The Champagne region is a dream destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, indulgence, and accessibility. Read to learn more about what the region offers.
Easy Access from the UK
Reaching Champagne from the UK is quick and easy. Travellers can get to Reims in under four hours via rail from London. The region is just a 45-minute train ride from Paris and a 30-minute journey from Charles de Gaulle Airport via direct TGV, making it an effortless addition to any itinerary for both short breaks and extended stays.
Unmissable Events in 2025
2025 is a landmark year for Champagne, packed with must-see events, including:
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• 10th Anniversary of UNESCO World Heritage Status – a year-long programme featuring 46 special events.
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• En Rou(t)e Libre (29th June) – A car-free day in the vineyards, with walking, cycling, rollerblading, local markets, and live performances.
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• 25th Edition of Habits de Lumière – A dazzling festival of light and gastronomy.
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• Centenary of Avenue du Champagne – Special events celebrating this prestigious, UNESCO-listed street lined with Champagne houses.
Reims: The City Break
Reims is an ideal city break destination, offering a rich mix of history, culture, gastronomy and champagne experiences. Its rich heritage includes iconic landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral, where French kings were crowned, and the Saint-Remi Basilica. Reims also boasts Michelin-starred restaurants, charming cafés, and vibrant shopping streets. In 2025, Reims celebrates 100 years of Art Deco architecture, with exhibitions, cultural events, and guided tours showcasing the era’s distinctive designs.
The Champagne Tourist Route
For those eager to explore the origins of the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine, the Champagne Tourist Route is a must. Stretching 400km through rolling vineyards and picturesque villages, it offers visitors the chance to meet local producers, enjoy intimate tastings, and gain insight into the winemaking process. A stop in Hautvillers, home to the legendary Dom Pérignon, is a highlight.
Eco-Friendly Exploration
The Champagne region offers numerous sustainable ways to explore its breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can glide through Châlons-en-Champagne on an electric boat tour, cycle along 450km of scenic green lanes, or hike over 2,000km of marked trails winding through vineyards and charming villages. These activities allow travellers to experience Champagne’s natural beauty while minimising their environmental impact.
Exclusive Champagne House Visits
Visiting Champagne’s prestigious houses offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of winemaking. Notable highlights in 2025 include Maison Taittinger, which has reopened its historic cellars in Reims with a newly curated visitor experience, and Joseph Perrier, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary, making it a must-visit this year. Meanwhile, Maison Ruinart has unveiled the Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, blending contemporary design with heritage.
Booking in advance is essential to secure a place on these exclusive tours, as spaces fill up quickly. Each visit provides a deep dive into the craftsmanship, history, and innovation behind the world’s finest sparkling wines.
Gastronomic Delights
Champagne is a paradise for food lovers, boasting six Michelin-starred restaurants, including three in Reims, and a rich culinary heritage. The region’s specialities include escargots de Champagne, pink biscuits of Reims, and coq au vin made with Bouzy red wine. Sweet treats such as croquignoles, small crunchy biscuits that pair beautifully with puddings and mousses, and nonnettes, little cakes made with gingerbread, honey, and a melt-in-the-mouth marmalade filling, offer an unforgettable taste of tradition. Champagne is also renowned for its vinegars and mustards, crafted from Champagne grapes and sought after by top chefs.
Beverages Beyond Bubbles
While Champagne is the region’s star attraction, there are other exceptional beverages to discover. Bouzy red wine, a still red made from Pinot Noir grapes, is often used in traditional dishes like coq au vin. Champagne ratafia, a fortified wine and Whisky as well as other spirits are distilled in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, known for its pure water sources. Visitors can tour distilleries there to learn more about local beverages beyond bubbles.
Accommodation for All
The Champagne region offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every type of traveller. Boutique vineyard retreats and charming bed-and-breakfasts provide a cosy and intimate experience, while luxury château stays offer a taste of grandeur. For those seeking contemporary comfort, stylish modern hotels are available, with new openings in 2025 including the Hyatt Centric in Reims and the luxurious Le Clos des Trois Clochers. Whether visiting for a romantic getaway, a relaxing break, or a business incentive trip, there is something for everyone.
For destination information visit tourisme-en-champagne.co.uk
Win a Case of Champagne!
To celebrate all things Champagne region, we’re giving you the chance to win a case of Champagne – that’s six bottles of the finest French fizz. The prize also includes a Champagne cooler, a stopper cap, and a selection of travel guides to help you sparkle with inspiration when planning your clients’ next getaway to this world-renowned destination.
