The champagne region
The Champagne region is located in northeastern France, approximately 150 kilometres from Paris. It is the only wine region in the world where sparkling wine may be produced under the protected name Champagne. The area consists of several wine-growing regions, each with its own landscape, soil and character.
Discover which regions and cities are important, how Champagne is made, and what you can see and do during a visit to the Champagne region.
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The location of the Champagne region
The Champagne region is located in northern France and is also immediately the northernmost wine region. The chalky soil, the cool climate, and years of experience together ensure refined flavors, complex aromas, and the best champagnes in the world.
The chalk soil was formed more than 90 million years ago. This special soil was discovered after the water of an inland sea receded. In some places, the chalk soil is as much as 200 meters thick. It is a soft soil, allowing the roots of the grapevines to grow deep into the ground and absorb various minerals.
Following severe scarcity, as a result of the worldwide high demand for champagne, it was decided in 2008 to expand the Champagne region. More champagne could be produced because the region was expanded by 2,500 hectares.
Regions and cities in the Champagne region
Within the Champagne region, five major wine-growing areas are distinguished: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Côte des Sézanne, Côte des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne. Each area has its own character, famous villages, and main grape varieties.
Épernay and Reims
The city of Épernay is located centrally in the Champagne region, at the crossroads of the Vallée de la Marne, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs. Reims is situated on the northern edge of the Montagne de Reims. Together, these two cities have been the most important centers of the champagne industry for centuries.
Épernay is home to, among others, Moët & Chandon and De Castellane.
In Reims, companies such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Ruinart, G.H. Mumm, Lanson, Krug, and Piper-Heidsieck are located.
1) Montagne de Reims
A region located between Reims and Épernay. The vineyards lie between the forested massif and the agricultural plain. The main villages in the Montagne de Reims are Ambonnay, Verzy, Verzenay, Louvois, and Bouzy. In this region, the Pinot Noir grape plays an important role; the share of Chardonnay and Meunier is considerably lower here.
2) Côte des Blancs
A beautiful region with a ridge that rises more than 250 meters above the land. The vineyards are situated on the slopes, intersected by deep ravines once carved out by rivers. The Côte des Blancs is highly suitable for the Chardonnay grape, which accounts for as much as 97% of the plantings here.
3) Côte de Sézanne
The Côte de Sézanne forms a separate wine-growing area within the appellation. This region is located just south of the Côte des Blancs. In history and communication, this area is still often seen as an extension of the Côte des Blancs. Here too, the Chardonnay grape dominates, only the ripening process takes place just a bit differently. The expression of the grape in this area is rounder and fuller. The subsoil consists mainly of clay, with some chalk sections. The vineyards face southeast, and because of this favorable location, the wines can be fruitier, fuller, and riper.
4) Côte des Bar (Aube)
The Côte des Bar, also known in the region as the Aube, is a wonderful region for lovers of fine bubbles, remarkable vineyards, typical wine-grower cottages, and winding cellars. The champagne vineyards stretch out here in long strips. It is one of the most important regions for champagne production: with more than 7,650 hectares of vineyards, a significant portion of all champagne is produced here annually.
In the Côte des Bar, Pinot Noir clearly plays the leading role. The chalky soil here provides wines with plenty of character, richness, and notes of red fruit.
5) Vallée de la Marne
A region located along the winding Marne River. In the past, this was an important trade route for the transport of grapes and wines. Meunier plays an important role in the Vallée de la Marne and dominates mainly in the western part of the region. Around Épernay, a lot of Pinot Noir is planted. The soil and the specific microclimate along the river provide favorable conditions for these grape varieties. Meunier in particular contributes to the fruity and accessible character of many champagnes from the Vallée de la Marne.
Origin of the Champagne region
The history of the Champagne region goes back a long way. Wine was already being made here in Roman times, but it was the monks who turned it into a true craft starting in the Middle Ages. The most famous among them is Dom Pérignon, who became cellar master of the Abbey of Hautvillers in 1668 and refined the production process for years. He did not invent sparkling wine, but his work laid the foundation for the champagne as we know it today.
From the 18th century onward, demand grew significantly, and the first major champagne houses were founded, such as Ruinart, Moët & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot. In the 19th century, the region developed into the center of sparkling wine in the world. A large portion of the bottles is intended for export—specifically, more than half.
Production in the Champagne region
With roughly 34,000 hectares of vineyards, the Champagne region is not the largest wine region in France, but it is certainly one of the most famous. On average, around 300 million bottles of champagne are produced annually, though that number fluctuates each year depending on the weather and the harvest.
Almost exclusively sparkling wine is made here. It is the only wine permitted to bear the name champagne. To make it, three main grape varieties are used: Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay.
Visiting the Champagne region
Want to learn more about champagne? Where better to do that than in the country and the Champagne region itself? An unforgettable destination for wine lovers, champagne lovers, and anyone who adores picturesque villages.
From Maastricht, it is only a three-hour drive. Drive through the various villages by car. You will encounter not only the major champagne houses, but also individual farmers who make their own champagnes. Traveling by train is also an option, by the way. Take the Eurostar to Paris and then transfer to the train to Reims. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting sipping a glass of champagne.
If you want to enjoy a bit of sun and beautifully blooming grapevines alongside the delicious bubbles, the best time to visit is between May and August. On the other hand, the harvest festival is also a lot of fun to experience. If so, keep the months of September and October in mind.
A trip through the Champagne region is definitely worth it!
Tips for your visit to the Champagne region
- Book in advance: Book your tours and tastings well in time, especially on weekends and during the summer months. Time slots at the well-known champagne houses are often fully booked long in advance.
- Mix big and small: Combine a large champagne house with a small winemaker. At the major houses, you will experience the impressive cellars and history; at the small producers, you get a more personal story. Small farmers are just as proud of their champagne as the big names.
- Keep the lunch break in mind: Between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, many wine houses are closed, as they are on Sundays. With good planning, you can visit three to four houses in a single day.
- Pick up the local guide: Ask at the Office de Tourisme for the booklet containing all the wine houses in the area. Handy for planning your route.
- Ask about the language: Don't speak French yourself? Ask the winemaker if a tour in English is available.
- Go on an adventure: Follow the signs for the Route Touristique de Champagne and wander off here and there. It is precisely between the vineyards and smaller villages that you will discover the most beautiful spots.
Ready to discover the Champagne region? Experience it firsthand among the vineyards, or bring a piece of France into your home with a bottle from our collection.
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Frequently asked questions
Visit Reims or Épernay?
Both are well worth it, and they are located close to each other. Reims is the largest city in the region, known for its impressive cathedral and major champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, and Taittinger. Épernay is considered the heart of champagne. Along the famous Avenue de Champagne, you will find the houses of Moët & Chandon and De Castellane, among others, with miles of cellars underneath. Have a weekend? Then you can easily combine the two.
When is the best time to visit the Champagne region?
If you want to enjoy sunshine and blooming vineyards, the period between May and August is the most beautiful. If you love atmosphere and tradition, September and October are interesting months, as that is when the harvest takes place and the harvest festivals are celebrated.
Which grapes are used in the Champagne region?
Three main grape varieties are used in the Champagne region: Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay. Each region has its own accent. For instance, Pinot Noir plays the leading role in the Montagne de Reims, Chardonnay dominates in the Côte des Blancs, and Meunier grows primarily in the Vallée de la Marne.
Which regions make up the Champagne region?
The Champagne region is divided into five regions: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, Côte des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne. Each region has its own famous champagne houses, villages, and main grape variety.
What types of wine come from the Champagne region?
Almost exclusively sparkling wine comes from the Champagne region: the only one in the world permitted to bear the name champagne. Within champagne, there are various styles, such as the fresh Blanc de Blancs (made exclusively from Chardonnay), Blanc de Noirs (made from dark grapes), rosé champagne, and prestigious vintage champagne (made from a single vintage only). Still wines are also produced on a small scale, but champagne is and remains the star attraction.