The Champagne region in France is the perfect destination for a weekend break or a short road trip. Just a five-hour drive from the Netherlands, you’ll find rolling vineyards, charming villages and, of course, the world’s most famous champagne houses. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover where the Champagne region is, what there is to do there and how best to plan your trip. We’ll share our tips for Reims, Épernay and Hautvillers, including a handy route, map and practical advice for your visit.
Everything you want to know about the Champagne region, France
General information
Where is the Champagne region located?
How to get to the Champagne region and what is the travel time?
Map of the Champagne region
How many days you need for the Champagne region
Best travel time for the Champagne region
Sightseeing: Champagne houses, local farmers and towns!
1. Complete overview of Champagne houses and vintners
2. Our favourites Champagne houses
3. Visit the city of Reims
4. Visit Épernay and Hautvillers
Useful tips for your trip
Restaurants in Reims
Restaurants in Épernay and Hautvillers
The most beautiful stays in the Champagne region
Frequently Asked Questions about the Champagne region
Where is the Champagne region located?
Famous worldwide for its sparkling wine, the Champagne region stretches across the north-eastern part of France and is officially located in the Grand Est region, also known as Champagne Ardennes. The heart of the Champagne region is about 150 kilometres east of Paris. Here you will find hills full of green vineyards and picturesque villages, where you can enjoy home-made champagne in the sun. Famous towns and villages in the region include Reims, Épernay and Hautvillers, which we will tell you more about in this blog!
How to get to the Champagne region and what is the travel time?
There are several ways to travel to the Champagne region namely by the car or with the train. By car, you can drive from Utrecht to Reims, one of the region's biggest cities, in about 5 hours. Would you prefer to go by train? Then go to Reims via Paris and you can expect a journey time of 6 hours from Utrecht Central Station. The city of Épernay is also a recommended place to stay and can also be reached by public transport in around 6 hours. And then ... if you do go that way by train, it is of course ideal to combine Paris and the Champagne region!
Plan your trip with our Champagne region map!
Plan your ideal trip with our handy Google Maps card. Here you’ll find our favourite restaurants, champagne houses, places of interest and the most beautiful viewpoints, all clearly listed in one place. Handy when you’re out and about, so you don’t miss a thing and always have a good spot up your sleeve.
How many days you need for the Champagne region
We recommend planning at least four days (including travel time) for your trip, but of course longer is always better. Four days will give you a good impression of the region, but it is impossible to see everything. Besides, it very much depends on where you stay and whether you have your own transport. So if you have little time, location is very important!
From Reims and Épernay, you can see a lot of the area and have a nice combination of city and the green vineyards. We ended up choosing Reims and found it ideal! If you go by train, we definitely recommend choosing a city like Reims or Épernay as a base.
Suggested itinerary for 3 to 4 days in the Champagne region
To give you a good idea of what’s on offer, we’ve put together an overview below of our latest weekend trip to the Champagne region. This itinerary shows you the options available. Use it for inspiration and feel free to adapt it to suit your own pace!
Day 1: Arrive in Reims, explore the city and visit the cathedral, or relax on a terrace.
Day 2: Visit the champagne houses in Reims and enjoy dinner in the city.
Day 3: Head to Épernay and Hautvillers and drive past the vineyards.
Day 4: Have a leisurely breakfast and visit another champagne house before heading back.
Tip: In France, many places are still closed on Sundays. This also applies to restaurants and cafés, supermarkets and most champagne houses. So make sure you choose a Sunday for your journey home!
Best travel time for the Champagne region
When you think of France, you think of the sun! The summer months are therefore perfect for a trip to the Champagne region. The grapes are usually harvested in September/October (depending on the heat and rainfall during the summer). So, if you want to see beautiful green hills covered in vines and bunches of grapes, we recommend that you visit in June, July or August to the Champagne region.
Tip: bear in mind that August is the French holiday season. Many places are closed during this month, so you might find yourself facing a closed door. Not everything is closed, but you may have to search a bit longer before you can start tasting the champagne!
Things to do in the Champagne region
Say you want to go to the Champagne region for a long weekend. Friday out, Sunday back home! Good plan, definitely do it! But... make sure you plan ahead. Because on Sundays, most champagne houses are closed. Fortunately, you can always go to the big ones but planning is therefore handy.
So, if you also like to visit the small French villages in the area, travelling by car is really a must. In fact, there is virtually no public transport available between the villages. Of course, the downside then is that the driver won't be able to drink much champagne, but you will see a lot more of the area. And are you also staying in Reims? Then there are plenty of restaurants there where you can then enjoy the local champagnes. Another option is to book a complete tour from Reims!
Complete overview of Champagne houses and vintners
There are an awful lot of champagne houses and do you want them all together in a handy overview? Then ask the Tourist Office to get the booklet listing all champagne houses and wineries in the area. This booklet is free and tells you about the opening hours of the different champagne houses, whether tours are offered, and whether they speak English, among other things.
From Reims and Épernay, you can also take organised day trips to the vineyards and champagne houses. You can get more information and book tours at the Office du Tourisme in these cities. The big advantage is: your whole travel group can enjoy a champagne tasting! Would you rather have it all arranged in advance? Then go to GetYourGuide!
Our favourites Champagne houses
There are a number of champagne houses that we’d recommend to everyone. Unfortunately, we certainly couldn’t visit them all ourselves, but some of our Thousandtravelmiles friends did! We’ve therefore put everything together so that you can decide for yourself what suits you best. Some champagne houses are small and affordable, whilst others are large and offer all the luxury you’d expect. It’s impossible to fit everything in over a weekend, but hey, the Champagne region isn’t going anywhere and you can put it on your itinerary every year.
Tip: take a look at our Google Maps card for the exact locations and create your own route!
- Vranken Pommery: Beautiful house where you can get a comprehensive tour, but you can also go out on your own. Inside the house you will find all kinds of impressive works of art, which makes a visit to this champagne house definitely worthwhile. Afterwards, you can enjoy a delicious champagne tasting on the terrace in the sun.
Opening hours: Mon to Sun (10:00 - 18:00) - Moёt & Chandon: Like Pommery, this is a commercial champagne house where you can visit the cellars with large groups. Still, it has something special and we recommend you visit this classic house. For instance, did you know that Moёt & Chandon, the largest champagne house, has a Dutch history? That makes that glass of Moёt that little bit tastier.
Opening hours: Thu to Mon (9:30 - 17:00) - Ruinart: Discover the oldest champagne house in the world! At this magnificent champagne house, everything is just right. Steep staircases lead you into the ancient Roman corridors where the winery's magnificent cellars are hidden. This 8-kilometre-long system of corridors has been on Unesco's World Heritage List since 1931! During the tour, you will receive extensive information about the champagnes a complete tour of the beautiful cellars. After this, you can enjoy the different types of champagnes the house has to offer.
Opening hours: Thu to Mon (9:30 - 17:00) - Charles Mignon: A lovely champagne house where you’ll be given a comprehensive tour packed with information. Here, too, you can enjoy the various types of champagne the house has to offer after the tour.
Opening hours: Mon to Fri (9:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 17:30) - Bernard Tornay-Hutasse: Some claim this is the tastiest Champagne, and we are curious to hear what you think. The Tornay-Hutasse family owns vineyards, most of which are in Bouzy. Bouzy is known as one of the best wine regions in Champagne, classified as 100% Grand Cru. Despite not being a ‘cosy or grand’ house, the value for money is very good and you can buy delicious champagnes here!
Opening hours: Mon-Sat (9:00-12:00 & 13:30-17:00) - Gabriel Boutet: An extraordinary house where the owner gives you a fantastic tour. She takes you into the small cellars, tells fun facts and at the end of the tour you can taste the champagnes. We recommend calling in advance so you can get a private tour. She also offers the option of an evening tour.
Opening hours: Mon to Thu (9:00 - 18:00) & Fri to Sun (14:00 - 18:00) - Castelger: A small champagne house where you can get good champagnes for a relatively low price (€17.50). We found this one of the tastiest champagnes during our tour of the Champagne region. The owner was very humorous and literally let us taste all the champagnes! Had doubts? Hup, another glass!
Opening hours: Mon to Fri (9am-12pm & 2pm-17:30pm) & Saturday (9am-12pm & 2pm-4pm). Would you like to visit here on Sunday? Then please call to make an appointment.
Tip: It might go without saying, but always check the champagne house’s website for the latest tour prices and opening times. That way, you won’t be caught out by any surprises and you can plan your itinerary properly!
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Visit Reims
Besides the many champagne houses, the villages and towns in the Champagne region also have a lot to offer. We stayed in Reims, a beautiful city in the Champagne region and a good base from which to explore the area or as a first destination for a road trip. You will find pleasant squares where you can order delicious coupe de champagne, the impressive Notre Dame cathedral where in the summer months in the evening a very cool light show on it and parks such as Les Hautes Promenades. Stroll through the French streets, enjoy the sunshine and delicious food!
Restaurants in Reims
Are you looking for good restaurants in the Champagne region? In Reims and Épernay in particular, you’ll find plenty of cosy bistros and restaurants where you can enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner with a glass of champagne.
- Brasserie Excelsior Reims: This restaurant is high on our list of favourites. Enjoy delicious food and the different types of wines here. In addition, this is the place for the perfect combination of oysters and champagne. Weather permitting, a spot in the garden is highly recommended, but don't forget to book in advance!
- Le Clos: A cosy wine and tapas bar opposite the market halls, with a cosy courtyard. Perfect for those looking for conviviality.
- Le Millénaire: For an elaborate culinary experience and luxury dining, we recommend restaurant Le Millénaire, with 1 Michelin star. Booking is also a must here.
- Le Grand Cafe: The ideal place to relax with a glass of champagne and delicious mussels. The service is incredibly friendly and they have a lovely terrace outside.
- Le Jardin: For those looking for an upscale dining experience, Le Jardin is the place-to-be. This restaurant has Bib Gourmand status and is praised for its excellent value for money. Remember to book in advance as it is often full!
- L'Epicerie Au Bon Manger: For a delicious drink or to take some goodies back to your hotel or flat, L'Epicerie Au Bon Manger comes highly recommended.
Visit Épernay and Hautvillers
These two places are definitely worth a visit. In Épernay, you will find large champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne, while in Hautvillers you can discover small champagne houses. Hautvillers is characterised by cosy streets, old French houses and is lovely to wander around for an afternoon. While in Épernay, you can perch on the terraces of several champagne houses for a tasting, where grandeur and luxury are the standard.
Restaurants in Épernay and Hautvillers
- Au 36 Restaurant: This restaurant in Hautvillers has a small menu and is ideal for tasting different champagnes. Stop here for lunch and you're sure to be fine!
- Maison Saint Thibault: The perfect place for breakfast in Epernay! We popped in here for a croissant, a cup of coffee and a delicious éclair.
- Sacré Bistro: Another popular spot in Epernay. It’s a lovely place to have lunch or dinner. This modern restaurant has an extensive wine list (including Champagne, of course), as well as great cocktails and delicious dishes. We recommend booking in advance.
- La Cave on Avenue de Champagne: This is the place to go in Épernay for a drink and to discover some wonderful wines or champagnes. The drinks menu is huge, so there’s bound to be something you’ll like.
The most beautiful stays in the Champagne region
There are various options for staying overnight in the Champagne region, ranging from luxury châteaux to affordable hotels in Reims and Épernay. So you can make it as extravagant as you like. Do you have a preference for a particular location? If so, make sure you book well in advance. Especially in the small villages, your favourite accommodation might be fully booked at the last minute. But don’t worry; in the larger towns, there’s an abundance of lovely hotels to choose from, even at the last minute.
- Hôtel Porte Mars Reims Gare Centre Arena: The 3 of us stayed here. Fine hotel with friendly staff. Close to the centre of Reims and we could park the car in the car park around the corner (paid).
- Domaine les Crayères: If you really want to splurge, check out this hotel! It just has to fit your budget but fantastic stay is guaranteed.
- Hotel IKIZEN: A fine flat in the centre of Reims. Everything can be done on foot in the city centre and the hotel has a car park!
See all hotels in the Champagne region
Frequently Asked Questions about the Champagne region
Are you planning a trip to the Champagne region and still have a few practical questions? You’re certainly not the only one. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the Champagne region, so that you know exactly what to expect and can prepare for your trip properly. From the prettiest towns to the best time to visit and handy tips for your itinerary: everything clearly laid out in one place.
1. What is the capital of the Champagne region?
The Champagne region has no official capital, but Reims and Épernay are both regarded as the heart of the region. Reims is the largest city and is known for its history and famous champagne houses. Épernay is smaller, but entirely centred on champagne and the famous Avenue de Champagne.
For your trip, it doesn’t really matter which one you choose: both are the perfect base from which to explore the Champagne region.
2. What are the most beautiful towns and villages in the Champagne region?
The most beautiful towns in the Champagne region are Reims, Épernay and Hautvillers. Reims is the largest town and is known for its impressive cathedral and major champagne houses. Épernay is the heart of champagne production, home to the famous Avenue de Champagne. Hautvillers is a small and charming village where Dom Pérignon is buried.
Other lovely places to visit include Troyes, with its medieval half-timbered houses, Châlons-en-Champagne, with its canals and gardens, and the peaceful village of Essoyes. Aÿ-Champagne is also well worth a visit, particularly for its champagne museum.
3. Which is more fun: Épernay or Reims?
Whether Épernay or Reims is more enjoyable depends mainly on what you’re looking for. Reims is a larger city with more attractions, such as the cathedral and major champagne houses like Pommery and Taittinger. Épernay is smaller and is all about champagne, with the famous Avenue de Champagne where you’ll find many champagne houses within walking distance.
Are you short on time? Then choose Reims. If you’re mainly interested in tasting champagne and exploring a compact town centre, then Épernay is ideal.
4. What is there to do in the Champagne region?
You can visit champagne houses, explore vineyards, discover towns such as Reims and Épernay, and enjoy the local cuisine.
5. How much does a visit to a champagne house cost?
A visit to a champagne house in the Champagne region costs on average between €15 and €50 per person, depending on the tour and the number of tastings. Large houses are often more expensive, whilst smaller local producers sometimes offer cheaper or even free tastings when you buy a bottle.
6. When is the best time to visit the Champagne region?
The best time to visit the Champagne region is from May to October. During this period, the temperatures are pleasant and the vineyards are a lovely shade of green. The summer months are perfect for sitting in outdoor cafés and visiting champagne houses.
Would you like to experience something special? Then visit in September or October, when the grape harvest takes place. Bear in mind, however, that August can be busy and that some of the smaller champagne houses may be closed.
7. How many days do you need to spend in the Champagne region?
For a first visit, 3 to 4 days is ideal. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to see the main sights and visit the champagne houses.
8. Do you need a car in the Champagne region?
A car is highly recommended if you want to explore the Champagne region properly. Many champagne houses and small villages are difficult to reach by public transport. If you’re staying only in Reims or Épernay, however, you can easily manage without a car and perhaps book a tour.
9. What is the scenic driving route through the Champagne region?
The best-known tourist route through the Champagne region is the Route Touristique du Champagne. This route passes through various wine-growing areas, such as the Montagne de Reims, the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs.
Along the way, you’ll drive past vineyards, small villages and champagne houses where you can stop for a tasting. Popular routes include the circuit around Reims and the road between Épernay and Hautvillers. You don’t have to drive the whole route: in just a few days, you can easily take in a fine selection of the highlights.
We hope this information helps you plan your trip. Still have questions? Then feel free to send us a message via Instagram.
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