The Champagne region sits in the northeast of France. It is most well known for its sparkling beverage. We discuss why you should visit in the text below.
The Champagne-producing area of France is often overlooked. Many believe its only attraction is the sparkling wine made there. While that may be enough for some, others with families or teetotallers tend to snub it in favour of other cities. Yet it is a fantastic region, with beautiful countryside and a main city to rival Paris. Below, we dive into what else the Champagne region has to offer.
Reims
Reims is the unofficial capital of the Champagne region. As the 12th most populated city in France, it can seem like a tranquil idyll, particularly if you have just arrived from the capital. The city was a major player in the Roman Empire, and as such, its architecture spans a vast time period, featuring Gothic all the way to Art Deco.
Much of it is designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site, and it features several prominent buildings of outstanding beauty. Central to these is Reims Cathedral, or Notre-Dame de Reims. In days gone past, it was the location where the Kings of France would have been crowned. It has some fantastic Gothic architecture and stained glass that cast a vibrant spectrum on the congregation and tourists below. Be warned: the Reims Cathedral does get busy, so you may wish to book in advance.
Adjacent to the cathedral is the Palace of Tau. This was the home of the Archbishop and is now used as a place for cultural events. Along with the Abbey of Saint Remi, they form the three heritage sites you must put on your list.
Away from that, Reims itself is a hub for the sale and production of champagne. If you are interested, you can visit its underground chalk cellars where thousands of bottles are stored. Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger all have their base of operations here. Book a tour and descend into the depths. You may even be able to get on a tasting session if you are without the children.
It is not only the ancient buildings of Reims worth looking at. In the twenties, the city came to life in the age of the Belle Époque. This saw a large number of Art Deco projects emerge after the damage caused during the First World War. If you head downtown, you will find most of the buildings in this style due to the total annihilation of the city at that time.
Finally, get ready for a food lover’s paradise. The Halles du Boulingrin is the largest market in the city, providing fresh produce and goods every day. The Pink Reims cookie is the pride of the region, served with the best wines and champagnes. There are also a host of Michelin-starred restaurants for you to dine out at.
Épernay
Epernay is a small commune and the place you will most likely visit if you are looking to dive into the Champagne region’s famous beverage. However, this is not the only industry that has shaped its past. It was once a centre of ceramics production, and it is this, just as much as wine, that characterises the settlement.
L’Avenue de Champagne is the main thoroughfare, and where you will find all the main manufacturers of the drink. To the east is the main Calvados area, La Folie, while there are plenty of large chateaus around about you may wish to plan a stay around. Château Perrier is one of the most sought-after, as it houses the Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum.
Christmas in Champagne
If you decide to visit Reims at Christmas, then you are really in for a festive treat. It has one of the biggest Christmas markets in the world, named Le Marché de Noël de Reims. Around 1.5 million people descend on it each year to sample a range of stalls serving food and drink, and selling beautiful gifts.
It is not far from the Cathedral itself, on the Promenade Jean-Louis Schneiter. There is a stunning Christmas tree, and Santa is available if the children want to pay him a visit before the big day. While the location is always the same, opening hours will vary depending on the day and time of the season you visit.
Reims really has something for everyone. If you want to dive into the Champagne region, then tours are easy to book. If not, then you can enjoy the city and its natural beauty while trying some of the best food France has to offer. With close proximity to Paris and even drivable from London, it is an area that should not be overlooked. If you have done Paris and are looking for a new take on France, then Reims is the place to be.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
