Why you should visit Reims and the Champagne region

Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cotes du Rhone… France isn’t short of incredible wine regions; but it is hard to match the stunning Champagne region and the splendour of Reims.

Champagne was first produced in the 17th century and France has been touting what could arguably be called its signature beverage ever since. The first bottled champagne appeared during the reign of Louis XV in 1722 and the first champagne house (Ruinart, still going today) was founded in 1792.

In recognition of its rich history, the vineyards of Champagne have been a world heritage site since 2015. You cannot label a bottle “champagne” unless it is made within the region’s 34,300 hectares and using their Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Meunier vines. The area has been gifted with the ideal climate and soil quality to grow the superior grapes and create the perfect environment for the champagne to mature.

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Many of us could happily spend a whole trip quaffing champagne at its source, but there really is much more to the region than just proximity to reasonably priced bubbles.

The city of Reims is a short drive away from the vineyards, and just a 45 minute train journey from Paris. Severely damaged in the First World War, in order to rebuild the city quickly, Reims' officials invited architects to pitch in regardless of their personal style. This mix of designs has ended with an array of striking buildings, none more so the Art Deco Bibliothèque Carnegie de Reims, which includes striking mosaics and stained glass.

The city’s cathedral is steeped in history: it was here that the majority of France’s kings were crowned. The cathedral is breathtaking in its stature and also surprising in the way it marries classic architecture with striking modern stained glass windows which were created and fitted to celebrate the cathedral’s 800th anniversary in 2011.

Despite a quieter pace of life than the capital, Reims is packed with wonderful restaurants, from a relaxed lunch at the Café du Palais - half Art Nouveau wonder, half Aladdin’s cave - to the last word in elegant dining at the breathtaking Chateau de Sacy.

Reims’ shopfronts are full of bottles of champagne brands you’ll recognise and some you won’t - from Moets and Laurent Perriers to smaller, organic, family run winegrowers like Thierry Robion. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes tastings in the area: many of the bigger houses, including Pommery and Lanson, offer cellar visits where you can observe the care and tradition that goes into creating every bottle of champagne.

While the nuances of flavour are often lost on those who see bubbly as merely a toast for special occasions, connoisseurs know that a champagne can be found to complement any dish. For instance, Pol Roger Brut Reserve is delicious with chicken and Charles Heidsieck Brut is great for white fish.

Jump on the Eurostar in London in the morning and by the afternoon you could be sampling the delights of Reims and sipping champagne in the place it has been nurtured for hundreds of years. A visit is a must for any champagne connaisseur and even those who would just like to learn more about the king of sparkling wines. À votre santé!

For more information about everything available in Reims and the champagne region, visit champagne.fr