Discover Champagne-Ardenne: Premier Champagne Houses, Gothic Marvels, and Medieval Treasures
Just 45 minutes northeast of Paris via TGV, Reims boasts renowned Champagne houses and rich history, including Knights Templar sites featured in *The Da Vinci Code*. This medieval order safeguarded Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land, inspiring legends like the Holy Grail quest.
Top Places to Visit
Begin in Reims at its stunning Gothic cathedral, home to France's finest stained-glass windows, including one by Marc Chagall. Spot the iconic Smiling Angel above the main entrance—a cheeky symbol of the city. Free entry makes it perfect for an hour or two of awe.
Nearby, the Musée de la Reddition (Museum of the Surrender) marks a pivotal WWII moment. In this unassuming school by the railway, General Dwight D. Eisenhower accepted Germany's unconditional surrender at 2:41 a.m. on May 7, 1945. On Rue du Président Franklin Roosevelt, it's open 10 a.m.–noon and 2–6 p.m.; arrive 30 minutes early to ensure entry.
Iconic Champagne house Veuve Clicquot offers tours of its Roman cellars with expert-guided tastings. Note rooms named after historic workers for an authentic glimpse into production.
Rent a car to reach the medieval hub of Troyes, stopping at boutique producers en route. Near Bar-sur-Aube, family-run Champagne Monial crafts organic and natural Champagnes in scenic countryside. Its Cistercian cellars even house a chapel.
Close by, the Cistercian Abbey of Clairvaux (founded 1115) blends history and intrigue as a partial prison. Explore former cells—a eerie experience. Bring ID for access; ideal for adventure seekers.
In Urville, Champagne Drappier—a larger estate—produces cuvées served at the French President’s table. Owner Michel Drappier, 91, and son revive ancient grapes. Michel’s passion is infectious; you’ll likely leave with bottles!
Templar ties abound: Visit founder Hugues de Payns’ birthplace near Troyes, the Commandery at Avalleur, and its chapel.
Troyes captivates with medieval architecture, a stained-glass museum, and Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral featuring ancient relics and windows.
Sip Champagne alongside Prunelle de Troyes—a potent sloe-flavored liqueur with a brandy-like kick—at the city’s oldest civic building.
Narrow lanes braced by timber beams lead to charming squares for dining. Despite proximity to Paris, Champagne-Ardenne offers sweeping landscapes, quaint villages, and elegant towns.
Shop independents or Galeries Lafayette in Reims for designers. Near Troyes, McArthurGlen Outlet discounts 300+ brands like Armani.
Grab the Champagne Tourist Route map from tourist offices for village-hopping.
Food and Other Drinks
Beyond Champagne, savor regional cheeses like pungent Langres and creamy Brie at Troyes’ Cellier Saint Pierre. Dine in history at Le Cellier in Bar-sur-Aube, a 12th-century monastic cellar.
Try venison, wild boar, potée champenoise, pâtés, Flemish-style beef, fish, and duck. Breakfasts feature coffee, pastries, cheeses, and charcuterie; opt for plat du jour.
Local beers like Ardwen (since 2006) echo Belgian influences. Seek local haunts like Chez Felix or Le Damier in Troyes, or Kiwi Bar for music and bites.
Accommodations
Reims offers Hotel de la Paix and Holiday Inn near the center. Troyes shines with 5-star La Maison de Rhodes, characterful Brit Hotel Les Comtes de Champagne, and Le Jardin de la Cathedrale (opened July 1, 2017) in a restored ancient building with gardens.Transportation
Easily accessible from Paris via TGV to Reims or Regional Express to Troyes. Trams and car rentals facilitate countryside exploration: forests, lakes, and Nigloland amusement park—rumored to hold Holy Grail clues.Godfrey Hall is an award-winning UK-based travel journalist and British Guild of Travel Writers member. He's chased elves in Iceland, delved into central Australia, and ventured off-grid in Bulgaria.
