In the north-east of France, Champagne is famous for the production of the world-renowned sparkling wine of the same name. As a result, many tourists come here every year to explore the famous Champagne route and its various itineraries. But where to stay in the Champagne region?
In this article, we’ll show you where to stay to learn more about the champagne production process. We’ll also suggest a selection of accommodation options for each area.
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting your accommodation in Champagne, here are the essentials to know from a tourism point of view. This should give you a better idea of the region and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Champagne:
- $ This very affordable accommodation, located in Hautvillers.
- $$ This hotel, located in Epernay in a 19th-century mansion.
- $$$ This luxury establishment in Reims, with an unobstructed view of the Cathedral.
Map of Champagne towns to stay in
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Champagne, you’ll find on the map below all the Champagne accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the varioustowns we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Champagne
Where to stay in Champagne
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Champagne.
Staying in Reims, capital of champagne
Reims, the largest city in the region, is an essential stop on the Champagne route. Here you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most famous champagne houses, such as Veuve Cliquot, Vranken-Pommery, Canard-Duchêne and many others.
But that's not all: this city is also famous for having played a key role in the history of France and is home to a unique architectural heritage. In particular, you will find the Cathedral of Reims, an iconic building that has contributed to its fame.
As one of the liveliest cities in the region, if you choose to stay there you can explore the vineyards by day, while enjoying a lively nightlife after dark. You will also find many restaurants where you can sample French cuisine.
Note that if you don't have a car and don't want to rent one during your stay, it is also easier to find accommodation here than in the surrounding towns and villages. Reims is well served by public transport thanks to its train station. In addition, from the station, numerous excursions are available to visit the surrounding area.
In terms of accommodation, depending on the area where you choose to stay, you will find apartments as well as hotels to suit different budgets.
Finally, to stay close to the city but in a unique setting in the heart of the vineyards, you can also opt for accommodation in the Mountain of Reims Natural Park. You will find a few guest houses and some hotels.
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Close to the train station, the B&B Hôtel is the ideal base for a short stay. All you have to do is cross the Basses Promenades and walk about twenty minutes to reach the main tourist attractions. It's a great place to stay if you don't want to stray far from the station.
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Just 11km from Villa Demoiselle are La Bastide and its bucolic guest rooms. It's the ideal place to stay if you want to get away from the city and enjoy the countryside, without being too far from Reims' emblematic monuments.
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This 5-star hotel offers unobstructed views of Notre-Dame Cathedral, just across the street. The train station is just a ten-minute walk away, as are numerous tourist attractions, including the Reims Opera House, Saint-Jacques Church and the Palais du Tau. The perfect place to stay in the midst of iconic monuments.
Epernay: accommodation close to the vineyards in the capital of Champagne
The capital of Champagne, Epernay is home to some of the world's leading champagne producers. It's certainly one of the places where you'll be able to taste the best champagne in France.
Located in the heart of the Champagne vineyards, theAvenue du Champagne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 100 kilometers of cellars, it's home to some of the most famous houses in the world, including Mercier, Perrier Jouet and Moët et Chandon. On this avenue, you'll also find the Musée du Vin de Champagne and the Musée de l'Archéologie Régionale.
If you choose to stay here, there's no shortage of places to eat. Indeed, although the town is quite small, there are plenty of places serving French cuisine.
As for accommodation, you'll find something to suit every budget, from small hotels to larger, fully-equipped luxury complexes.
And while it's best to stay in Epernay by car, the town is well served and can be reached by train from Reims in less than an hour.
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Ideally located just 2 minutes' walk from theAvenue du Champagne, this establishment offers around 30 rooms at very affordable rates. If you have a car, free private parking is available on site.
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Right in the center of town, this 3-star hotel offers rooms decorated in 1930s style in a charming 19th-century mansion. Free private parking is available on site.
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The ideal place to stay, this 4-star resort offers luxury accommodation in pleasant surroundings. On-site facilities include a spa and wellness center, bar, restaurantand free private parking.
Staying in Châlons-en-Champagne
Just thirty kilometers from Epernay and a little under fifty from the Cité des Sacres, Châlons-en-Champagne is another of the region's most famous towns.
Here you'll find the Joseph Perrier, Balincourt and Lamiable champagne cellars, as well as the Champagne Famille Calbot Museum, dedicated to the history of this prestigious sparkling beverage.
Like any other city, if you choose to stay here, you'll find no shortage of places to go out and eat.
When it comes to accommodation, there's no shortage of choice, from small, affordable hotels to more luxurious resorts for those with bigger budgets.
Please note, however, that Châlons-en-Champagne has less tourist interest than Reims or Epernay. So it's a good place to stay if you choose to stay in different towns during your stay, and if it's a stopover on your way to discover the Champagne route.
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Just a 10-minute drive from the center, this accommodation offers rooms at affordable rates. With free private parking, it's the ideal place to stay if you're visiting the area by car.
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Located in Châlons-en-Champagne, this establishment is renowned for hosting two restaurants, including one with a Michelin star. Rooms are clean and comfortable.
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In the heart of Châlons-en-Champagne, this 4-star establishment offers comfortable rooms and free access to a sauna and gym. A breakfast featuring fresh, local produce is served every morning.
Lodging in small Champagne villages
Hautvillers and Aÿ-Champagne are two of the small Champagne villages where you may wish to stay during your stay.
A small wine-growing commune just 5km from Epernay, Hautvillers is the historic capital and cradle of Champagne. The village is also home to the tomb of Dom Pérignon, the legendary spiritual father of Champagne.
Although its vineyards are classified as premier cru and there are a number of champagne houses, the village is not home to any wineries, unlike larger towns such as Reims and Epernay.
If you choose to stay in Hautvillers, you'll find mainly gites and guest houses. If you're looking for a hotel, you'll be better off in another area.
Not far away, just a few minutes by car, is the small village of Aÿ-Champagne. Typical of the region's villages, with its expanses of vineyards and champagne cellars, it too is home to a number of prestigious champagne houses.
In terms of accommodation, Aÿ-Champagne is a little richer than Hautvillers, and you'll find both guest houses and hotel complexes.
But be warned: if you choose to stay in these small villages, it's essential tohave a car. They are rather remote and not always very well served.
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Located in Hautvillers, this accommodation offers clean, comfortable private rooms. Breakfast is available at extra cost.
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In Aÿ, this establishment offers rooms close to prestigious champagne houses. On-site facilities include an indoor swimming pool, terrace and bar.
Summary
As you can see, there are plenty of places to stay when visiting Champagne. Depending on your preferences, you can either opt for city-center accommodation in Reims or Epernay, or prefer to stay in smaller, more typical villages.
Whatever your choice, make sure you book well in advance, especially during the tourist season: the production of this prestigious beverage attracts many travellers every year!