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
- Saint-Nicaise HillNeighborhoodchalk cellars stretch for miles beneath this hill
- TaittingerQuarterThe estate is currently headed by Vitalie Taittinger, who is the daughter of Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, a member of…
- Champagne Billecart-SalmonSighttransformed part of family home into salon and tasting room
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de ReimsPlace of worshiplandmark visited on barge tours
- Nicolas Ruinart PavilionSightvisitor's center with art installations
- Philippe Mille’s ArbaneRestaurantoffers affordable three-course lunch menu
- ATOMERestaurant10-seat private dining experience with curated menu
- RuinartSight
- Elsewhere
- Marne RiverSightChampagne, Francetake cruises on the river
- CoquelicotPlaceChampagne, FranceBelmond barge for scenic tours
- Hautvillers AbbeySightHautvillers, Francebirthplace of Champagne, where Dom Pérignon perfected his craft
- Moët & ChandonSightÉpernay, Franceleads vineyard visits and tastings
- PressoriaMuseumChampagne, Franceinteractive sensory-focused journey in Pommery's former pressing center
- Hautes CôtesPlaceChampagne, Franceboutique travel planning company for curated trips
- Pop et Hip HopFestivalChampagne, Franceannual event with hip-hop performances and champagne tastings
- Prieuré de BinsonSightChampagne, France11th-century abbey grounds for Pop et Hip Hop event
- Champagne KrugSightChampagne, FranceKrug Champagne is a Champagne house founded by Joseph Krug in 1843.
- Armand de BrignacSightChampagne, FranceThe champagne is produced by Cattier and sold in opaque metallic bottles.
- L’Assiette ChampenoiseRestaurantChampagne, Francethree Michelin-starred ode to the region
- Hostellerie Briqueterie & SpaHotelChampagne, Franceupscaled hospitality and dining offer
- RacineRestaurantChampagne, Francetwo-starred restaurant by Japanese chef Kazuyuki Tanaka
- Yumemi Saké et BullesRestaurantChampagne, Franceizakaya-inspired, serves Japanese plates and champagne
- Champagne Etienne CalsacSightChampagne, France
- Champagne Elise BougySightChampagne, France