Because it is important to celebrate the most beautiful moments of our lives, and because it is sabre-rattled to mark the high points of existence, today we are showing you this French must-have, champagne in its most beautiful light, in the best Champagne Houses in Reims!
And what better way than to enjoy tours, activities and tastings in the cellars of Reims, one of the two unofficial capitals of Champagne, to enter this effervescent world. To prolong the pleasure, don’t miss a tour of the other champagne capital, Epernay, with its 110 kilometres of cellars and its famous Avenue de Champagne.
Visiting the cellars of the most beautiful Champagne Houses, including names like Moet and Chandon, is not just an excursion, it’s a journey through time, a leap into the past, an invitation to discover the underground passages that make up our historical heritage. We invite you to an expedition to the heart of the chalk pits for a sparkling and memorable experience. Take part in history for a moment, through the backstage of the greatest names in Champagne.
Which cellars to visit in Reims? Discover our top 5 most beautiful Champagne Houses in Reims.
You’ll be amazed as we start our tour of the most beautiful Champagne Houses in Reims.
Info: A chalk pit is a gallery dug for the extraction of lime chalk. In the Champagne region, chalk pits are used as cellars for wine and champagne.
Where to sleep in Epernay – Champagne Region ?
Studio 86
Epernay
Terrasse 86
Epernay
Jacuzzi 86
Epernay
Magnum 80
Epernay
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.
Veuve Clicquot Champagne House in Reims
♥ Champagne House listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Have you ever stumbled upon a story so captivating it stays with you long after you’ve heard it? That’s how I felt about the tale of the Grande Dame of Champagne, Madame Clicquot. Not many know her story, but it’s one that deserves to be told far and wide.
Madame Clicquot, born Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, became a widow (“veuve” in French) at the young age of 27. In a time when women were seldom seen in the business world, let alone leading it, she took over her late husband’s champagne business. Her journey wasn’t just about creating exceptional champagne; it was about breaking barriers and setting new standards.
She introduced the world to several innovations that we now consider quintessential to champagne making. Thanks to her, we can relish the delightful complexity of rosé champagne blends. She revolutionized the riddling process with the creation of the riddling table, significantly improving the clarity of champagne. And it was under her guidance that the first vintage champagne was produced.
Visiting the Crayères of Veuve Clicquot is like walking through chapters of history. Each step in their cellars, each story shared, and every sip of their exquisite champagne is a testament to Madame Clicquot’s legacy.
I don’t think I need to spell out how much I adored my visit. But I will say this: to truly understand the essence of champagne, one must experience the journey where it all began. I invite you to explore the storied halls of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House. Believe me, it’s more than a tour; it’s an immersion into a rich, historical tapestry that continues to influence the champagne world to this day.
- Prices: from €60 for an adult entry
- More info: 1 Rue Albert Thomas, 51100 Reims, France
Lanson Champagne House in Reims
Lanson: Visit the most beautiful and best Champagne Houses of Reims
Let me take you on a journey through time and tales, to one of the oldest Champagne houses established in 1760. Fast-forward 260 years, and here we are, still captivated by its allure, from the hidden gem that is their secret garden, to the mesmerizing depths of their cellars, buried 12 meters beneath the ground.
No chalk pits to be found here, but caves brimming with as many mysteries.
Who would’ve thought that wandering the streets of Reims, you’d stumble upon a vineyard? That’s precisely the delightful surprise that awaits you at Champagne Lanson. Nestled right in the urban heart, this tiny Chardonnay vineyard hectare is a puzzle for many a visitor. Let’s be real, I too once believed there were no vineyards in Reims. How wrong I was!
Champagne Lanson is a journey of discovery waiting for you. Everything here is an open book: from their production methods to the gleaming stainless steel vats reflecting our quaint Champagne villages, down to the tools they use, like those massive oak casks.
The tour is both enlightening and packed with information, enabling you to dive deeper into the champagne world. The visit is masterfully executed, highlighting both the magic of the Champagne-making process and the house’s rich and captivating history. It’s a mix of education and pure charm, a perfect thing to add to your list of things to do in Reims.
- Price: Starting from 32 € for an adult ticket
- Tour Duration: Approximately 1h30
- More Info: 66 Rue de Courlancy, 51100 Reims
- Getting there: The nearest tram stop “Courlancy” is just 450 meters away.
Where to stay in Champagne Region ?
Book the best accommodation in top Champagne towns
Epernay
Reims
Hautvillers
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Vranken Pommery Champagne House in Reims
♥Champagne Houses listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
From start to finish, this visit is a true “wow” experience. If you have an artistic soul or simply love creativity, this is the Champagne house you must visit… and revisit. I was lucky enough to take a guided tour, with fascinating explanations about the house’s history, making the experience even more memorable. Honestly, I’m already planning to return, this time on my own, to take my time and fully enjoy the art exhibition displayed throughout the cellars.
Discover this Champagne house in Reims, which boasts more than 50 hectares of vineyards. You’re not dreaming—you’re about to set foot in a place of incredible historical French heritage, where more than 60 Gallo-Roman chalk pits follow one another along the 18 kilometres of wine cellars. The best part? You can explore at your own pace with an audio guide, allowing you to soak in the annual temporary exhibitions. Some artworks blend so naturally with the space, it feels like they belong there forever. Some pieces remain because they seem to be made for this place.
As you can tell, I absolutely love visiting this Champagne house in Reims, and I highly recommend it.
- Prices: from €48 for an adult ticket
- More info: 5 Place du Général Gouraud, 51100 Reims, France
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Ruinart Champagne House in Reims
♥ Champagne Houses listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Welcome to the doyenne of Champagne Houses, born in 1729. It was the very first of the houses to establish itself in Reims, paving the way for its sisters to offer the world the best champagnes. We suggest you travel again, but this time for a return to the future. Immerse yourself in the chalk pits where Ruinart champagnes have made their home since the middle of the 18th century, before returning to the present to savour an exquisite moment thanks to the tasting of two of the House’s cuvées, under the commentary of an expert sommelier.
Food lovers will be delighted to visit at the weekend, which is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a local brunch made with fresh produce by Valérie Radou, the chef in residence. In the heart of the superb garden, emblematic vintages and refined dishes will mingle on your table to the delight of your taste buds.
- Prices: from €90 for an adult ticket
- More info: 4 Rue des Crayères, 51100 Reims, France
Taittinger Champagne House in Reims
♥ Champagne Houses listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
They have just reopened their doors after several months of renovations, unveiling a brand-new tour experience. I’ve heard nothing but great things! The Taittinger house, one of the most prestigious Champagne houses in Reims, has managed to preserve its heritage while modernizing its facilities to offer an entirely fresh experience.
The visit takes you deep into the Gallo-Roman chalk pits from the 4th century,ollowing in the footsteps of the Saint-Nicaise Abbey that stood proudly here in the 13th century. It’s a unique experience, combining history with a tasting of Taittinger’s finest cuvées—definitely a visit not to be missed.
Choose your Taittinger moment:
- « L’Instant Rosé »: An introduction to the House paired with a tasting of the Brut Reserve and the Prestige Rosé.
- « L’Instant Gourmet »: A gourmet experience centered around a food and champagne pairing crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Philippe Mille, featuring the Brut Vintage and the Prestige Rosé.
- « L’Instant Signé »: A sensory tasting journey through the Brut Reserve, Prélude Grands Crus, and the prestigious Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grands Crus, highlighting Taittinger’s heritage and culture.
- Prices: from €40 for an adult ticket
- More info: Champagne Taittinger, 9 place Saint Nicaise, 51100 Reims
Book your hotel for your stay in Champagne
My tip: book your hotel in Champagne as early as you can, especially during high season. Prices go up as the date approaches, and the best deals tend to sell out fast. For hassle-free booking, I personally recommend Booking due to its user-friendly interface, flexible cancellation policies, and wide range of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to luxury hotels. Plus, the more you use it, the more perks you unlock, like the Genius loyalty program offering exclusive benefits.
Champagne Canard-Duchêne – An Extra Stop Near Reims
Beyond Reims to Ludes
Looking for Champagne Houses around Reims with a unique touch? Escape the city limits and venture just 15 minutes by car to the charming village of Ludes, home to the renowned Champagne House Canard-Duchêne. This scenic drive will take you through the heart of the vineyards, offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills and sprawling vines.
Canard-Duchêne provides a fantastic opportunity to experience a larger Champagne House while enjoying an intimate and personalized tour. They are particularly famous for offering the thrilling “Sabrage” experience, where you can learn the art of opening a champagne bottle with a saber. (Disclaimer: I may or may not have ended my own Sabrage experience showered in champagne…but that’s a story for another time!).
On sunny days, the tasting takes place in their beautiful gardens, nestled right at the foot of their vineyards. It’s the perfect setting to savor their exquisite champagnes and soak in the beauty of the region.
- Getting there: A 15-minute drive from Reims – 1 Rue Edmond Canard, 51500 Ludes
- Prices : from 24€ per adult
The Best Guided Tours Departing from Reims
Enhance your Visit to Champagne Houses in Reims with Guided Tour
When planning a visit to the Champagne Houses in Reims, a guided tour is an excellent way to make the most of your experience. You’ll benefit from the expertise of a local guide and enjoy seamless transportation between locations, allowing you to relax and fully appreciate the tastings. Most tours combine visits to both a major Champagne House and a smaller, independent producer, providing a well-rounded view of the champagne-making process.
Here are a few of my top recommendations for exploring Champagne Houses of Reims on a guided tour:
- Wine tour: 100% Winegrowers’ Private Day in Champagne, from Reims:
- A must-do after experiencing the grandeur of the larger Champagne Houses of Reims has to offer. This tour takes you off the beaten path to discover the passion and craftsmanship of independent winemakers. (Lunch included).
- Wine tour: Exclusive private day in Champagne, from Reims:
- Indulge in the ultimate luxury with a private tour! Enjoy the undivided attention of your guide as you visit two producers and one of the renowned Champagne Houses of Reims is known for, enjoying a tasting of nine Champagnes. (Lunch included).
- Wine tour: Afternoon Hautvillers e-bike tour, from Reims:
- Exploring the vineyards by bike is an absolute must-do! This tour picks you up in Reims and transports you to a charming village, where your cycling adventure begins.
- Wine tour: Champagne Full Day Wine Tour and winemaker’s meal, from Reims:
- I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing several activities with this tour company, and they consistently deliver excellence. This tour offers the perfect blend of education and enjoyment.
Remember: No designated driver needed on a guided tour – cheers to that!
Before you’ve even come to Reims, we’re sure you’ve already realised that you can’t have a holiday here without a dive into the heart of the most beautiful Champagne Houses. Discovering the incredible characteristic chalk pits and tasting the best vintages is a must for locals and visitors alike.
After discovering the secrets of champagne, we invite you to discover our beautiful Champagne region, as sparkling as the bubbles in your glass, between gastronomy, historical heritage and natural sites. We guarantee you will be totally charmed with all the activities that Reims has to offer.
We toast to the wonderful memories you will make!
You might also enjoy these articles about Reims:
- Champagne House Cellar Visit: Reims & Epernay Guide
- Best Champagne Houses to visit in Reims for First-Timers
- Best Champagne Tour from Paris
- Luxury hotels in Epernay and Reims
- Champagne Vineyard Accommodation: Lodging at the Winegrowers
- Why Harvest is the Best Time to Visit the Champagne Region ?
- How much does a weekend in Champagne Region really cost?
- Discover the Best Kids Activities in Champagne Region
- My Top Places to Explore When You Visit Reims
Because we love to give you our best advice and we are in love with our region, we invite you to book your stay in our gîtes to spend your best nights.