September 10, 2025
When you think of Champagne, sparkling wine often comes to mind. But the region offers so much more than its world-famous drink. Located just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Champagne is a land of Gothic cathedrals, rolling vineyards, and charming villages. History, nature, food, and breathtaking views all blend together here, creating a destination worth exploring even if you never raise a glass. If you’re planning a trip, here are four reasons to visit Champagne France that go far beyond the bubbly.
When you think of Champagne, sparkling wine often comes to mind. But the region offers so much more than its world-famous drink. Located just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Champagne is a land of Gothic cathedrals, rolling vineyards, and charming villages. History, nature, food, and breathtaking views all blend together here, creating a destination worth exploring even if you never raise a glass. If you’re planning a trip, here are four reasons to visit Champagne France that go far beyond the bubbly.
When you think of Champagne, sparkling wine often comes to mind. But the region offers so much more than its world-famous drink. Located just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Champagne is a land of Gothic cathedrals, rolling vineyards, and charming villages. History, nature, food, and breathtaking views all blend together here, creating a destination worth exploring even if you never raise a glass. If you’re planning a trip, here are four reasons to visit Champagne France that go far beyond the bubbly.
Discover Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral, often called the Coronation Cathedral, crowned nearly every French king for centuries. Construction began in 1211 and took almost 300 years to complete, resulting in soaring Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass.
The church suffered bombing in World War I, and the window above the altar was lost. In 1968, Marc Chagall was commissioned to design new stained glass for the axial chapel, unveiled in 1974. His luminous panels blend modern artistry with medieval grandeur, and they carry extra meaning for me. My husband and I got engaged inside this cathedral, made even more special because Chagall, one of our favorite artists, so often immortalized his love for his wife Bella.
Climbing the 500 steps to the bell tower rewards visitors with sweeping views of Reims and the Champagne countryside, a perfect blend of history, beauty, and adventure.
Hike La Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park
Just beyond the vineyards lies La Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, a nature reserve that covers over 22 miles of rolling hills and forests. Here, deer, falcons, herons, and even wild boar roam freely, making it a wonderful spot for hikers and nature lovers. Trails wind through the woods, leading you to lookout points that sit nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. From these vantage points, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas of the Champagne countryside. Visit in spring, and you’ll find wildflowers carpeting the hillsides, adding a colorful layer to the landscape. It’s one of the most peaceful and scenic ways to visit Champagne France.
Taste Local Cuisine
Champagne is just as memorable for its food as for its wine. Try Reims ham, lightly spiced and coated in golden breadcrumbs, or sample the region’s traditional Reims mustard, known for its pale color and subtle spice. Cheese lovers will adore Chaource and Langres, two creamy cow’s-milk varieties that pair beautifully with Champagne. And for dessert, nothing beats the famous Biscuit Rose de Reims, a delicate pink cookie that locals have been enjoying since the 17th century.
Float Above the Vineyards in a Hot Air Balloon
For a truly unforgettable perspective, take to the skies in a hot air balloon. Floating above the vineyards and villages of Champagne offers a sense of peace and wonder that’s hard to describe. On a clear day, the patchwork of fields, church spires, and historic towns stretches to the horizon. The slow, graceful movement of the balloon lets you soak in every detail of the landscape below. It’s one of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have when you visit Champagne France, offering both adventure and serenity in a single ride.
Why Visit Champagne France
Champagne is a destination that surprises at every turn. Yes, the sparkling wine is world-renowned, but the region holds so much more: Gothic cathedrals that whisper history, natural parks filled with wildlife and wildflowers, cuisine that comforts and delights, and unforgettable experiences like soaring above the vineyards in a hot air balloon. Whether you love history, nature, food, or just the beauty of the French countryside, Champagne invites you to slow down and savor life. When you’re ready to visit Champagne France, I’ll help you design a journey that captures the region’s magic while taking the hassle out of planning.
Wherever your travels take you, may they bring both discovery and delight. And when you’re ready to plan your own adventure in France, whether it’s Champagne, Paris, or beyond—I’d love to help make it seamless.
Want to talk travel? Here’s the link to my calendar.
I’m Jennifer Verville, founder of French Escapes Travel. I help travelers plan unforgettable journeys through France with all the magic and none of the hassle. With decades of experience and countless trips to France, I create itineraries that capture the beauty of the country while reflecting your passions and style.
