More than a sparkling wine, Champagne embodies celebration, elegance, and a centuries-old craft. Just under an hour by train from Paris, the vine-blanketed hills around Reims and Épernay invite travelers to explore the heart of this famed wine region—where heritage, artistry, and indulgence await.
Though one could easily spend days touring both celebrated maisons and hidden gem producers, we’ve crafted the ultimate itinerary for a one-day escape into the soul of Champagne country. Just don’t forget your swimsuit.
Morning: Billecart-Salmon—A Champagne Classic
Start your day at Champagne Billecart-Salmon, located in the picturesque town of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. This esteemed family-owned house has been crafting refined Champagnes since 1818, now under the stewardship of Mathieu and Antoine Roland-Billecart—seventh-generation custodians of its legacy.
Tucked behind its ornate gates, the estate features manicured gardens designated jardin remarquable, setting a stately tone for your visit. Group sizes are intentionally kept small, making the guided tours feel personal, like being welcomed into the family’s private domain.
You’ll gain insight into the meticulous processes that define the house style: low-temperature fermentation, minimal dosage, and extended cellar aging—up to 18 years for vintages. Sustainability is also central here. The nearby Clos Saint-Hilaire, an enclosed Pinot Noir vineyard, exemplifies biodiversity-first farming. For enthusiasts, the “My Origin” label on each bottle offers full traceability of the blend’s components.
A newly opened reception and tasting room debuted in October 2024, and now Saturday visits (April to October) are available alongside weekday bookings. Advance reservations are essential ([email protected]). It’s the house’s enduring commitment to excellence that continues to win over aficionados and Michelin-star sommeliers alike.
Lunch: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
For lunch, make your way to Royal Champagne, an opulent retreat perched above the vineyards of Épernay. Once a coaching inn that hosted French kings en route to their Reims coronations, this hilltop hotel has been reborn as the region’s first resort with the scale, service, and culinary vision of a Parisian palace.
Le Bellevue, the hotel’s brasserie-style restaurant, is the perfect setting for a sun-drenched meal. Shaded by sun sails and flanked by olive trees, its panoramic terrace overlooks rolling vineyards and quaint villages. Inside, the dining room features soaring windows and crystal accents.
Helmed by Executive Chef Christophe Raoux, who earned a Michelin star at The Peninsula Paris and the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France title, the menu sings with regional flavor. Standouts include lobster penne rigate scented with Marne saffron and delicately roasted chicken with potato millefeuille.
Afternoon: Spa Bliss Among the Vines
After lunch, unwind at the hotel’s expansive 16,000-square-foot spa, which spans two levels and features nine treatment rooms. Managed by spa director Anna Pierzak, this serene space overlooks the vines and invites total relaxation.
Alongside its pools, sauna, and steam room, the spa offers a menu of indulgent treatments, including shiatsu massage and advanced myBlend facials enhanced by LED mask technology. Since February 2024, the spa also offers services using Clarins Precious, the brand’s most luxurious anti-aging line. Short on time? Opt for a 30-minute express treatment to maximize your wellness break.
Final Stop: Pressoria—A Sensory Champagne Experience
Don’t leave without visiting Pressoria, a modern Champagne museum located in a repurposed grape press facility once used by Maison Pommery. Nestled at the foot of the hills in Aÿ, this immersive center offers a high-tech, multisensory journey into the making of Champagne—from vineyard to glass.
Designed by acclaimed firm Casson Mann (also behind Bordeaux’s Cité des Vins), the exhibits blend science, history, and artistry. Wrap up your visit with a flute of bubbly in the stylish tasting room or on the terrace overlooking the vines.
When it’s time to return to Paris, Épernay’s train station is just a few minutes away. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself raising a glass to the idea of staying just a little longer in Champagne country.
