Champagne, France tour

We’ve all heard the saying, “Champagne isn’t champagne unless it’s from Champagne.” This spectacular wine region is the most northerly of France’s wine regions. Although it is spread over 312 villages, la Champagne comprises only about 2.5% of all French vineyards. Three grape varieties grown here are: Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay. On your visit to la Champagne, you’ll most likely find yourself in the charming towns of Reims or Epernay, amidst the many prestigious Champagne houses.


Rich in history and bubbling over with champagne, Reims and Epernay are known as the Champagne capitals of the world. While in Reims, you certainly won’t want to miss visiting the Cathedrale, where many of France’s kings were coronated. The Festival of Saint-Vincent, held around January 22nd, to celebrate the patron saint of vines and wines, also attracts a growing number of visitors every year.

ACCOMODATIONS

L’Assiette Champenoise
This ancient residence has been fully renovated into a luxury hotel. Located just outside Reims in a 4-acre park, L’Assiette Champenoise is a four-star hotel, complete with a glassed-in pool and world-class accommodations. It is most famous for its superb cuisine, prepared by its innovative gourmet chef, Jean-Pierre Lallement.

L’Assiette Champenoise
51430 Tinqueux, France
Tel (33) 03 26 04 15 56
Fax (33) 03 26 82 65 52

Boyer “Les Crayeres”
Gerard and Elyane Boyer welcome you to an elegant turn-of-the-century residence set in English-style parkland. Blending tradition, comfort, and refinement, the Boyers have created a luxurious gourmet retreat, where guests can relax in sumptuous rooms and savour superb cuisine.

Boyer “Les Crayeres”
64, boulevard Henry-Vasnier
51100 Reims, France
Tel (33) 03 26 82 80 80
Fax (33) 03 26 82 65 52
Email crayeres@relaischateaux.fr

Café Couette
Forty km from Epernay, this quaint bed and breakfast inn is built on a charming renovated farm and park, nearby a trout river. Comfortable bedrooms on the first floor are provided with their own, private entrance. Café Couette is only 15 km from a spectacular Champagne cellar…If you are looking for other activities, there are nearby tennis courts and small beaches.

Café Couette
17, Grand Rue
51230 Connantre, France
Tel (33) 03 26 81 07 42

Chateau de Fere
The Chateau de Fere is set in a wooded park surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns. Located only an hour from Paris along the ‘Route of the King’s Coronation’, this hotel stands amongst the imposing ruins of the 13th century medieval castle of Count Robert de Dreux, grandson of Louis VI, King of France. Each of the hotel’s 25 rooms is individually and uniquely decorated, and all are situated in the Chateau. The legendary reputation of the Chateau de Fere is greatly enhanced by the gastronomic excellence of its restaurant which offers a superb variety of champagnes and culinary specialties from the Champagne region.

Chateau de Fere
Route de Fismes
02130 Fere-en Tardenois, France
Tel (33) 03 23 82 21 13
Fax (33) 03 23 82 37 81

Grand Hotel des Templiers
In the heart of Reims, this four-star luxury hotel dates back to the 19th century. Offering beautifully decorated, elegant rooms, the Grand Hotel des Templiers assures your every comfort. In addition, there is an indoor pool and relaxing sauna.

Grand Hotel des Templiers
22, rue des Templiers
51100 Reims, France
Tel (33) 03 26 88 55 08
Fax (33) 03 26 47 80 60

La Maison du Potier
This lovely, half-timbered bed and breakfast home in Reims is only 30 meters from the famous Cathedrale, where many of France’s kings were coronated. A well-kept interior, with lots of ceramic and pottery, this small home has an adjoining art workshop and tearoom. With only two bedrooms on the second floor, you will have a private bathroom and a prime location in a quiet area of this historical town.

La Maison du Potier
5, rue des Tourelles
51100 Reims, France
Tel (33) 03 26 40 51 40
Fax (33) 03 26 47 99 90

Hotel Mercure Reims Cathedrale
Located conveniently in the center of town, this modern hotel provides enhanced facilities with attentive service for a comfortable stay. A high-capacity (124 rooms) hotel, it also features a fitness room, a garage with a charge, room service, a bar, 13 meeting rooms, and a three-star restaurant with a view onto the canal.

Hotel Mercure Reims Cathedrale
31, avenue Paul Doumer
51100 Reims, France
Tel (33) 03 26 84 49 49
Fax (33) 03 26 84 49 84

Royal Champagne
Situated in the vineyards overlooking Epernay, this former coach inn is the ideal retreat for champagne enthusiasts who may select one of the Royal Champagne’s two hundred and twenty varieties of bruts, roses, and exceptional vintages to accompany the excellent seasonal dishes. The tastefully decorated guestrooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the vineyards stretching away to the horizon and the river Marne shimmering in the distance.

Royal Champagne
51160 Champillon-Epernay, France
Tel (33) 03 26 52 87 11
Fax (33) 03 26 52 89 69
Email royalchampagne@relaischateaux.fr

DINING

Les Bercaux
This hotel restaurant, located in the heart of the old city of Epernay, has been family-run for over 100 years. With a menu featuring a seven-course dinner and a “wine bar” for tasting, Les Bercaux gives new meaning to the words “fine dining”….be sure to bring an appetite fit for a king!

Les Bercaux
13, Rue des Bercaux
51200 Epernay, France
Tel (33) 03 26 55 28 84
Fax (33) 03 26 55 10 36

Boyer “Les Crayeres”
Also in our luxury hotel listings, this is THE place to dine in the Champagne region. Get ready to be treated (and feel) like royalty as you dine at the palatially furnished Boyer “Les Crayeres”. The food is divine, and the service exquisite and surprisingly friendly. Expensive, but well worth it at this jewel located in Reims, Champagne. Romantic setting and gorgeous views from the garden room where you will have your first cocktail of the evening, before moving into the ornate dining room.

Boyer “Les Crayeres”
64, boulevard Henry-Vasnier
51100 Reims, France
Tel (33) 03 26 82 80 80
Fax (33) 03 26 82 65 52
Email crayeres@relaischateaux.fr

Le Cheval Blanc
This fine restaurant is located in an old post house, surrounded by stunning parkland. It features delicious gastronomic cuisine, and the exceptional wine cellar of Bernard Robert.

Le Cheval Blanc
51400 Sept Saulx, France
Tel (33) 03 26 03 90 27
Fax (33) 03 26 03 97 09

Hotel d’Angleterre
This hotel features a four-star restaurant located in the center of the town of Marne, in the Champagne region, with a view over Notre-Dame-en-Vaux. The gastronomic cuisine offers a taste of local produce and seasonal specialties, along with fine wines and Champagnes.

Hotel d’Angleterre
19, Place Monseigneur Tissier
51000 Chalons sur Marne, France
Tel (33) 03 26 68 21 51
Fax (33) 03 26 70 51 67

Royal Champagne
Also mentionned in our hotel listings, this is another restaurant not to be missed. A former coach inn, this restaurant is ideal for champagne enthusiasts, who may select one of the Royal Champagne’s two hundred and twenty varieties of bruts, roses, and exceptional vintages to accompany the excellent seasonal dishes. Awarded a prestigious four-star rating by the Comite Regional du Tourisme, this restaurant features a delectable menu, including escargots de Champagne en robe des champs and filet du boeuf a la lie du vin.

Royal Champagne
51160 Champillon-Epernay, France
Tel (33) 03 26 52 87 11
Fax (33) 03 26 52 89 69
Email royalchampagne@relaischateaux.fr