Reims Cathedral
Driving through the countryside of Champagne, I try to put a name to the exact shade of rapeseed yellow that intersperses the lush green of the vines. Sadly my wine-shade lexicon proves unhelpful in this situation and I have to settle on the rather underwhelming: vivid.
Vivid, as it turns out, is a rather good description of the region as a whole. Of course the wines, both the sparklings and lesser-known stills, are characteristically vivid, with bright acidity and minerality, thanks to the region’s cool climate and terroir. However, so too is the overall feeling of the region thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage listing, granted in 2015.
The listing is not only a source of pride for the people and winemakers of Champagne, but has also led to a marked uptick in the opening of high-end shops and experiences, according to Thibaut Le Mailloux, director of marketing and communications at Champagne Gosset, who was previously director of communications at Champagne’s regional body the Comité Champagne.
Here, then, is a guide to exploring the luxury side of the region, focused on the three key areas in which to base yourself: Reims, Epernay and Aÿ.
Reims
The famous illuminated staircase at Veuve Clicquot. Credit: Veuve Cliquot
It may be one of the most well-known Champagne houses – and its story has recently been made into a film, released in August 2024 – but Veuve Clicquot really does offer one of the slickest tours in town. Plus the illuminated yellow staircase offers a fantastic photograph opportunity.
Veuve Clicquot’s Manoir de Verzy, located on the edge of the grand cru village of Verzy around 20km south of Reims, is a spectacular private manor which can be rented out for gastronomic experiences and Champagne tastings.
The maison also runs a number of luxury events and experiences throughout the year which are open to the public, such as harvest lunches, end of year dinners, picnics, cellar tours and back-vintage tastings.
Veuve Clicquot’s stunning Manoir de Verzy. Credit: Veuve Clicquot.
Champagne Jacquart’s home since 2009 has been the historical Hôtel de Brimont, which was originally the seat of the Ruinart family and was also occupied by America’s president Eisenhower’s aides-de-camp during World War II.
Jacquart opened its doors to the public in 2024, the first time since its creation as a cooperative in 1964, and now offers a range of tastings and visits inside the Hôtel de Brimont itself.
The city of Reims itself is worth wandering around. One of my favourite sites is the Gothic masterpiece of Reims cathedral in which 25 kings were crowned. More than 2,300 statues adorn both the façade and the internal space, and the spectacular stained glass windows would make a rainbow jealous.
For a unique tour of the city head to the tourism office on Rue Rockefeller, named after American benefactor John D Rockefeller who partially funded the rebuilding of the cathedral after it was heavily damaged during World War I, and ask for a map of the city’s Art Deco sites.
The Art Deco features in Reims’ Carnegie library.
Stops include the Carnegie Library – the construction of which was funded by American steel magnate and benefactor Andrew Carnegie – and the covered market of Halles Boulingrin which sells specialty foods, produce and flowers on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and hosts occasional cultural activities on the mezzanine level.
Places to eat in Reims
Le Bocal – located at the back of their fishmonger stall, the menu changes a little depending on the catch of the day, but expect a large selection of oysters, shellfish, lobster, caviar and fish.
Le Coq Rouge – a friendly wine bar, with a good wine list and small plates.
Le Parc – set in the beautiful Domaine Les Crayères hotel, this two-star Michelin restaurant is headed up by chef Christophe Moret, who has worked with the likes of Alain Ducasse, Bruno Cirino and Jacques Maximin. Pastry chef Rosalie Boucher previously at…
Source : https://www.decanter.com.master.public.keystone-prod-eks-euw1.futureplc.engineering/wine-news/the-luxe-treatment-travelling-champagne-in-style-540351/
