48 hours in Champagne
48 hours in Champagne
48 hours in Champagne
48 hours in Champagne
Your long champagne-themed weekend gets off to a good start. Today’s programme includes: soaring high into the air in a tethered balloon, bubbles – of course –, some amazing food, a quick history lesson and, to finish, a wine-related flashback to the 1970s. In short, the essence of Champagne.
10 a.m. – Champagne Philippe Mallet, Trélou-sur-Marne
A great introduction to Champagne's terroir from an enthusiastic and passionate producer. Overview of the landscape and tasting of wines from different parcels of vines, with a bonus trip to the vines in a 4X4.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAMPAGNE PHILIPPE MALLET12 p.m. – Lunch at La Banque à bulles, Château-Thierry
The restaurant's name (Bubble Bank in English) is appropriate because it is housed within former Banque de France buildings. As for the food: traditional cuisine, seasonal produce and a different menu every three months. A truly special restaurant.
BOOK A TABLE AT LA BANQUE À BULLES
2 p.m. – Maison de Champagne Pannier, Château Thierry
A guided tour that is worth it to see the medieval cellars alone. A two kilometre long maze of passageways with no fewer than four million bottles. Optional escape-game and wine and food pairing.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAISON PANNIER5 p.m. – Avenue de Champagne and tethered balloon in Epernay
Time to seize the opportunity to soar 150 metres into the air above Épernay and grab a view of the town and surrounding vines. A quick rush of... adrenaline.
MORE INFORMATION
6:30 p.m. Aperitif/sunset among the vines with vintage-car lovers from “My Vintage Tour”
The concept is a simple one: visit the area’s most stunning locations in a 1960s Estafette Alouette with a stop to view the sunset with a drink in hand. Make sure your phone or camera has enough battery before the tour begins!
SHOW ALL VINTAGE TOUR EXCURSIONS8 p.m. – Check-in at Hôtel Jean Moët, Épernay
This recently remodelled **** hotel is a perfect place to spend the night and just a few steps from the Avenue de Champagne. 18th century property with quiet rooms, understated design and breakfast served in the conservatory. A good night's sleep guaranteed.
BOOK A ROOM
A touch of the unexpected for this second episode in your trip around Champagne, with encounters with winemakers, Pierre Auguste Renoir and the only town in the world shaped like a champagne cork.
10 a.m. – Visit to the Cité du Champagne, the oldest Champagne winemakers’ cooperative
A 360° tour of the champagne world for connoisseurs and beginners, young and old alike. All in a wonderful setting surrounded by 100% Grand Cru vines.
MORE ABOUT THE CITÉ DU CHAMPAGNE1 p.m. – Picnic at the Rémy Massin et Fils estate
After visiting the champagne cellar and tasting a partner blend from Champagnes de Renoir, it’s off to the vines for a picnic with a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir flavour.
BOOK A PICNIC
3 p.m. – Du côté des Renoir, Essoyes
Time to immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of the famous painter: his house, workshop and some of his original paintings. Feel free to ask for a guided tour and follow the trail through the village to arrive at this Impressionist master's family tomb.
MORE INFO ABOUT “DU CÔTÉ DES RENOIR”6 p.m. – Guided tour of Troyes
The historic capital of Champagne has plenty of surprises in store: a medieval centre shaped like a champagne cork, Gothic churches with outstanding stained-glass windows, a Museum of Modern Art and the Apothicairerie, a replica of a 16th century pharmacy.
DISCOVER TROYES
7:30 p.m. – Arrive at the “Jardin de la Cathédrale” bed and breakfast in Troyes
A special B&B, perhaps one of the finest in all France. Located next to the cathedral, the four refurbished suites are the perfect showcase for stained-glass and Champagne’s heritage. Exceptional establishment.
BOOK A ROOM AT THE JARDIN DE LA CATHÉDRALE
