ top highlight is the UNESCO-listed Notre Dame de Reims, where the kings of France were crowned in the Middle Ages. It also boasts the 17th century Hôtel de Ville and Roman ruins.

Can you visit Dom Perignon?

Yes—Dom Pérignon 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 Pérignon require an appointment and are a private experience. They’re one of the most prestigious and best things to do in Champagne.

What is main town in Champagne?

The historic city of Reims is the largest city in the region, and boasts several Champagne houses. The Montagne de Reims is a ridge lined with Champagne vineyards bursting with pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay grapes. You can tour and taste at Champagne houses and explore outside the city to immerse yourself in the area.

Which Champagne house is the best to visit?

Moët et Chandon is the best-selling Champagne brand in the world, located on the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. Founded in 1743, the house has been name-dropped in songs by Queen, Prince, and Mariah Carey. Discover the brand’s luxury associations during a visit.

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