The Champagne vineyard, located in the former province of the same name, extends mainly in the Grand Est region (Aube, Marne) and parts of Aisne and Seine-et-Marne. It is famous for its champagne, a globally renowned sparkling wine. But this region is not limited to this flagship product: it also offers Rosé des Riceys, as well as red, white, and rosé wines. The latter, formerly called "natural wines from Champagne," have been known as Coteaux Champenois since obtaining AOC status in 1974. Heirs to the still wines that once rivaled Burgundies, they reflect the viticultural diversity of Champagne, which is not limited to its iconic bubbles.

HISTORIQUE DES VINS DE BOURGOGNE

The Champagne vineyard, established thanks to Benedictine abbeys such as Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers (founded in 650), developed over the centuries. Dom Pérignon, a key figure of the 17th century, perfected winemaking techniques, notably blending, laying the foundation for the Champagne method. In 1114, the Great Champagne Charter officially recognized this vineyard. From the 17th century, Champagne wines, especially sparkling ones, captivated English consumers, boosting their reputation. In the 19th century, prestigious houses such as Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot innovated and expanded exports to European and American courts. Veuve Clicquot pioneered the riddling table in 1818. The 20th century marked strict regulation, with Champagne appellation protection beginning in 1911 and the creation of the Champagne Interprofessional Committee in 1941. Large groups like LVMH contributed to the global expansion of iconic brands such as Dom Pérignon and Ruinart. Meanwhile, the region's still wines, known as Coteaux Champenois, obtained AOC status in 1974, though their production remains limited. Since 2016, a project between Châlons-en-Champagne and the Nancy School of Architecture has led to the construction of vineyard huts in areas like the Montagne de Reims, promoting wine tourism. This architectural program resumed in 2024, further enhancing the cultural and touristic influence of the vineyard.

Champagne wines are globally renowned for their quality, effervescence, and traditional production method. Origin and Terroir: Champagne is exclusively produced in the Champagne wine region in northeastern France. The chalky soils (chalk, marl, limestone) play a crucial role, regulating water well and providing a unique minerality to the wines. The region's cool climate favors high acidity in the grapes, essential for producing high-quality sparkling wines. The Champagne Method: This traditional method involves several key steps: Winemaking: A double fermentation is carried out, the second taking place in the bottle. This fermentation produces effervescence through the addition of yeast and sugar. Riddling: The bottles are slowly tilted to concentrate sediments in the neck. Disgorging: The deposits are removed before adding the dosage liqueur, which adjusts sweetness levels according to the desired Champagne style. These techniques, combined with the exceptional terroir, make Champagne wines exceptional products appreciated worldwide.

REIMS

• Maison Ruinart: Visit the Gallo-Roman chalk pits and discover their cuvées.
• Maison Taittinger: Explore 18 km of underground galleries and taste their Champagne.
• Maison Vranken-Pommery: Admire the immense chalk pits and artworks displayed during tours.
• Maison GH Mumm: Ideal for deepening your knowledge of tasting.

ÉPERNAY (LA CAPITALE DU CHAMPAGNE)

• Moët & Chandon: Discover the history of Dom Pérignon and visit their spectacular cellars.
• Mercier: A small train tour through the cellars is perfect for families.
• De Castellane: Identifiable by its iconic tower, their Champagne Museum is fascinating.

TROYES

• Historic center: Walk through medieval streets and half-timbered houses.
• Gothic churches: Visit Saint-Pierre Cathedral and Sainte-Madeleine Church.
• Museum of Modern Art: Exhibits works by Matisse and Braque.
• Outlet shopping: Shopping at centers like McArthurGlen.
• Specialties: Try Andouillette and Prunelle de Troyes.

CHARLEVILLE-MEZIERES

• Place Ducale: Beautiful Renaissance square, city center.
• Rimbaud Museum: Discover the history of poet Arthur Rimbaud.
• Saint-Rémi Church: Magnificent Gothic church.
• Nature: Walk in Mont Olympe Park and the Green Way.
• Specialties: Taste local products like cheese and craft beers.

VILLAGES HISTORIQUES

• Hautvillers: Village where Dom Pérignon perfected Champagne. The abbey church houses his tomb.
• Aÿ-Champagne: UNESCO World Heritage site, offering incredible views and tastings in small estates.
• Les Riceys: Unique village with three AOCs: Champagne, Coteaux Champenois, and Rosé des Riceys.

NATURE ET PATRIMOINE

• Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park: Ideal for hikes in the vineyards and forests.
• Lac du Der: Perfect for watching common cranes in autumn or relaxing in summer.
• Champagne Park in Reims: A peaceful place for a picnic or a stroll.

HOTELS ET MAISONS AU CŒUR DES VIGNES

• Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa (Champillon) : Luxe, gastronomie et bien-être avec une vue sur les vignobles.
• Les Avisés (Avize) : Maison d'hôtes charmante avec un restaurant gastronomique.
• Le Château de Sacy : Élégance et raffinement dans un cadre exceptionnel.

EVENEMENTS LOCAUX

• La Fête de la Champagne : En juin à Épernay, avec des dégustations et animations festives.
• Vendanges : En automne, assistez à la récolte du raisin et participez à des ateliers vinicoles.