Champagne vineyards
The Champagne vineyards
A visit to this famous corner of France would not be complete without discovering the secrets of champagne for yourself. A walk in the vast Champagne vineyards will make your mouth water.
The Champagne vineyards, with their hillsides, houses and cellars, have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Champagne, recognised in 1936, is the culmination of a process that has spanned centuries.
Come and stay at La Forge de Sainte Marie campsite and discover the Champagne vineyards
.
A vineyard near the campsite
Monial
The Cellier aux Moines de Colombé le Sec is a former dependency of the Abbey of Clairvaux. It dates from the 12th century and is classified as a historical monument. This cellar was the pressing centre of the Cistercian monks. Today its spirit has been restored as Champagne Monial is now produced there.
This cellar remains a model of Cistercian art, such is its grandeur. You can also visit Saint Michel chapel dating from the 15th and 16th century and can taste the champagnes.
Chateau de Bligny
This castle, our most visited attraction, gives you the opportunity to combine a visit to a historic castle with a look into how champagne is made.
The friendly owners will tell you all about the history of the castle and the champagne and offer you a few glasses of champagne to taste (visits of 20 people or more).
Small champagne houses
In the champagne wine region, there are many independent, family-owned champagne houses. You will find them in the famous ‘Route Touristique de Champagne‘ guide, and many offer tastings of sparkling and still wines.
A good opportunity to see the other side of the industry.
Great champagne houses
Many of the major champagne houses are located in Reims and Epernay, and most of the houses offer guided tours and tastings of world-renowned champagne.
Piper Heidsieck
Piper Heidsieck, located in the city of Reims since 1785, offers you a tour of the cellars in a buggy with commentary in several languages. After finding out how champagne is produced, you are invited to the tasting bar.
Also in Reims, the champagne house Ruinart offers visits of its cellars and chalk pits. They are classified as Historic Monuments and the guide will give you information on the history of the buildings and the making of champagne.
Epernay
The town of Epernay considers itself the epicentre of the champagne industry, and with good reason. Around the town are about 18,211 hectares of vineyards and the large cellars total more than 100 kilometres of galleries dug into the chalk, housing millions of bottles. Take a walk along the majestic Avenue de Champagne and feel the importance of this town.
Moët et Chandon
One of the most famous houses, Moët et Chandon, offers a guided tour of its cellars, a total of 28 kilometres long. The visit includes a tasting, don’t miss this opportunity!
Blended from the three main grape varieties of the Champagne region: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, Moët et Chandon champagnes are renowned throughout the world. With vineyards located in particular in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs, Moët & Chandon has access to the Grand Crus, Premier Crus and Champagne vineyards.
Mercier
A little further along the Avenue de Champagne, you will find the Mercier house, which offers a slightly different visit.
After a brief introduction, you descend into the darkness of the cellars in a panoramic lift. Afterwards, board a train for the guided tour and head up to the light for the tasting. An unforgettable experience for the whole family.
