10 Unforgettable things to do in Champagne, France



Hi everyone! Iโ€™m Sarah, and Iโ€™m thrilled to welcome you back to this article, where Iโ€™ll share the things to do (and MUST DO, to be honest) in the Champagne region, France.

If youโ€™ve been following along, you know weโ€™re passionate about sharing the magic of our beloved Champagne region. In my article outlining 12 fantastic activities in Champagne, we explored a range of experiences for every kind of traveler. But letโ€™s be honest, if youโ€™re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, celebrating something extraordinary, or gathering your best friends for an unforgettable girlsโ€™ getaway, you want to make sure you experience the absolute crรจme de la crรจme of Champagne, right?

Thatโ€™s where this post comes in. Consider it your curated guide to the 6 most essential things to do in Champagne, Franceโ€”a carefully selected collection of experiences guaranteed to create lasting memories. Whether you dream of losing yourself in breathtaking vineyard views or indulging in luxurious champagne tastings, this list has something special in store for you.

Ready to pop open a bottle of adventure and discover the heart of Champagne? Letโ€™s dive right in!

Where to sleep in Epernay โ€“ Champagne Region ?

Studio 86
Epernay

2 people Studio Kitchenette Bathroom

Terrasse 86
Epernay

Up to 6 people 2 bedrooms Kitchen 2 Bathrooms Rooftop Terrace

Jacuzzi 86
Epernay

Up to 4 people 2 bedrooms Kitchen 2 Bathrooms Outdoor Terrace

Magnum 80
Epernay

Up to 6 people 3 bedrooms Kitchen 2 Bathrooms Outdoor Terrace

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.

Champagne on any budget: Sabrage experience is a must-do

No trip to Champagne is complete without experiencing the thrill of sabrage! This exhilarating tradition involves opening a champagne bottle with a saber โ€“ yes, you read that right! โ€“ and itโ€™s an absolute must-do, no matter your budget. Imagine the satisfying swoosh of the blade, the celebratory pop of the cork (or should we say, the top of the bottle!), and the gasps of amazement from your fellow travelers. Itโ€™s a moment of pure joy and a quintessential Champagne experience.

Now, before you get any ideas about grabbing the nearest kitchen knife and a bottle of bubbly, a word of caution: while sabrage is incredibly fun, itโ€™s essential to prioritize safety. Champagne bottles are under pressure, and attempting this technique without proper instruction and precautions can lead to accidents.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • Always learn from an expert: Seek out a reputable Champagne house, local guide, or sabrage instructor who can teach you the correct technique.
  • Identify the weak point on the bottle: Thereโ€™s a specific seam along the neck of the bottle that youโ€™ll target with the saber.
  • Chill the champagne thoroughly: This helps reduce the pressure inside the bottle, making it safer to saber.

Trust me, every time I introduce friends and family to sabrage, it becomes a highlight of their trip. To help you find the perfect spot for your own sabrage adventure, Iโ€™ve put together a list of Champagne houses and local guides that offer this unforgettable experience, complete with expert instruction to ensure a safe and exciting experience. Donโ€™t miss out!

Sabrage experience at Champagne Desloovere Bruny-Vaudancourt Champagne region France

Planning the ultimate girlsโ€™ trip to Champagne, France?

Bachelorette party in Champagne? Brilliant idea! Milestone birthday celebration? Youโ€™re in the right place! Anniversary getaway with your best friends in Champagne Region? Another excellent reason to visit! Champagne sets the stage for unforgettable moments.

Imagine this: you and your crew cruising through the picturesque vineyards of Champagne, sipping champagne, and even trying your hand at sabrage on a rooftop bus tour! Starting from either Reims or Epernay, this three-hour adventure offers stunning views of the vineyards, stops at iconic points of interest, and one of the most fun and memorable ways to experience the region with a group.

Perfect for creating unforgettable memories, this experience is a must for anyone planning a girlsโ€™ trip to Champagne!

Weekend in Champagne region 
planning bachelorette party in Champagne region

Become a grape picker โ€“ Experience the harvest firsthand

Want to delve deeper into the heart of Champagne? Why not try a โ€œGrape Picker for a dayโ€ experience! This increasingly popular activity gives you the unique opportunity to participate in the grape harvest alongside the experts.

From meeting the winemaker and harvesting grapes to exploring cellars, witnessing pressing, and savoring a well-earned tastingโ€”complete with a diploma and fresh grapes as souvenirs.

Harvest typically occurs between mid-August and mid-September.

  • Adults: โ‚ฌ69
  • Children (7 to 17 years): โ‚ฌ19
  • Free for children under 7 years old
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Reims Tourisme

โซธ Wondering why harvest season is the absolute best time to experience Champagne? I explain everything here.

vineyards in champagne region

Soar above the vineyards in a hot air balloon is a thing to do in Champagne

Okay, Iโ€™ll admit itโ€”this is one experience Iโ€™m dying to try myself!

Imagine yourself floating above the Champagne vineyards in a hot air balloon, gently rising into the sky. Below, the landscape stretches out like a living paintingโ€”rolling hills and perfectly aligned rows of vines. The panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking. Can you imagine a better way to experience the heart of Champagne?

For me, as a local, autumn is the perfect season for this kind of adventure. The vineyards turn into a patchwork of gold and crimson hues, creating a stunning backdrop for what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This isnโ€™t just about the views; itโ€™s about truly connecting with the magic of the region in a way thatโ€™s unforgettable. A hot air balloon ride over Champagne is the kind of memory youโ€™ll treasure forever. Wouldnโ€™t you love to try it?

(P.S. My dearest darling, if youโ€™re reading this, my birthday is just around the cornerโ€ฆ hint, hint!)

Where to stay in Champagne Region ?

Book the best accommodation in top Champagne towns

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Unlock the secrets of Champagne: Masterclass experiences for wine lovers

If youโ€™re serious about your champagne, a masterclass is an absolute must. Itโ€™s easy to confuse tastings with masterclasses, but hereโ€™s the key difference: a tasting offers a delicious introduction to Champagne, while a masterclass takes you deep into the world of winemaking. They can even complement each other!

Hereโ€™s what you can expect from a Champagne masterclass:

  • In-depth exploration of grape varietals, terroir, vintages, and specific production techniques.
  • Comparative tastings of different cuvรฉes or Champagnes from various houses.
  • Expert guidance from an oenologist, sommelier, or winemaker.

Here is a list of Champagne masterclasses:

Enjoy a full day of tasting with a driver is one of best things to do in Champagne

One of my favorite things about Champagne is that you can fully enjoy the experience without the stress of driving. Whether youโ€™re joining a guided tour or using local transportation, itโ€™s all about making the most of your time here. My friends from Australia always say, โ€œChampagne is for celebrating, not for rushing,โ€ and I couldnโ€™t agree more! The joy is in savoring each moment and discovering the region at a leisurely pace.

Hereโ€™s my advice for planning the perfect champagne tasting tour:

Hire a driver for the day

One of the best ways to fully enjoy your day in Champagne is by hiring a driver. You have two options:

  • Personalized driver service: You provide your itinerary, the number of people, and the schedule in advance, and your driver ensures everything runs smoothly.
  • Tour guide service: A guide can plan the entire day for you, including the visits and timing, based on their expertise. Donโ€™t hesitate to share your preferences and must-visit spots to make the day truly personalized.

NEED A PRIVATE DRIVER IN CHAMPAGNE ?

Iโ€™ve been recommending Elron VTC for years โ€“ a professional, punctual, and English-speaking driver, perfect for transfers and private tours.

Paris/Airport transfers from โ‚ฌ175 (3 pers) โ€“ โ‚ฌ235 (8 pers) โ€“ โ‚ฌ10 discount code SARAH10
Private chauffeur from โ‚ฌ55/hour (3 pers) โ€“ โ‚ฌ65/hour (8 pers) โ€“ โ‚ฌ20 off code SARAH20 (for bookings +4hours min)

Book your visits in advance

Many of the smaller producers and Champagne Houses require reservations, so planning ahead is essential. To simplify the process, consider using platforms like Winalist or Rue des Vignerons. These websites let you input your preferred dates and location to see available tours and tastings nearby. Itโ€™s the best option for finding experiences that match your schedule while discovering hidden gems in the region.

Limit yourself to 2-3 visits

It might be tempting to fit in as many stops as possible, but pacing yourself is key to enjoying the day. Two visits are ideal, allowing you to truly savor each experience and tasting. If youโ€™re feeling ambitious, three visits are the absolute maximum. Take the time to soak in the atmosphere, learn about the process, and enjoy the Champagne without feeling rushed.

Visit a champagne house in Epernay in one of the things to do in Champagne Region

Pack a picnic or plan for lunch at a winery

A lunch break can add so much charm to your day, especially if it includes local cuisine paired with Champagne. Some wineries offer Champagne lunches, giving you a 2-in-1 experience of fine dining and tasting. Here are a few options to consider:

Champagne lunch - Things to do in Champagne

For the ultimate experience, I recommend choosing a tour package that includes lunch, a visit to a prestigious Champagne house, and a stop at a smaller independent winegrower. Itโ€™s the perfect way to experience the full spectrum of Champagne!

Pressoria: discover Champagne with all five senses

Just a few minutes from Epernay, in the charming village of Aรฟ-Champagne, Pressoria offers something truly different. Set in a former pressing centre, this interactive sensory museum invites you to experience Champagne through light, sound, smell, touch and of courseโ€ฆ taste!

Perfect if you want a more immersive and educational Champagne experience. Whether itโ€™s your first time in the region or youโ€™ve been before, Pressoria is a top activity near Epernay thatโ€™s well worth a visit.

Pressoria is a thing to do in Champagne Region France

Cave aux Coquillages: fossils and Champagne under one roof

For something completely unexpected, head to La Cave aux Coquillages in Fleury-la-Riviรจre. This one-of-a-kind Champagne region activity mixes geology, history and wine in the most surprising way. Youโ€™ll explore a natural cave filled with incredibly well-preserved marine fossils from over 45 million years ago, back when the region was covered by the sea.

Your guide, Patrice, is full of passion and fascinating facts, and yes โ€” Champagne is still being aged down there! Itโ€™s an off-the-beaten-path experience thatโ€™s great all year round (just donโ€™t forget a sweater, the cave is naturally cool). A true hidden gem for curious minds.

La cave aux Coquillages - unusual activity in Champagne Region

Explore the vineyards in a vintage van

Want to explore Champagne in a vintage van? Climb aboard a restored 1980s Estafette van with this amazing, friendly brother and sister to discover the vineyards. This fun and quirky ride takes you through scenic vineyard roads, offering a relaxed way to enjoy the countryside.

Your guides, Maeva and Romain, share local stories, vineyard secrets and lots of good humour along the way. Itโ€™s definitely one of the most charming things to do around Epernay โ€” perfect if you want to mix discovery with a bit of nostalgia and lots of smiles.

a vineyards tour in Epernay in one the the thing to do in champagne region

Cycle through Champagneโ€™s vineyards with ease

If youโ€™re looking for a more active yet peaceful experience, renting an electric bike is a fantastic way to explore the region. Whether youโ€™re sporty or just love being outdoors, this is a lovely way to slow down and soak in the Champagne landscape.

You can rent e-bikes in Epernay, Reims or nearby villages, and either follow a GPS route at your own pace or join a guided tour. A pro will lead you safely through the vines, sharing insights about the seasons, the winemakersโ€™ work, and local history. Itโ€™s a refreshing and enriching activity, ideal for connecting with nature โ€” and with Champagne, of course!

Greenway in champagne region - marne - visit champagne region

And there you have it โ€“ six unforgettable experiences that are sure to make your trip to the Champagne region of France absolutely magical! Whether youโ€™re sipping bubbly on a rooftop tour, trying your hand at sabrage, or immersing yourself in the harvest season, there are so many incredible things to do in Champagne. From breathtaking vineyard views to world-class champagne houses, this region offers an abundance of places to visit and things to see that will captivate your senses and create lasting memories. So start planning your Champagne adventure today, and get ready to pop open a world of unforgettable experiences.


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