Aerial view of golden autumn vineyards and the stunning Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

January 21, 2026

10 Things to Do in Champagne for Wine Lovers

Interim Travel Design Manager

Champagne might be synonymous with celebration, but France’s most famous sparkling wine region has far more to offer than just a quick cellar tour and a clinked flute.

Beyond the prestige labels and polished tasting rooms, Champagne is a place of gentle vineyard hills, historic villages and experiences that reward those who slow down and look a little closer.

If you’re planning a trip in 2026, this guide brings together the very best things to do in Champagne for wine lovers, blending iconic highlights with the best insider-led experiences that reveal the region’s quieter, more soulful side.

Our 10 Favourite Things to Do in Champagne

1. Float Above the Vines in a Hot Air Balloon

Seeing Champagne from the ground is beautiful. Seeing it from the air is unforgettable. A hot air balloon flight over the vineyards offers a rare sense of perspective, revealing the patchwork of vines that stretch across the Montagne de Reims and the Marne Valley.

Flights usually take place at sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and the air is calm.

SmoothRed tip: morning flights tend to be smoother and offer clearer views, especially in late spring and early autumn. Drifting silently above Grand Cru villages is one of the most magical things to do in Champagne for wine lovers who want something truly special.

2. Tour the Caves and Cellars of Iconic Champagne Houses

Champagne’s underground cellars are as impressive as the wines themselves. Beneath towns like Reims and Épernay lies a labyrinth of chalk cellars, known as crayères, where millions of bottles age slowly in cool, constant conditions.

While the major houses are world famous, our insider tip is to book a private tour to lesser-known producers alongside the big names. These often allow for more detailed explanations and relaxed tastings, sometimes with the winemakers themselves. Exploring these cellars is one of the most essential things to do in Champagne, offering insight into the patience and precision behind every bottle.

3. Experience the Art of Sabrage With a Sommelier

Few wine rituals are as theatrical as sabrage, the technique of opening a Champagne bottle with a sword. Rooted in Napoleonic history, it’s more than just a party trick when taught properly.

Private or small-group sabrage experiences led by a sommelier focus on technique, safety and storytelling.

You’ll learn why the bottle breaks where it does and how Champagne’s pressure makes it possible.

SmoothRed tip: ask about the history of sabrage in military and celebratory traditions. It’s one of the most playful yet educational things to do in the Champagne region.

4. Visit a Cooperage Workshop to See How Barrels Are Made

Although stainless steel is common in Champagne, oak barrels still play an important role, particularly for reserve wines and Grower Champagnes. Visiting a cooperage offers a fascinating look at this often-overlooked craft.

You’ll see oak staves shaped, heated and assembled by hand, with the scent of toasted wood filling the air.

SmoothRed insight: many modern Champagne producers are returning to subtle oak use to add texture rather than flavour. A cooperage visit adds depth to your understanding and is a brilliant complement to cellar tastings.

5. Visit the Grave of Dom Pérignon at the Abbaye d’Hautvillers

No Champagne itinerary is complete without a visit to Hautvillers, the hilltop village often described as the birthplace of Champagne. Here, at the Abbaye d’Hautvillers, you’ll find the grave of Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk whose work helped shape modern Champagne production.

While many myths surround his role, the abbey remains a powerful symbol of the region’s heritage.

SmoothRed tip: arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon when tour groups thin out. The views over the vineyards below are spectacular and invite a moment of reflection.

6. Enjoy a Perfectly Paired Sushi and Champagne Dinner

Champagne is one of the most food-friendly wines in the world, and few pairings show this better than sushi and Champagne. The wine’s acidity and fine bubbles cut through richness while enhancing delicate flavours.

Look for restaurants and private dining experiences that explore different styles, from Blanc de Blancs with sashimi to rosé Champagne with tuna.

SmoothRed insight: vintage Champagnes often shine with umami-rich dishes. This modern pairing is one of the most surprising and enjoyable things to do in Champagne for wine lovers.

7. Simply Unwind With an Unforgettable Vineyard View

Not every Champagne experience needs an itinerary. Sometimes the best moments come from doing very little at all. Whether it’s a terrace overlooking the vines, a vineyard-view hotel room or a quiet tasting at sunset, Champagne rewards stillness.

SmoothRed tip: linger longer than you planned. Order a second glass, watch the light change and let the pace slow. These unstructured moments often become the highlights of a trip and are an essential part of the Champagne experience.

8. Get Active and Take an E-Bike for a Spin Through the Vines

Champagne’s rolling landscape makes it ideal for e-biking. With electric assistance, you can explore vineyard routes that link villages, viewpoints and small producers without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Well-marked trails wind through the Montagne de Reims and along the Marne, offering plenty of stopping points for photos and tastings.

SmoothRed tip: e-bikes are perfect for Champagne’s gentle hills, allowing you to focus on scenery rather than effort. To get active in Champagne, check out our E-Bike and Spa Experience.

9. Plan a Gourmet Picnic With a Bottle of Bubbly

A Champagne picnic is simple, elegant and deeply satisfying. Start with a visit to a local boulangerie or market for fresh bread, cheese and charcuterie, then find a scenic spot among the vines or beside the river.

SmoothRed insight: non-vintage Brut works beautifully outdoors, but don’t overlook a chilled Blanc de Noirs if the weather is cooler. A picnic offers a relaxed way to enjoy Champagne without ceremony and is perfect for couples or small groups.

10. Explore the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Reims is one of France’s most important Gothic landmarks and a striking contrast to Champagne’s rural calm. This is where French kings were crowned for centuries, adding layers of history to your visit.

SmoothRed tip: combine a morning cathedral visit with an afternoon cellar tour nearby. The contrast between sacred history and wine heritage captures the full character of Reims and rounds out your list of things to do in Champagne beautifully.

Where to Go in Champagne

With everything from scenic landscapes, historic villages, sprawling vineyards and spectacular cellars, there’s no shortage of places to go and things to see in this iconic French region. Here are the best places to visit in Champagne, depending on what your dream trip looks like.

For fizz lovers

Reims: As the unofficial capital of the region, Reims is a must-visit for its impressive architecture and UNESCO-listed underground chalk quarries (crayères). Many of these belong to the world’s most famous Champagne brands, such as Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart and Taittinger.

Épernay boasts the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, home to some of the most luxurious brands in the world, including Moët & Chandon. This grand avenue has earned the moniker the ‘Champs-Élysées of Champagne’.

Aÿ & Hautvillers: Aÿ is the site of the historic Champagne Bollinger estate, while Hautvillers – the home of Dom Pérignon – is celebrated as the birthplace of Champagne.

For foodies

Reims: With more than its fair share of Michelin-star restaurants, Reims is often hailed as one of France’s finest dining spots.

Hautvillers: For regional specialities, including local cheeses and pâté, head to Hautvillers.

We go into even more detail in our dedicated guide for where to eat in Champagne – a must-read for foodies visiting the region.

For history buffs

Reims: A must-visit for history enthusiasts, Reims is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gothic masterpiece of Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral. Next to the cathedral you’ll also find the Palais du Tau, the former archbishop’s palace, displaying royal French artifacts.

Troyes: If your dream trip involves plenty of medieval architecture, head for Troyes, with its well-preserved 16th-century half-timbered houses.

Hautvillers: This lively vignerons villages is known as ‘the birthplace of Champagne’ and famed for its abbey where Dom Pérignon perfected the early Champagne-making process back in the 17th century. To learn more about the history of fizz, this is an excellent starting point.

For romantic escapes

Épernay: The small town of Épernay is home to many of the most famous producers of fizz. From Moët & Chandon to Perrier-Jouët, it’s a delightful place to spend an easy afternoon wandering on foot between champagne houses and cellars. Private Champagne cellar tours are available at many of the most prestigious Champagne houses.

Reims: Book a private Champagne cellar tour at Maison Ruinart in Reims and enjoy intimate tastings a deux to escape the crowds. Visit the 13th-century cathedral in the heart of romantic Reims. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in all of northern France. And, if you’re that way inclined, you might like to try counting all its 2,303 statues. Although you will end up with a sore neck. At least try to spot the smiling angel!

For nature lovers

Lac du Der: A few miles southeast of Épernay is the scenic Lac du Der, the largest reservoir in Europe and a great place to relax or indulge in a spot of bird-watching.

Overview of Champagne’s Must-Visit Towns and Cities

City/Town	Best known for	Things to do
Reims	The unofficial capital of the region and packed with history. Home to some of the major Champagne houses.	Visit the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral and tour the Champagne houses of Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot.
Épernay	Home to the Avenue de Champagne, a grand boulevard lined with prestigious mansions and underground cellars.	Stroll the Avenue de Champagne and tour iconic cellars.
Troyes	Medieval city, featuring cobblestone streets and local Champagne bars.	Wander the Ruelle des Chats and try local culinary specialities.
Hautvillers	Renowned as the birthplace of Champagne, as the monk Dom Pérignon aided in developing Champagne here.	Take part in tastings and snap a photo of the Dom Pérignon statue.
Verzenay	Surrounded by beautiful Grand Cru vineyards.	Climb the lighthouse for 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.
Bouzy	Globally renowned Grand Cru village, known for its Pinot Noir grapes.	Grand Cru tastings and vineyard tours.
Châtillon-sur-Marne	Stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the Marne Valley.	Visit the statue of Pope Urban II for panoramic views and cycle along the banks of the Marne.

Plan Your Champagne Escape

From private cellar visits and vineyard-view stays to food-led experiences and unhurried moments among the vines, we’ll design a Champagne itinerary tailored entirely to you. Get in touch to start planning your personalised escape through this iconic wine region.

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FAQs about things to do in Champagne

When is the best time to visit Champagne?

The best time to visit the Champagne region in France depends a lot on what you’d like to do during your stay. Generally, between May and October is the best time to visit Champagne, for pleasant weather and lush landscapes.

May to June offers warm weather and fewer crowds than peak summer. Cellar appointments will therefore be easier to secure.
September to October is the best time for wine lovers to visit Champagne. Early autumn brings the grape harvest, so the vineyards will be bustling with activity. Although it’s worth noting that some smaller producers may limit visits during their busiest period.
December: while the weather will be cold, this is the time to visit for Christmas markets and festive events.

How many days should you spend in Champagne?

Deciding how many days you should spend in Champagne depends on how much you’re planning to pack into your stay. Most travellers find that two to three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in the Champagne region. This allows time to visit the major Champagne houses, discover smaller Grower Champagne producers and take part in tastings, without feeling rushed. Our Travel Designers can help plan the ideal Champagne itinerary, which is perfectly paced.

What is the best town to visit in the Champagne region?

The best town to visit in the Champagne region depends on your travel style and exactly what you’d like to do during your stay.

Épernay is considered one of the best places to visit for wine tastings and world-class Champagne experiences.
Reims is home to rich history and culture.
Hautvillers is all quaint, cobbled streets and charm.

Speak to our expert Travel Designers who know Champagne’s towns well, and can help plan an itinerary featuring all of the best places to visit in Champagne.

What are the must-visits in Champagne?

With so many things to do in the region, there are plenty of must-visits in Champagne to fill your itinerary. A few of our favourites include:

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Historic Champagne houses, including Champagne Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Champagne Ruinart and Moët & Chandon
Reims and Épernay, as well as the smaller villages of Hautvillers and Aÿ
Avenue de Champagne in Épernay
The surroundings countryside and vineyards

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