Condé Nast TravelerAug 6, 2026
An Essential Guide to Champagne, France—the Birthplace of French Sparkling Wine
The best things to do in Champagne for Domaine spas, live hip hop, and riverboat tastings—plus where to eat and stay.
24 things in this story
- Marne RiverSighttake cruises on the river
- CoquelicotPlaceBelmond barge for scenic tours
- PressoriaMuseuminteractive sensory-focused journey in Pommery's former pressing center
- Hautes CôtesPlaceboutique travel planning company for curated trips
- Pop et Hip HopFestivalannual event with hip-hop performances and champagne tastings
- Prieuré de BinsonSight11th-century abbey grounds for Pop et Hip Hop event
- Champagne KrugSightKrug Champagne is a Champagne house founded by Joseph Krug in 1843.
- Armand de BrignacSightThe champagne is produced by Cattier and sold in opaque metallic bottles.
- L’Assiette ChampenoiseRestaurantthree Michelin-starred ode to the region
- Hostellerie Briqueterie & SpaHotelupscaled hospitality and dining offer
- RacineRestauranttwo-starred restaurant by Japanese chef Kazuyuki Tanaka
- Yumemi Saké et BullesRestaurantizakaya-inspired, serves Japanese plates and champagne
- Champagne Etienne CalsacSight
- Champagne Elise BougySight
- Elsewhere
- Saint-Nicaise HillNeighborhoodReims, Francechalk cellars stretch for miles beneath this hill
- TaittingerQuarterReims, FranceThe estate is currently headed by Vitalie Taittinger, who is the daughter of Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, a member of…
- Champagne Billecart-SalmonSightReims, Francetransformed part of family home into salon and tasting room
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de ReimsPlace of worshipReims, Francelandmark visited on barge tours
- Hautvillers AbbeySightHautvillers, Francebirthplace of Champagne, where Dom Pérignon perfected his craft
- Nicolas Ruinart PavilionSightReims, Francevisitor's center with art installations
- Moët & ChandonSightÉpernay, Franceleads vineyard visits and tastings
- Philippe Mille’s ArbaneRestaurantReims, Franceoffers affordable three-course lunch menu
- ATOMERestaurantReims, France10-seat private dining experience with curated menu
- RuinartSightReims, France
