Raise a glass: champagne tasting in Reims

When people think of romance, they often think of Paris, but to the east of the French capital lies perhaps the country’s most romantic region: Champagne. With its undulating green hills, meticulously maintained grapevines and quaint cream-coloured towns and small cities, this rural setting is every little bit as picturesque as it sounds. 

The commercial centre of the territory, Reims, is just one of these charming cities, just a short 45-minute journey from Paris by high speed train or a pleasant 1.5 hour drive through the French countryside. Bordered by the scenic sloping vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the city is filled with champagne houses, bistros and bars. 

Experience all the city has to offer with our guide to the best wineries and restaurants in Reims – just remember to book your champagne tours in advance, as most maisons require reservations.

Where to enjoy the bubbles

Maison Ruinart

Start your day at Maison Ruinart , the oldest champagne house in the world. A tour here is not just a lesson in champagne making, but a journey through history and art that leads you to the temporary resting place for Ruinart’s exquisite bottles: a Unesco World Heritage-listed cellar which lies roughly 40 metres below ground and spans eight kilometres.

The tour culminates in a tasting session featuring two of Ruinart's finest champagnes – one vintage and one non-vintage (NV) – offering a tangible sense of how their bubbles have been perfected over time.

Champagne Pommery

Continue onwards to Pommery , just a short 5-minute walk from Maison Ruinart, which stands out for its blend of traditional and avant-garde. The estate puts on regular contemporary art exhibitions and is notable for its proximity to the Villa Demoiselle, an Art Nouveau-style architectural masterpiece. 

With 18 kilometres of cellars and 60 Gallo-Roman chalk pits (tunnels that were built under Reims during Roman-Gallo times), Pommery offers a unique experience that combines the appreciation of fine champagne with artistic and architectural marvels.

Champagne Lanson

Conclude your winery visits at Champagne Lanson , the only house in Reims to offer a comprehensive look at the entire winemaking process “from vine to flute”. Lanson's tour provides a glimpse at the maison's more than 260-year-old champagne making process. 

Visitors can get up close and personal to Le Clos Lanson – the only hectare of vineyard to remain within the historical walls of the city – and deep into its traditional wooden cellars. There are a multitude of tour options which allow you to tailor your visit to your interests and taste preferences for a truly memorable experience.

Where to grab a bite

Le Jardin Les Crayères

Le Jardin Les Crayères is a Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in the beautifully landscaped garden of Domaine Les Crayères, a grand old chateau. The menu, crafted by Chef Philippe Mille, offers a modern take on traditional French cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients, while the outdoor terrace provides a serene setting for a memorable meal.

Café du Palais

Known for its art deco interior and stained-glass ceilings, this charming establishment has welcomed guests with its warm and inviting atmosphere since 1930. Opt for one of the café’s popular light meals, such as a quiche, salad or sandwich – they're perfect for a leisurely breakfast or lunch, and mean you’ll have space to treat yourself to a pastry or dessert. 

Brasserie Le Boulingrin

La Brasserie du Boulingrin is known for its traditional brasserie fare, specialising in  classic and hearty dishes. Signature menu items include French onion soup, escargots, steak frites and fresh seafood platters. Don’t leave without trying their charcuterie boards and regional specialities for a genuine taste of Champagne’s culinary tradition.