Reims, France, EU - June 27, 2012: Yellow city tram on the streets of Reims started in 2011 and is seen here on Cours Jean Baptiste Langlet in in this French city.
The people of Champagne have a lot to be proud about. Not only do they produce one of the world’s most celebrated fizzy drinks, the region was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2015, meaning it’s an even greater destination for foodies and culture vultures alike. But while it’s right at the heart of the country, the Champagne region offers more than an authentic drink – as our travel guide shows, there’s a little something for everyone if you’re thinking of booking one of our luxury villas and chateaux in Champagne.
The region of Champagne is inextricably tied to its most famous export, and much like the wine, it is a part of France that bubbles with life. From the sparkling lakes of its natural parks to the refined elegance of its cathedrals and castles, Champagne is a region that exudes class and appeals to the senses. Drinking the fizzy wine is de rigueur, of course, and the region has become well equipped to deal with the hordes of connoisseurs who visit. Head off the vineyard trails, however, and you’ll find beautiful undiscovered landscapes, pretty historic towns and a whole host of activities to delight kids and grown-ups alike. This is a region that favours the adventurous, so strike out of the main tourist trail to explore your own corner of the country.
The wineries of Champagne usually throw open their doors from February through to October. But even in the winter months (between November and January), most will allow you to visit with an appointment. As such, there’s no bad time to take a holiday in this region.
The season for harvesting grapes, usually in mid-autumn, changes every year according to the climate, and is always an exciting time to come. In summer, you’ll usually find the vines at their greenest and fullest. France’s peak tourist season between July and August strikes Champagne as with everywhere, so visit either side of those months to avoid the long lines of people who may disturb your rural idyll.
Given its famous links to alcohol, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Champagne is not exactly child-friendly. But the truth is that the bubbly stuff is just one small aspect of the region’s identity and there are copious options available for those who haven’t yet developed a taste for wine. The geography of these lands lends itself well to fun outdoor activities: kids can disappear into woods, swing around high ropes courses and kayak across lakes. And there are also adventure and theme parks aplenty, which are undeniably fun – no matter what age you are.
What’s more, adults travelling with kids don’t have to forgo the pleasures of the region’s wine; there are a number of attractions that make the world of viticulture accessible and entertaining to kids. Many of the wine houses welcome children and curious kids will have a ball riding trains through cellars and wandering among the grape-laden vines.Here are a few activities in Champagne that are fun for the whole family.
Did you like these activities? You can see more with our best kid activities in Champagne.
Making the most out of your time in Champagne while on a group getaway is not necessarily about what you do, it’s about how you do it. This isn’t to say there isn’t much to do, far from it; from World War I battlefield tours and engaging museums to immersive puzzle games and horseback riding, Champagne offers a plethora of grown-up group activities.However, the ‘how’ of the matter is what makes your stay in the region truly unforgettable.
You can travel between vineyards churning up mud on the back of a quad bike or drift serenely over the neatly patterned fields in a hot air balloon. There are any number of ways to get around the countryside, and your group could choose from excursions where you run, cycle, horse ride or cruise in a boat around the area. Discovering Champagne was always going to be memorable, but the variety of ways you can do that is what makes a group holiday to the region truly special.
We’ve rounded up even more fun group activities in Champagne.
You can’t turn a corner in Champagne without running into a vineyard, which can make distinguishing the truly-great from the so-so fizz rather hard. The key to a positive experience on the wine routes is to determine the winemaker’s authenticity; look for those with the badge of approval from the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, or CIVC.Despite the hype surrounding the vineyards, it’s worth remembering that the culinary delights of Champagne do not begin and end with the legendary sparkling wine.
This region also offers a broad selection of gourmet restaurants and atmospheric dining venues as well as lots of delicious local specialties including soft and creamy Chaource cheese, pied de cochon (pig’s feet) from the town of Sainte Ménéhould and Reims vinegar (which is derived from Champagne). You can even visit a stubbornly different whisky distillery.From restaurants to Champagne wine tours, we’ve rounded up 10 of the top food and wine experiences in the region.
We have even more treats for you! We have selected 10 of the best food experiences in Champagne.
Featured Villas: Chateau Ridou: Whole Site, Chateau de Jaques, Chateau Beaucharm, Chateau Ridou, Chateau Ridou and Gite.
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