Champagne holidays

How to reach Champagne

• Flight time: Flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport from London typically take around 1 hour 15 minutes. This is the most convenient international airport for reaching the Champagne region.

• Transfer time: From Paris Charles de Gaulle, the journey to Reims, a key city in Champagne, takes about 45 minutes by TGV train. Alternatively, you can drive, which will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.

• Price: A TGV train ticket from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Reims costs approximately €20–€30. Car hire prices vary but typically start at around €40 per day.

Best time to visit Champagne

The Champagne region offers a charming experience throughout the year, with each season providing unique attractions.

• April to June: This period is ideal for exploring the vineyards and enjoying mild weather, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.

• July to August: Summer brings warmer temperatures, averaging 18°C to 25°C. It's a popular time for vineyard tours, and can get busy.

• September to November: Known as the harvest season, this is an excellent time to visit if you're interested in the grape-picking process. Temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C.

• December to March: Winter is quieter and cooler, with temperatures between 0°C and 7°C. This is a cosy time to enjoy the region's indoor attractions, such as champagne tastings and historical sites.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the primary language, though many in the hospitality industry speak English, especially in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Champagne is renowned for its sophisticated culture. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A small tip, often a few euros, is customary in restaurants.

• Health and safety: Champagne is generally safe for travellers. Basic travel insurance is recommended, covering health and personal belongings.

• Currency: The Euro is used throughout France. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash is advisable for smaller shops and rural areas.

• Getting around: The region is well connected by trains and buses. A single train ticket from Reims to Épernay costs around €10. Local buses are affordable, with tickets typically costing around €1.50.

• Electricity and plug types: France uses the standard European plug type (Type C and E) with a voltage of 230V. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: The Champagne region is in the Central European Time zone, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers do not need a visa for short stays. A valid passport is required, and it should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Best things to do in Champagne

Champagne is a treasure trove of experiences for anyone looking for a rich atmosphere, from exquisite tastings to historical landmarks. Here's what you shouldn't miss on your Champagne holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Montagne de Reims: Offers stunning views of rolling vineyards and the Marne Valley, it's perfect for a scenic drive or a hike amidst nature.

• Côte des Blancs: Known for its Chardonnay vineyards, this area provides picturesque vistas of lush vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.

The best districts

• Reims: The heart of Champagne's wine region is famous for its Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral and vibrant café culture. Don't miss the iconic Avenue de Champagne, lined with prestigious champagne houses.

• Épernay: This is a smaller town, yet a gem for its historic champagne houses. The Avenue de Champagne here is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to Moët & Chandon and other renowned producers.

Parks and gardens

• Les Faux de Verzy: This unique forest near Reims is known for its twisted beech trees, called Faux. If you’re looking for whimsy, this forest is a fantastical place to immerse yourself in nature.

• Champagne Park: Located in Reims, this park offers a relaxing environment perfect for a picnic, especially with a bottle of local bubbly.

Historical monuments

• Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this cathedral is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows and its role in the coronation of French kings.

• Palace of Tau: Adjacent to the cathedral, this palace was the residence of archbishops and is now a museum showcasing the history of the cathedral and the coronation ceremonies.

• Saint-Remi Basilica: This impressive basilica in Reims houses the relics of Saint Remi, who baptised Clovis, the first King of the Franks.

Day trips in the area

• Troyes: This medieval town is famed for its half-timbered houses and Gothic churches. It’s a perfect day trip for history enthusiasts.

• Châlons-en-Champagne: This charming city is known for its beautiful architecture and relaxing boat rides along its canals.

Activities for families in Champagne

Champagne isn't just for adults; it's a great destination for family holidays too. Here are some activities the whole family can enjoy:

• Interactive museums: The Musée de la Vigne et du Vin (Museum of Vine and Wine) in Verzenay offers a fun and educational experience about the region's wine-making traditions.

• Parks and playgrounds: Champagne Park in Reims offers vast green spaces and play areas for children, where you and your family can lay out a nice picnic.

• Zoo and wildlife parks: Argonne Discovery Park near Vouziers is a fantastic wildlife park where kids can learn about local plants and wildlife.

• Historical sites: Families can explore the Château de Condé, a stunning historical castle with beautiful gardens and kid-friendly tours.

Free things to do in Champagne

Exploring Champagne can be affordable with many free activities to enjoy:

• Free events: Throughout the year, the region hosts numerous free events, including wine festivals and local markets. The annual Fête de la Musique in June offers free music performances across the region.

• Free museums: Some museums in Reims, such as the Museum of Fine Art, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.

• Explore Champagne by public transport: Public buses in Reims and Épernay are an affordable way to explore the area. The local lines often pass through beautiful vineyards and picturesque towns.

• Free guided tours: Some tourist offices offer free guided walking tours of Reims and Épernay, focusing on their history and architecture.

Wellness in Champagne

While not typically known as a wellness destination, Champagne offers several relaxing activities and services:

• Spas and thermal baths: The region is home to luxury spas like the Domaine Les Crayères in Reims, offering indulgent treatments and a serene environment.

• Traditional body care: Many local spas use products infused with grape extracts, taking advantage of the region’s renowned produce to offer rejuvenating treatments.

• Yoga and meditation: A number of hotels and wellness centres offer yoga and meditation classes, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Nature and outdoor activities in Champagne

Champagne, with its lush vineyards and rolling hills, offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The region's unique landscape makes it an ideal destination for those looking to combine cultural experiences with outdoor adventures.

• Vineyard tours and walks: One of the most popular activities in Champagne is exploring the vineyards. Many routes are open to the public, allowing you to wander through the vines and take in the scenic views. The Champagne Tourist Route offers a well-marked path, perfect for both walking and cycling, and gives you a chance to learn about the wine-making process while taking in the beautiful countryside.

• Hiking in the Montagne de Reims: This regional natural park is a haven for hikers. The park features several trails that take you through dense forests, vineyards and charming villages.

• Cycling: The gently rolling hills of Champagne make it a fantastic place for cycling. Whether you're a casual rider or a serious cyclist, the region offers routes that range from easy to challenging. Many of these paths wind through picturesque villages and along the Marne River, providing stunning views and plenty of opportunities to stop and taste local products.

• Boating and fishing on Lake Der-Chantecoq: For water-based activities, head to Lake Der-Chantecoq, one of Europe's largest artificial lakes. It's a popular spot for boating, fishing and birdwatching, especially during the migration seasons when thousands of birds stop here.

• Paragliding: For the daredevil in you, paragliding over the vineyards and landscapes of Champagne is an unforgettable experience. The views from above are breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of the region's patchwork of vineyards, rivers and forests.

• Hot-air ballooning: Another way to see Champagne from the sky is by hot-air balloon. These rides offer a serene and spectacular way to enjoy the landscape, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a magical glow over the vineyards.

Local dishes in Champagne

One of the great delights of holidays to Champagne is indulging in the region's renowned cuisine and, of course, its world-famous sparkling wine. Here's what you can look forward to:

Some typical dishes

• Coq au Champagne: A local twist on the classic French dish, this version uses Champagne in place of wine to braise the chicken, resulting in a uniquely flavoured, rich dish.

• Pâté en Croûte: A delicious pâté baked in a crust, often featuring local meats and served as an appetiser or main course.

Meat dishes

• Andouillette de Troyes: A traditional sausage made from pork, often enjoyed with a mustard sauce. Its strong flavour makes it a dish for the more adventurous palate.

• Boudin Blanc: A white sausage made with chicken or pork, milk and bread, lightly spiced and often served with mashed potatoes or apples.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Escargots à la Champagne: Snails cooked in Champagne, garlic and herbs, offering a regional twist on a classic French delicacy.

Sweets and desserts

The region also has a sweet tooth. Biscuits roses de Reims are light, pink biscuits traditionally dipped in Champagne. Another treat is croquignoles, a crunchy biscuit that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of bubbly.

Local drinks

• Champagne: The star of the region, Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes in various styles, from brut to rosé. Tours and tastings are available at the many prestigious houses, including Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger.

• Ratafia: A fortified wine made from grape must and brandy, often enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine.