10 Things to See and Do in the Champagne Region in 2025

10 Things to See and Do in the Champagne Region in 2025

In 2015, the Champagne region was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on the tenth anniversary of this incredible acknowledgement, we list ten compelling reasons why it deserves a visit.

Celebrate the UNESCO World Heritage Anniversary
A vineyard that has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status has to feature beautiful landscapes and a long-standing winegrowing tradition. On 4 July 2015, The Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The Hillsides allude to the Champagne winegrowing landscape, the Houses represent outstanding architecture dedicated to the production of Champagne wines, and the Cellars refer to the more than 100 km of underground cellars essential during the process of Champagne ageing.

There is much to see, taste, and learn. Champagne is synonymous with celebration, so what better way to commemorate this milestone than to visit?

Glasses getting filled at a tasting

Tastings and Tours
No visit to Champagne would be complete without a few tours and tastings—after all, Champagne only comes from Champagne. Experience a range of Champagne styles by visiting the various houses, growers, and cooperatives, where expert guides are on hand to offer tours and tastings and provide insight into the intricate process of Champagne production.

There are 370 houses, 130 cooperatives and over 16,000 growers, but it should be noted that not all houses and growers offer tours and tastings. We recommend selecting and booking tastings in advance with those that do and visiting two/ max three a day.

Cobbled streets in a village in France

Picturesque Vineyards and Charming Villages
Champagne is undeniably a picturesque region—from the flowing rivers to the rolling hillsides filled with neat rows of vines. These vines produce bountiful harvests of ripe grapes, thanks to the growers who spend all year pruning and protecting them from bad weather and disease.

The lifecycle of the vineyards makes this ever-changing region an exciting place to visit, no matter the time of year.

Champagne spans over 34,000 hectares and is divided into four main regions: Côte des Blancs, Côte des Bars, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne. Within the Champagne AOC, there are 319 charming villages scattered throughout these four regions.

We suggest starting with one or two areas, depending on how long you are visiting. You can always visit again to explore a new part of Champagne!

Avenue de la Champagne
Located in Epernay, Avenue de la Champagne is often referred to as the “capital of Champagne.” Many Champagne houses and the SGV (Syndicat General des Vignerons) headquarters are located here. It is definitely worth walking up this beautiful Avenue.

Avenue de la Champagne is also one of the “zones” that supported Champagne’s nomination as a UNESCO Heritage Site. The other two include the historic hillside vineyards in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Saint-Nicaise Hill in Reims, in addition to the 319 villages within Champagne AOC.

French Army Officers making a toast in World War II

Historical Significance
The Champagne region is steeped in history. From the coronation of almost all the Kings of France at the Cathedral in Reims, which dates back to 420 AD and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991, to the pivotal role Champagne played in both World Wars, the area’s historical landmarks provide a journey through time for visitors.

Places to visit include Reims Cathedral, the Museum of the Surrender, Fort de la Pompelle, and the Basilica of Saint-Remi.

Oysters and sliced lemonGastronomic Destination
Visitors to Champagne can experience a wealth of unique culinary offerings—from bars and restaurants in the cities that offer great wine pairings with different Champagne styles to wonderful local brasseries in the many surrounding villages that allow you to discover some new Champagne producers. The region is full of different gastronomic experiences.

There are also several local products to try, including Biscuit Rose de Reims, at various independent shops!

Festivals and Events
There are a number of festivals and events in Champagne every year. From the ‘Route du Champagne en Fête’ in July, which is dedicated to celebrating local Champagne producers, to the ‘Habits de Lumière’, a magical light festival hosted in Épernay in December, there is something for everyone all year round.

Cultural Experiences
For those looking to make the most of a full day in Champagne, why not take part in a wine tour? Whether it’s to tour a vineyard or join a Champagne masterclass, there are also special temporary exhibitions that take place in some of the wine cellars in Champagne.

Visitors can discover all there is to know about the Champagne terroir and the history of the region while also visiting pop-up exhibitions featuring various themes, from art to pop culture.

Another great way to learn more about the Champagne region is to visit Pressoria, a permanent exhibition that provides guests with a sensory journey to the heart of Champagne through sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste.

Diverse Flavours
A visit to Champagne provides the perfect opportunity to learn all about the wine’s diverse flavours, palette, and food pairings. From bright, refreshing Champagne Blanc de Blancs and a full-bodied Champagne Blanc de Noirs to a vibrant Champagne Rosé and sophisticated Vintage, visitors will leave the region with a wealth of knowledge about Champagne and have discovered some new styles.

Eurostar train departing London for Amsterdam

Accessibility and Proximity from the UK
Champagne is the perfect destination for a trip in 2025, thanks to the region’s proximity to the UK. The quickest route takes just over four hours from London, starting with a journey on the Eurostar from St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord.

From here, visitors can get on a second train at Paris Gare de l’Est, which will take them directly to Reims—a journey that takes just 40 minutes.

The Champagne Bureau UK, which serves as an extension of the Comité Champagne, the trade association representing houses and growers in Champagne, compiled the above guide. To learn more about the renowned drink, visit www.champagne.fr/en.

Workers in a vineyard on a sunny day
10 Things to See and Do in the Champagne Region in 2025 2

Editorial Team

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