Only a short train ride from the bustling city of Paris, the region of Champagne boasts a quieter beauty. The part of France is often overlooked for its sunny, vibrant neighbors of Provence and the French Riviera, but the reality is Champagne is a wealth waiting to be tapped. Given its close proximity to the French capital, it’s doable to take a day trip to Champagne. But at French Side Travel, we encourage you to reconsider a short journey to this part of France. From its sophisticated champagne experiences to its exquisite scenery, the region of Champagne deserves more than just a day. Here’s how to spend a weekend in Champagne with some of the best activities to enjoy in this region.
How to Spend a Weekend in the Champagne Region
How to Get to the Champagne Region
One of the main towns in Champagne, Reims is easily accessible from Paris. By car, it takes a little under two hours to get to Reims; by train, it’s a quick 40-minute train ride. We recommend flying into one of Paris’ airports and then taking the train or our private transfer option to get to Reims.
What is the Champagne Region Known For?
There’s no element of surprise for this region’s claim to fame: champagne. Not any sparkling wine can be labeled “champagne.” Keep your eyes peeled for the AOP, or mark of authenticity, label on the bottles. Some of the region’s AOP appellations include: Champagne, Côteax champenois and Rosé des Riceys, per INAO.
But what makes champagne so special? There are multiple ways to make sparkling wine, but following the Champagne tradition, the wine is fermented a second time, and the process from still to sparkling all happens within the wine bottle, according to Wine Folly. In Champagne, the wine must age at least 15 months, and the bottles are flipped upside down so that the dead yeast sediment collects in the bottle neck. After the lees is popped out of the bottle through disgorging, an exposition liqueur is added before finishing the bottling process, per Wine Folly.
Curious about the different wine regions of France and the wine-making culture? Read our beginner’s guide to understanding French wine.
Best Activities in the Champagne Region
If you’re hoping to taste France’s Champagne region to the fullest, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for gastronomic or adventurous experiences, we’ve rounded up some of the best activities in the Champagne region. At French Side Travel, we’ll take care of the logistics and organization so that you can concentrate on sipping champagne and exploring the region.
Guided Visit to Maison Ruinart with Wine Tasting and Meal
For the French, wine is not simply a beverage; there is so much chemistry, history and tradition in each glass. During your visit to the Champagne region, French Side Travel can organize a private guided tour of Maison Ruinart’s cellars. More than 100 feet under the surface, the crayères, or Ruinart chalk quarries, house Maison Ruinart’s wine bottles. Although the quarries were mined around the 5th century, it wasn’t until the 1700s that the Ruinart family started to purpose these quarries as their wine cellars, according to the Ruinart site. Your private visit will include a visit of these underground cellars as well as champagne tasting. During your visit, you’ll also savor a 5-course meal at Maison Ruinart. Don’t worry; you’ll get to taste a glass of its Prestige Cuvée!
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Take a Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over Champagne
What better way to see the terroir of Champagne than from a hot-air balloon? With French Side Travel, you can indulge in a hot-air balloon experience over the wine region of Champagne. Float above the rolling vineyards where the champagne you’ll be sipping on had its start. Our pilot will serve some champagne for you as you marvel at the region’s beauty. You’ll even have the opportunity to assist the pilot by preparing the canvas or firing up the balloon if you’d like.
Fly through Champagne with a Former Military Pilot
If you’re searching for an exhilarating activity in Champagne, look no further. See the region of Champagne from an aerobatic aircraft at low altitude. You’ll be escorted by a former fighter pilot, who has embarked upon Rafale and Mirage jets. Before takeoff, you’ll complete a safety check and mission briefing with your pilot. Ready for takeoff!
Secret Cellar Visit and Tasting in Champagne
If you’re on the hunt for an exclusive activity for your trip to Champagne, we have what you’re looking for. With French Side Travel, you can enjoy a private guided tour with a Moët & Chandon ambassador to Fort Chabrol, its private domain near Epernay. Indulge in a stroll through its vineyards, wander its underground tunnels, discover the centuries-old tradition of champagne-making, including manual disgorging of the bottles. You’ll also have the privilege to sip on glasses of Grand Vintage 2015 and Grand Vintage Rosé 2015. Of all the best activities in the Champagne region, a wine tasting is must!
Where to Stay in Champagne
Château de Sacy
Unwind with a stay in the Château de Sacy, a five-star hotel in the midst of vineyards just outside of Reims. This hotel offers 12 elegantly designed rooms and an on-site restaurant overlooking the vineyards. Don’t forget a trip to its champagne bar where you can sip on regional specialities. Treat yourself to a visit to its Nordic bath and sauna or a Gemology facial in its spa.
Whether you’re craving an authentic flute of champagne or wanting to see the terroir with your own eyes, we’re sure these best activities in the Champagne region will inspire your weekend in this area just east of Paris. At French Side Travel, we’re ready to help you plan your trip to the region of Champagne. You might also be interested in: Three Wonderful Nights in Champagne or An Incredible Wine Trip to the Champagne Region.
