In the northeastern corner of France sits the Champagne region, known for its rolling vineyards and breathtaking villages. It’s very easy to access via train from Paris, making it a great option for either a day trip or a weekend getaway. Champagne is centred around towns such as Reims and Epernay, and it’s the only region in the world that’s legally allowed to produce real Champagne. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the region or you want to wander through the vineyards and sip on Champagne throughout the day, this region offers visitors a lot of great experiences. Finding the best Champagne houses in France along the way is a bonus – and a lot of fun!
The history of Champagne can be dated back to Roman times, but it wasn’t until the Middle Ages, and then later in the 17th century, that the region began to be defined by the sparkling drink. Figures such as Dom Perignon introduced new innovations into winemaking, which helped transform still wines into the Champagne of today. Over the centuries, Champagne became a symbol of luxury, favoured by celebrities, royalty, and featured in celebrations worldwide. This is what makes the Champagne region one of the most iconic in France, and it’s exactly why everyone should plan a trip here at least once.
Getting to Champagne from Paris
If you’re on the hunt for the best Champagne houses in France, you’re in luck because getting from Paris to the Champagne region is very simple. The fastest option is taking a high-speed train from Gare de l’Est, which will get you to Reims in 45 minutes or less. From there, you can easily travel to other towns, such as Epernay, by train or taxi.
Another option is taking a Flixbus from Paris to Reims, but this will take longer and you’re likely to hit traffic along the way. From the bus station in Reims, you can hop on a tram and it will take you into the town’s centre. The third option is to rent a car from Paris and drive if you want more flexibility to explore the region.
There are always guided tours from Paris available as well. This will allow you to visit Champagne in a stress-free way. With this option, you can enjoy several of the best Champagne Houses in France all in a single day.
The best Champagne houses in France
Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon has long had a reputation for having one of the best Champagne houses in France. It was founded in 1743, when it mainly supplied the European aristocracy. It’s tied very closely to Dom Perignon, which is its prestige cuvée that’s often used for celebrations worldwide. Although Moët & Chandon is seen by many as an expensive Champagne, the menu at their Champagne house will allow you to enjoy at least one glass without blowing a hole in your budget.
You’ll find Moët & Chandon’s Champagne house located along the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. It’s a must-visit for any visitor looking for a classic Champagne experience. If you want to join a tour, there are a few options available that include tastings of their main Champagnes. We opted to share a bottle in their Champagne bar instead of taking a tour, which is an equally enjoyable experience.
Veuve Clicquot
One of the most influential figures in wine history, Madame Clicquot, is behind the famous Veuve Clicquot brand today. In 1810 she revolutionaized Champagne production by creating the first vintage Champagne and inventing the riddling process, which is still very important in today’s Champagne world.
Veuve Clicquot is located in Reims, near several other popular Champagne houses. It’s famous for its signature yellow label as well as its boldness. This is one of the best Champagne houses in France in terms of its guided tours. A visit will take you into the UNESCO-listed chalk cellars where you can learn about the winemaking techniques and the brand’s history. Visitors can also opt for wine tasting on the outdoor patio, or there’s also the option to buy a single glass of Champagne if you prefer.
Ruinart
Did you know that Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house in France? It was founded in 1729, emerging shortly after a royal decree that allowed wine to be shipped in bottles rather than barrels. This meant that Champagne could be transported into wider markets and grow on the international stage.
Ruinart is also located in Reims, and it stands out thanks to its stunning underground chalk caves as well as its focus on Chardonnay. Some of the caves even date back to Roman times, so there’s a lot of history to uncover here. Apart from taking a guided tour of Ruinart’s Champagne cellars, their tastings highlight their Blanc de Blancs and rosé cuvées, but there are also premium options available by the bottle, which works out well in price if you’re visiting with a small group.
Champagne Pommery
For me, one of the best Champagne houses in France is Champagne Pommery. It was founded in 1858 and quickly became famous for its drier style of Champagne, known as Brut. This pioneering Champagne has helped shape modern tastes. Under the leadership of Madame Pommery, the house transformed the perception of Champagne as a refined drink as well as production methods.
Pommery is also located in Reims, and it boasts one of the most unique underground cellars in the region. Their cellars double as contemporary art galleries, creating a unique blend of wine and culture. I’d highly recommend going on a guided tour of Pommery’s wine cellars if you have time. There are several tour options available, including one that finishes with a 3-course lunch menu, focusing on seasonal dishes, which are then paired with some of their most popular Champagnes.
Boizel
Some of the best Champagne houses in France aren’t necessarily the most well-known. For example, Boizel is a family-run Champagne house that has maintained an intimate approach compared to larger brands. It dates back to 1834, and over the generations, it’s built a strong reputation for precision winemaking.
Boizel is located in Epernay, and it’s ideal for travellers looking for a quieter and less touristy approach to Champagne tasting. They have a variety of wine-tasting options available, and you can enjoy the experience in their beautiful historic courtyard if the weather is cooperating. What’s nice about the Champagne experience from Boizel is that each glass is paired with a card that further details the background of the Champagne and how it’s produced. A knowledgeable guide is also available throughout the experience.
Besserat de Bellefon
For a boutique-style experience in Epernay, I’d recommend visiting Besserat de Bellefon. This Champagne house was founded in 1843, and it’s popular for its Champagne that’s specifically designed to be paired with food. Cuvée des Moines is their signature Champagne, which is crafted with bubbles that are 30% smaller than regular Champagne. This gives it a more gastronomic and softer profile.
Tastings here sometimes focus on food pairings as well as vintage selections, but you’ll have no problems popping in for a glass of Champagne or ordering a bottle from the menu. Besserat de Bellefon may not be at the top of everyone’s list of the best Champagne houses in France, but it shouldn’t be missed if you prefer hidden gems rather than tourist-oriented houses.
Perrier-Jouët
Another hidden gem in Epernay worth grabbing a glass of Champagne at is Perrier-Jouët. This Champagne house was founded in 1811, and it quickly gained international attention thanks to its distinctive bottles and its delicate Champagne. Perrier-Jouët is known for its floral style and its connection to Art Nouveau design. If the weather is nice when you visit the Champagne region, you should sit in their courtyard, which is surrounded by plants that create an oasis in the middle of the town.
Perrier-Jouët boasts one of the largest private Art Nouveau collections in Europe, and inside the main building, you can admire some of these pieces. Although most of their wine-tasting experiences are by appointment only, you can still order a bottle to the table and pair the Champagne with a light snack or lunch.
Champagne de Venoge
If you’re a history enthusiast like me, you should jump at the chance to visit Champagne de Venoge in Epernay. This is among the best Champagne houses in France for me, as it perfectly blends tradition with a modern feel. Champagne de Venoge was founded in 1837, and it’s historically known for supplying European courts. Since its founding, it’s maintained its reputation for quality while growing its visitor experiences.
This is another Champagne house where you can order snacks to pair alongside your Champagne, such as bread and cheese platters. We didn’t do a Champagne pairing session here, but we did order a bottle to share, and it was fantastic. You can even take a photo with Louis XV, who has a Champagne flute in his hand while relaxing on an armchair after signing the decree that allowed Champagne to be shipped in bottles worldwide.
Bollinger
One of the best Champagne houses in France is Bollinger, and it’s one of the few houses that is still family-owned. Bollinger was established in 1829, and most people know it for its rich, complex wines that age very well. Sadly, the house was closed when we passed by during our double-decker bus tour of Champagne, but we still managed to get a photo outside of the gates.
Bollinger is located a short drive from Epernay, in the countryside, and it offers a traditional experience for visitors. Its prestige cuvées are big highlights of any tastings, and visits tend to require advance booking. However, the journey to Bollinger is definitely worth it, as visitors are rewarded with a more authentic look at the heritage and craftsmanship of Champagne.
Where to stay in Champagne
L’Élégance Vue Parc
If this is your first time visiting the Champagne region, a good place to base yourself is in Reims. It’s considered the unofficial capital of the region, and it combines historic charm with great transportation links and easy access to Champagne houses nearby. The town is also very walkable, so it’s convenient if you want to maximize your stay.
We spent three nights at L’Élégance Vue Parc, which is a beautiful 3-bedroom, spacious apartment located in the centre of Reims. It also includes two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large living room. It’s a great choice for up to six people, but there’s no elevator in the building, so it may not be the most accessible. Its central location really can’t be beat for the price, though.
Why Champagne is worth visiting
Champagne is much more than a destination for wine-lovers. It’s a region that blends culture, history, and unique experiences that cover everything from centuries-old wine cellar tours to historic towns and world-class restaurants. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best Champagne houses in France or you simply want to enjoy the region at a leisurely pace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There’s a reason why Champagne continues to draw in millions of visitors from around the world every year, and it’s completely up to you how you want to experience it.
If you have any questions about what to do in Champagne or how to find the best Champagne houses in France, please get in touch. You can reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. And don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok as well, where you’ll find more helpful travel tips and ideas about where to explore next.
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