Must-visit cities in Champagne

 

Reims and Épernay are the two main cities of the Champagne region, both with deep historical and cultural ties to the champagne industry.

 

Reims & Epernay

• Reims: Often considered the unofficial capital of the Champagne region, Reims is famous for its grand Champagne houses and its role in French history, especially the coronation of kings in the impressive Gothic-style Reims Cathedral.
  The city hosts renowned Champagne houses like Mumm, Taittinger, and Pommery, making it a key destination for those interested in the history and production of champagne.

• Épernay: Known as the "official" capital of Champagne, Épernay is most famous for the Avenue de Champagne, where some of the most prestigious champagne houses, including Mercier and Perrier-Jouët, have their headquarters. Épernay offers an immersive champagne experience, from grand cellar tours to tastings.

Both cities offer unique insights into the champagne industry and its history, and are central to any visit to the Champagne region.

Beyond the main cities of Reims and Épernay, there are several other noteworthy villages and towns in the Champagne region that are famous for their smaller winegrowers, scenic landscapes, and rich heritage. Among them, Aÿ, Hautvillers, and Rilly-la-Montagne are particularly well-known.

 

Aÿ

• Aÿ-Champagne is a historic village known for its long association with winemaking and champagne production. It is classified as a Grand Cru village, meaning its vineyards are among the finest in the region. Some of the region's most prestigious houses, like Bollinger, have vineyards here.
• Aÿ is also celebrated for its traditional, family-run champagne producers, where visitors can explore the art of winemaking on a more intimate scale.

 

Hautvillers

• Often referred to as the "Cradle of Champagne," Hautvillers is famously associated with Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk who contributed to the development of champagne as we know it today.
• The village is perched on a hill offering stunning views of the Marne Valley, and its picturesque streets are lined with small, independent winegrowers. It's a great place to discover smaller, artisanal producers while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding vineyards.
• The Abbey of Saint Peter, where Dom Pérignon once worked, is also located here, making it an essential stop for champagne history enthusiasts.

 

Rilly-la-Montagne

• Rilly-la-Montagne is a charming village situated in the Montagne de Reims area, known for its exceptional vineyards. Like Aÿ, it is classified as a Premier Cru village and is renowned for its high-quality grapes.
• The village is dotted with small, family-run wineries where visitors can get a closer look at traditional champagne-making techniques. Rilly-la-Montagne (near Reims) is also admired for its scenic landscapes and is a peaceful retreat for those wanting to explore the Champagne countryside. 

These villages are not only important for their champagne production but also for their beautiful surroundings, offering visitors a blend of world-class champagne and an authentic, rural Champagne experience.

 

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