Famed across the globe for its sparkling elixir, Champagne is a fantastic French destination for foodies and fans of fine wine. Just an hour by train from Paris, this landscape of undulating hillsides and expansive plains is studded with charming villages, towns and cities, tucked amidst acres of world-class vines. With accommodation options ranging from characterful little B&Bs to luxurious renovated châteaux, the best places to stay in Champagne promise a beautiful base for guests of all ages, tastes and budgets.
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Reputedly invented by Benedictine Monk Dom Perignon, sparkling wine is usually made of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier grapes, fermented in the bottle. This unusual process has become the stuff of legend, and you’ll find ample opportunities to sip and savour glasses of the good stuff across the region. Wind your way along the 45-mile Champagne Route to enjoy tours and tastings at top wineries or head to glitzy Épernay, home to no fewer than 37 champagne houses — including the iconic Moët et Chandon. The town sits above 110 kilometres of cellars, holding almost 200 million bottles of fizz.
For a more tranquil trip, base yourself in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, once home to General Charles de Gaulle, or to the magical medieval town of Troyes. The regional capital, Reims, boasts the Gothic Cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims, the Palais de Tau and the highly regarded Museum of the Surrender. Outdoorsy explorers, on the other hand, will delight in cycling, hiking and horse riding through picturesque landscapes before feasting at the Michelin-starred tables of some of the best places to stay in Champagne.