✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
There are great many things to do in France, and so are in Champagne.
In the heart of France lies a region that sparkles with elegance and sophistication.
With its rolling green hills and endless vineyards, Champagne is a breathtaking destination that engages all your senses.
From the pop of a champagne cork to the delicate aroma of baking pastries, every moment in this region is a sensory delight.
Soak up the rich history and indulge in the local culture as you explore all the things to do in Champagne.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Champagne:
1. Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Reims, a city in the Champagne region of France.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate details and architecture of the cathedral, including the stained glass windows, sculptures, and soaring ceilings. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this religious site.
Don’t miss: The grand organ, which dates back to the 15th century and boasts over 7,000 pipes. Also, be sure to check out the stunning rose window, located above the main entrance of the cathedral.
Insider travel tips: – The cathedral can get crowded, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
2. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin in Reims
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is a champagne house located in the city of Reims, Champagne-Ardenne region, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the premises, which includes visits to the vineyards, the cellars, and the production facilities.
Guests can also taste and purchase the champagne on site, and learn about the history of the brand and the production methods used.
Don’t miss: The most iconic feature of the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin house is the “crayères” – or the underground chalk cellars, which are over 24 kilometers long and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors should also try the “La Grande Dame” champagne, which is Veuve Clicquot’s signature blend made from a selection of grapes from the finest vineyards in Champagne.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to book a tour in advance, as the site can get very busy during peak season.
Additionally, if you are interested in purchasing champagne, it is worth checking out the gift shop, which offers a wider range of products than what is available for purchase at the tasting room.
3. Moët et Chandon in Epernay
Moët et Chandon is a renowned Champagne house located in the town of Epernay in the Champagne region of France.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Moët et Chandon estate, which includes exploring the underground cellars that stretch for 28 km and provide the perfect conditions for storing Champagne.
The tour also offers a glimpse into the history of the brand and its winemaking process. Visitors can also enjoy a Champagne tasting experience and purchase a bottle of their favorite Moët et Chandon Champagne.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the visit is the opportunity to witness the sabrage tradition, where a Champagne bottle is opened with a sabre.
This is a unique experience that adds to the charm of visiting Moët et Chandon.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to make a reservation in advance as the tour can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist season.
Also, for those looking for a more intimate experience, private tours can be arranged.
4. Taittinger in Reims
Taittinger is a renowned Champagne house located in Reims, France. They have been producing high-quality Champagne since 1734.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Taittinger cellars and learn about the Champagne-making process. The tour includes a visit to the historical chalk cellars, where the Champagne is aged.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the tour is a tasting of Taittinger’s delicious Champagnes. Visitors can taste a variety of different Taittinger Champagnes and learn about the subtle differences between them.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment as the tours can fill up quickly.
For a special indulgence, try the Prestige Experience, which includes a tour, a tasting of Taittinger’s most premium Champagnes, and a gourmet meal.
5. Mercier in Epernay
Mercier is one of the largest and most well-known champagne houses in Epernay, France.
What to see or do: – Take a guided tour of the cellars, which includes a train ride through the underground tunnels where millions of bottles of champagne are stored.
Don’t miss: – The panoramic view from the top of the Mercier tower, which offers stunning views of the city of Epernay and the surrounding vineyards.
Insider travel tips: – Mercier can get quite busy during peak tourist season, so it’s best to book your tour in advance.
6. Ruinart in Reims
Ruinart is one of the oldest champagne houses in the world, founded in 1729.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the historic cellars and learn about the champagne-making process, including the use of the traditional chalk pits.
End the tour with a tasting of some of the house’s finest champagnes.
Don’t miss: Ruinart’s signature Blanc de Blancs champagne, made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, is a must-try.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to book your tour in advance as spots fill up quickly. Additionally, opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour for a less crowded experience.
Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of your favorite champagne at the end of the tour to take home as a souvenir.
7. Mars Gate in Reims
An ancient archway that was once the entrance to the city of Reims from the Roman times.
What to see or do: Explore the fascinating history of this archway that dates back to the 3rd century. Take a walk through it and marvel at its impressive size and architecture.
Don’t miss: The intricate carvings on the Mars Gate depicting Roman gods and legends.
Insider travel tips: Visit the Mars Gate early in the morning to avoid crowds, and make sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
While in Reims, don’t forget to visit the famous champagne houses and sample some of the best champagne in the world.
8. Château-Thierry American Monument
The Château-Thierry American Monument is a World War I memorial, located atop the Hill 204 in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, honoring the sacrifices of American soldiers who fought in the area during the war.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the expansive cemetery, which is the final resting place of over 2,200 American troops.
The monument itself is a striking white marble structure, standing over 137 feet tall, and features beautiful bronze sculptures and intricate carvings.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take in the stunning views from the top of the hill, overlooking the surrounding Champagne countryside.
Additionally, the visitor center offers an excellent museum with fascinating exhibits exploring the history of the American involvement in the war.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the site and enjoying the views.
9. Châlons-en-Champagne
Châlons-en-Champagne is a historic town in the Champagne region of north-eastern France.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the picturesque old town and admire the beautiful half-timbered houses and Gothic architecture. Visit the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century.
Explore the many museums and galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation.
Don’t miss: The Notre-Dame-en-Vaux Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in France.
Be sure to also check out the Jard Park and its outdoor theatre, where you can catch live performances in the summer months.
Insider travel tips: Visit in September during the “Furies” festival for a unique experience of street performances, circus acts and theatre.
Also, don’t forget to taste the local speciality, “biscuit rose de Reims”, a light, pink biscuit that is traditionally dipped in champagne.
10. The Champagne Hillsides Houses and Cellars
The Champagne Hillsides Houses and Cellars is a unique UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 14 European towns and vineyards located in the northeastern region of France.
What to see or do: You can explore the charming houses and cellars and learn about the history and production of champagne. Visitors can also indulge in wine tastings and cellar tours while admiring the magnificent landscape.
Don’t miss: The Avenue de Champagne in Épernay is a must-visit for its impressive collection of champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon.
Be sure to also check out the beautiful vineyards in the area for a stunning view.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, plan your visit during the off-season, which is typically from November to March. Some champagne houses require reservations, so it’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Additionally, for a unique experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards to see the stunning landscape from a different perspective.
11. Domaine Pommery in Reims
Domaine Pommery is a historic champagne house located in Reims, the heart of the Champagne region in France.
What to see or do: Visitors to Domaine Pommery can take a tour of the expansive underground cellars, which were carved into the chalky soil by Roman excavators nearly 2000 years ago.
You’ll learn about the champagne-making process and get to taste a variety of Pommery’s award-winning champagnes.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the Pommery Experience, which combines art and wine for a truly unique experience. The estate’s 18 kilometers of underground tunnels are used as a gallery for exhibitions of contemporary art, which change regularly.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to book ahead for a tour and tasting, as they can get busy in the high season. If you’re traveling with children, there is a special “storybook tour” that is tailored to younger visitors.
Also, consider visiting during harvest season (typically September to October) to see the vineyards come alive and witness the grapes being harvested for champagne production.
12. Notre-Dame en Vaux in Châlons-en-Champagne
Notre-Dame en Vaux is a Gothic-style church located in the heart of Châlons-en-Champagne, a historic city in eastern France.
What to see or do: Visit the church to admire its stunning architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Take a walk around the tranquil gardens surrounding the church.
Don’t miss: The Romanesque crypt beneath the church is a must-visit. It’s one of the oldest parts of the building, dating back to the 11th century, and features ancient frescoes.
Insider travel tips: Visit on a sunny day to fully appreciate the beauty of the gardens. In the summer, there are often concerts held in the church.
Check the schedule and see if there are any performances during your visit.
13. Les Faux de Verzy in Verzy
Les Faux de Verzy, also known as the twisted beech trees, is a natural wonder located in the forest of Verzy in the Champagne region of France.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the forest to admire the twisted and contorted shapes of the beech trees. These trees have been shaped by natural forces and grow in unusual formations that are a sight to behold.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the famous “Saut des Fées” or “Leap of the Fairies” which is the most impressive cluster of twisted beech trees.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is during autumn when the leaves turn a stunning shade of orange and yellow.
14. Champagne-Ardenne Regional Nature Park
Champagne-Ardenne Regional Nature Park is a protected natural area established in 1976 in northeastern France.
What to see or do: The park covers an area of more than 80,000 hectares and has a diverse landscape that includes forests, meadows, rivers, and lakes.
Visitors can hike or cycle along the many trails and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife.
There are also several historic sites, such as the Château de la Motte-Tilly and the Clairvaux Abbey, which are worth exploring.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the park is the Lac du Der-Chantecoq, which is the largest artificial lake in Europe.
It is a popular spot for water sports, such as windsurfing and sailing, and is home to a wide variety of bird species, including cranes and storks.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the park is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.