Things to do in  Champagne

Just north of popular Épernay, Hautvillers at first may seem like just another village in the countryside. But for true fans of sparkling wine, it’s a pilgrimage destination—as the birthplace of champagne. The town's Saint-Pierre Abbey is where Dom Pérignon first made the bubbly elixir; the abbey is now owned by Moët & Chandon.

One of France’s greatest Gothic masterpieces, the Reims Cathedral dates to the 13th century and is hallowed as the coronation site of many French kings. The UNESCO-listed landmark—recognizable for its twin bell towers and rose stained-glass window—was shelled during World War I but has since been restored to its former glory.

The Moët & Chandon Champagne brand was once a favorite of King Louis XV and is still toast-worthy today, with some 30 million bottles produced annually. Visit the brand’s headquarters in Epernay, France, to tour the vast Moët & Chandon Champagne cellars, learn how Champagne is made, and taste a selection of Moët & Chandon products.

One of the Champagne region’s largest and most influential producers, Champagne Pommery is best known for pioneering the dry, brut-style sparkling wine. Today, Pommery is renowned for its sprawling network of chalk caves and its colorful, Elizabethan-style headquarters.

One of the few Reims Champagne houses to have retained its independence, Taittinger is a popular stop for bubbly enthusiasts. With origins dating to 1734, the family-run winery stores and ages its Champagnes in chaulk vaults that date back to Roman times.

Among the best-known producers in the Champagne region, Champagne Mercier is a great place to learn about all that goes into France's beloved bubbly. Here you can take a mini-train ride through a maze of subterranean champagne caves, check out the world's largest wine cask, and sample Champagne right where it's produced.

Although France's Champagne region is far from the sea, it has its own lighthouse. It was conceived in 1909 as a marketing gimmick by Champagne producer Joseph Goulet, who wanted to draw attention to his brand. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction, complete with an interactive museum, a tasting room, and a gift shop.

Founded in 1827, G. H. Mumm & Cie—one of the world’s largest and most-esteemed champagne houses—is a popular destination for oenophiles who are looking to sample and discover more about France’s world-class bubbly. Taste the winery’s famed Cordon Rouge Champagne and tour its underground caves as you learn the history of the House of Mumm.

Please note: The Tau Palace is temporarily closed. A former residence for French monarchs, previously occupied by the Archbishop of Reims, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, the Tau Palace (Palais du Tau) is one of Burgundy’s key historical landmarks. The palace’s name comes from its distinctive “T” shape (tau is the Greek equivalent of “T”), and its history dates back to the 6th century.

With its combination of timber-fronted buildings, cobbled lanes, and Gothic churches, a stroll around Troyes transports you back to medieval France. Hidden away in the south of the Champagne region, the atmospheric Old Town is known for its art galleries, striking architecture, and traditional artisan workshops.

In the heart of the UNESCO-listed Champagne region, travelers can step into a world of French heritage, craftsmanship, and winemaking. Located in Ay, a quaint village surrounded by rolling vineyards that have been part of the region’s wine culture for centuries, Champagne Bollinger offers visitors the chance to explore its cellars and taste its offerings.

One of Reims’ four UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Abbey of Saint-Remi (Abbaye Saint-Rémi) is also one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in northern France. The 11th-century abbey church houses Saint Rémi’s tomb, while the adjacent buildings host the Saint-Remi Museum’s exhibition spaces.

With a history dating back to 1140, Sens Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Sens) is one of the oldest Gothic buildings in France and was once one of the most important in the country—Louis IX married here in 1234. Its elaborately decorated facade and exquisite stained-glass windows make it the undisputed star attraction of Sens.

Located in the heart of the Champagne region, Pressoria Champagne Museum offers a deep dive into the world of the famed French drink. Housed in the former pressing room of Champagne Pommery, this interactive museum brings the story of Champagne to life through a multi-sensory, immersive experience.

Get your thrills at one of the most popular theme parks in France, Nigloland, which includes rides and entertainment options for visitors of all ages—from roller coasters to animal-themed kiddy rides to puppet shows featuring the theme park’s hedgehog mascot.