Champagne Route (Route Touristique du Champagne)
Champagne Route (Route Touristique du Champagne)
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Gonzalo_de_Berceo
Ghent, Belgium1,141 contributions
Aug 2020
Belle route bien indiquée! Mais attention aux jeunes voyous qui talonnent les voitures portant une plaque étrangère pour faire augmenter le nombre d'amendes dans la région. Payés par qui?
Beautiful well signposted road. But watch out for the young bandits who tailgate the cars with foreign license plate with a view to increasing the number of fines in the region. Paid by whom?
Beautiful well signposted road. But watch out for the young bandits who tailgate the cars with foreign license plate with a view to increasing the number of fines in the region. Paid by whom?
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara C
Brooklyn, NY50 contributions
While my husband and I were on our honeymoon two weeks ago, we rented a car in Paris, headed to the Champagne region and stayed in Reims for 2 days (at Les Telliers bed and breakfast -- which was wonderful). One of the days we were in Reims, we took a drive on the well-marked and easy to follow Route Touristique du Champagne heading towards Epernay. The drive itself takes you through endless vineyard fields as well as many small towns where the grapes are harvested and the champagne produced. It was truly a beautiful, picturesque drive and, although we enjoyed the tours of the large cellars in Reims, gave us a new appreciation of the tradition and lives of these vineyard owners. Do not be fooled by the name of this trail -- it is not touristy at all!
Our bed and breakfast proprietor suggested that we ring the door bells of local producers on the Trail and ask for tours of their cellars. He said that we might be lucky enough to find someone who is welcoming and happy to show us around their champagne cellar. And, as luck would have it, we did find a wonderful champagne producer in the town of Ambonnay. Before finding Champagne Thierry Rodez in Ambonnay, however, my husband and I rang three bells in the towns of Verzy and Verzenay but sadly nobody spoke English and we got the impression that July was when everyone takes vacation in Champagne and closes their cellars to tourists. Luck finally hit, however, when we saw Champagne Thierry Rodez's sign which read "We speak English"!
Thierry and his wife were wonderfully hospitable, showing us how and where they produce their champagne as well as their cellar where the champagne is aged. Thierry Rodez is not a large producer, so their space was small, but they gave us the most special look into how local producers in Champagne earn a living at this very specialized practice. Thierry's wife spoke perfect English and they shared with us glasses of their delicious extra brut champagne, which was the best we had tasted on our tour. Even better than Martel and Tattinger -- larger producers we toured in Reims. Thank you Thierry Rodez and family! It was our most favorite experience on our trip through Champagne.
I would definitely recommend a drive or bike through the trail, and if you do speak English, or even if you don't, I would highly recommend you stop at this producer!
Our bed and breakfast proprietor suggested that we ring the door bells of local producers on the Trail and ask for tours of their cellars. He said that we might be lucky enough to find someone who is welcoming and happy to show us around their champagne cellar. And, as luck would have it, we did find a wonderful champagne producer in the town of Ambonnay. Before finding Champagne Thierry Rodez in Ambonnay, however, my husband and I rang three bells in the towns of Verzy and Verzenay but sadly nobody spoke English and we got the impression that July was when everyone takes vacation in Champagne and closes their cellars to tourists. Luck finally hit, however, when we saw Champagne Thierry Rodez's sign which read "We speak English"!
Thierry and his wife were wonderfully hospitable, showing us how and where they produce their champagne as well as their cellar where the champagne is aged. Thierry Rodez is not a large producer, so their space was small, but they gave us the most special look into how local producers in Champagne earn a living at this very specialized practice. Thierry's wife spoke perfect English and they shared with us glasses of their delicious extra brut champagne, which was the best we had tasted on our tour. Even better than Martel and Tattinger -- larger producers we toured in Reims. Thank you Thierry Rodez and family! It was our most favorite experience on our trip through Champagne.
I would definitely recommend a drive or bike through the trail, and if you do speak English, or even if you don't, I would highly recommend you stop at this producer!
Written 29 July 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony-Susan
Washington DC, DC801 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Start in Reims at the tourist office next to the Cathedral. They will provide you with an excellent map for the driving tour and give you plenty of guidance. We spent two days driving from village to village, vineyard to vineyard, sight to sight. There is so much to see and taste that I will only touch a few highlights:
1. Mutigny. An odd name that is easy to remember (think mutiny), we found the best sights for panoramic views in the area around it. The town has even set out a view route with "Point de vue" signs at key locations. Ideal for shots not only of the hills and towns, but also you are right in the middle of the most famous vineyards (Moet, Pommery, Verve, etc.) And they are all clearly marked. The drive was great fun, and we wish we were in a sports car!
2. Hautvillers. A delightful village with a must stop at the Abbey to pay homage to Dom Perignon, the founder of it all, who is buried there. The walk across the street for a leisurely lunch at the restaurant with the same name. Slow dining at its best with the cuisine prepared by a noted chef.
3. Verzonay. Once again, a very scenic spot, but skip Le Phare (the lighthouse). The view is disappointing because the windows are dirty at the top and they don't open. Go across to the windmill on the other side of town. The views are ideal, you are next to a vineyard, and there's no charge.
4. Epernay. Many restaurants to choose from, some excellent champagne stores to shop at some superb tasting rooms.
5. Mesnil-sur-Oger. We stayed at the Baradon-Michaudet B&B, and the choice was perfect. Lovely room, delightful proprietors, superb breakfast, excellent location. This village also hosts the most touted museum dedicated to the vineyards. Book ahead.
There are many, many delightful places to explore, and we will be back. I can easily see 4 days in this area that will always be amply rewarded. Did I forget to mention Ay? or Chantillon sur Marne? Or Challons en Champagne? or...
1. Mutigny. An odd name that is easy to remember (think mutiny), we found the best sights for panoramic views in the area around it. The town has even set out a view route with "Point de vue" signs at key locations. Ideal for shots not only of the hills and towns, but also you are right in the middle of the most famous vineyards (Moet, Pommery, Verve, etc.) And they are all clearly marked. The drive was great fun, and we wish we were in a sports car!
2. Hautvillers. A delightful village with a must stop at the Abbey to pay homage to Dom Perignon, the founder of it all, who is buried there. The walk across the street for a leisurely lunch at the restaurant with the same name. Slow dining at its best with the cuisine prepared by a noted chef.
3. Verzonay. Once again, a very scenic spot, but skip Le Phare (the lighthouse). The view is disappointing because the windows are dirty at the top and they don't open. Go across to the windmill on the other side of town. The views are ideal, you are next to a vineyard, and there's no charge.
4. Epernay. Many restaurants to choose from, some excellent champagne stores to shop at some superb tasting rooms.
5. Mesnil-sur-Oger. We stayed at the Baradon-Michaudet B&B, and the choice was perfect. Lovely room, delightful proprietors, superb breakfast, excellent location. This village also hosts the most touted museum dedicated to the vineyards. Book ahead.
There are many, many delightful places to explore, and we will be back. I can easily see 4 days in this area that will always be amply rewarded. Did I forget to mention Ay? or Chantillon sur Marne? Or Challons en Champagne? or...
Written 14 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henri S
Estonia9 contributions
We visited Reims, Eperney and Bouzy champagne houses in the end of March 2010. Very remarkable place was Bouzy - a small village of 900 inhabitants but with more than 50 champagne houses. Village is situated between Grand Cru and Premier Cru grape fields about 20 km from Epernay. Most of champagne houses are small ones but produce high quality champagne, not worse than world famous champagne producers with sound names but only with half of their price. Tasting and cellar tours were free in those places we were but purchasing of a bottle or two is recommendable . It was nice to get direct contact with owners. Tornay and Beaufort champagne houses were most hospitable and their champagne was excellent. There is possible to have overnight stay in Le Pelerine bed and breakfast for only 44 EUR.
Written 30 March 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PishPash
South Coast UK282 contributions
Jun 2011 • Friends
Had a three day trip to Reims experiencing a heatwave ! Amazing trip through the Reims de Montagne. We have done the Champagne Trail before and knew to take a picnic as the trip is the least commercial you will ever do and there's not even a shop to buy water!
We sat by the edge of The Marne river with a weir and a lock. Magical. Because of previous reviews on TripAdvisor sought out Thierry Rodez in the village of Ambonnay. Jessie greeted us in English and immediately agreed to take us round their cellars. We had been to Mercier the day before and on previous trips have done Pommery, Mumm, Castellaine, Piper Heidseck etc. but this whole experience was just a delight. They produce 10,000 pa and the whole process is done there which means they press the grapes in a wooden press and riddle the champagne themselves. When it came to tasting we were offered their Cuvee Extra Brut which we were very interested in tasting. It's just up our alley! We also bought mixed cases of their Rose Brut and the Brut Reserve. Our friends wanted a few bottles of the Demi-Sec as a dessert wine to celebrate the imminent birth of a grandchild and as none was labelled we watched that process which was done specially for them. The experience was really special and we will definitely be returning on our next trip. Their traditional champagne is 13.90 euros, Reserve is 14.90 euros. Extra Brut and Rose are 14.50 euros per bottle and you can mix cases.See photo of Jessie and husband at their house labelling our champagne.
We sat by the edge of The Marne river with a weir and a lock. Magical. Because of previous reviews on TripAdvisor sought out Thierry Rodez in the village of Ambonnay. Jessie greeted us in English and immediately agreed to take us round their cellars. We had been to Mercier the day before and on previous trips have done Pommery, Mumm, Castellaine, Piper Heidseck etc. but this whole experience was just a delight. They produce 10,000 pa and the whole process is done there which means they press the grapes in a wooden press and riddle the champagne themselves. When it came to tasting we were offered their Cuvee Extra Brut which we were very interested in tasting. It's just up our alley! We also bought mixed cases of their Rose Brut and the Brut Reserve. Our friends wanted a few bottles of the Demi-Sec as a dessert wine to celebrate the imminent birth of a grandchild and as none was labelled we watched that process which was done specially for them. The experience was really special and we will definitely be returning on our next trip. Their traditional champagne is 13.90 euros, Reserve is 14.90 euros. Extra Brut and Rose are 14.50 euros per bottle and you can mix cases.See photo of Jessie and husband at their house labelling our champagne.
Written 30 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
avidtraveller195
Melbourne, Australia584 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We travelled a section of the Champagne Route today, stopping in all 4 villages of Bouzy, Ambonnay, Trepail and Vaudemange. At each village we walked all the streets, taking photos, and calling into some of the champagne houses. We found that there was no need to book in advance and we tasted at Herbert Beaufort in Bouzy and Patrick Soutiran in Ambonnay. There was no charge at either house, though we did buy 2 bottles at each. We did note that Patrick Soutiran did have a notice that there was a charge of 3 euros for tasting which was refunded if purchasing 3 bottles. However, we were each offered 3 tastings and only bought 2 bottles with no suggestion of a tasting charge. The tasting was in a room of the house, seated at a table in a friendly and intimate situation with the owner's daughter who spoke only a little english. There was also a toilet available for visitors.
At Herbert Beaufort there is a dedicated tasting room and toilets. There was a warm welcome from Thierry who spoke excellent english and was most informative.
Many visitors do not have time to drive all of the Champagne Route. We started from Mareuil-sur-Ay and found that this made for a good day trip with plenty of walking. Close to Bouzy is a view lookout which is signposted in the town and worth the short drive. Bouzy and Ambonnay each had a boulangerie and a restaurant with the restaurant in Ambonnay having a 9 euro prix fixe lunch.
At Herbert Beaufort there is a dedicated tasting room and toilets. There was a warm welcome from Thierry who spoke excellent english and was most informative.
Many visitors do not have time to drive all of the Champagne Route. We started from Mareuil-sur-Ay and found that this made for a good day trip with plenty of walking. Close to Bouzy is a view lookout which is signposted in the town and worth the short drive. Bouzy and Ambonnay each had a boulangerie and a restaurant with the restaurant in Ambonnay having a 9 euro prix fixe lunch.
Written 27 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SGEverettWA
Everett, WA524 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
We visited the Champagne region of France again September 2012. Each visit is more special than the last. The people of this region are so very proud of who they are and what their region represents. There are so many wonderful Champagne houses to visit and taste their offerings. We have found that the best of the Champagnes are most often the smaller Champagne houses that are lesser known. Our favorites were Gobance-Bochet, De Castillane, Canard Duchene. We had the very fortunate opportunity to meet Regis Gobance and taste his Champagnes, we brought some home as well. A really exquisite Champagne.
We also had the pleasure of meeting up with a lovely young lady from Dizy that we met on our trip in 2010. She was so gracious to take us on a tour of the area, places we would have never had the opportunity to see otherwise. And her knowledge and love of the area just made it a perfect and unforgettable trip for us.
The restaurants in the area are wonderful, as are the people of France. Each time we go I leave a bigger piece of my heart there. If you want the ultimate vacation in France you must visit the Champagne region. Epernay, Reims, Chalons-en-Champagne, Hautvillers. In Hautvillers there is a very chic and fun new wine bar/cafe called Au 36. A really fun experience with tastings of different Champagnes and lovely little platters of some local food items.
Go, you won't be dissapointed!
We also had the pleasure of meeting up with a lovely young lady from Dizy that we met on our trip in 2010. She was so gracious to take us on a tour of the area, places we would have never had the opportunity to see otherwise. And her knowledge and love of the area just made it a perfect and unforgettable trip for us.
The restaurants in the area are wonderful, as are the people of France. Each time we go I leave a bigger piece of my heart there. If you want the ultimate vacation in France you must visit the Champagne region. Epernay, Reims, Chalons-en-Champagne, Hautvillers. In Hautvillers there is a very chic and fun new wine bar/cafe called Au 36. A really fun experience with tastings of different Champagnes and lovely little platters of some local food items.
Go, you won't be dissapointed!
Written 4 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeanB
Ewa Beach, HI194 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Went to Reims for the long weekend and decided to head out and explore the Champagne Route on two of the three days. What a great way to see the country and taste some great champagne. We did this on Easter weekend though, which wasn't the best time to do it. Learned the hard way about local serving times for both champagne sampling and lunch. Many of the smaller establishments were closed up on Sunday and Monday. The larger places in Reims and Epernay were open. Great tour at Mercier in Epernay. Highly recommend that. I did absolutely love the drive through the country and these beautiful small towns. Champagne or not, this is trip well worth it. To note, most places sample from 9:00am to 12:00 or 12:30, then close until 2:00 for lunch, then remain open until around 5:00pm. Stopped by a restaurant at 2:30 for a late lunch and was turned away as the service was completed at 2:00. Leasons learned for the next trip. Loved the drive!
Written 6 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anne_bridges1
Leighton Buzzard, UK2 contributions
Jul 2011 • Friends
Spending a few days touring round the champagne region with a friend and having already seen reviews for Thierry Rodez Champagne House in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay had already arranged a time to visit. Definitely worth it. Jesse speaks English and her husband Thierry makes the champagne! Little Lucas, their young son added to the entertainment. Jesse spent time taking us on a tour of their cellars and explained the champagne making process. Although we had visited one of the big houses, this was much better.
Thierry bought out both their traditional and rose for us to taste and it was lovely that they both sat down and drank with us. The champagne was excellent, some of the best we tasted.
The only thing to add is that if you want to buy you will need cash, but if you dont have enough there is a cash point in the nearby village of Bouzy which is 5 minutes away.
Their address is 1 Impasse de la Sec, 51150 Ambonnay, and email champagne.t.rodez@wanadoo.fr
Thierry bought out both their traditional and rose for us to taste and it was lovely that they both sat down and drank with us. The champagne was excellent, some of the best we tasted.
The only thing to add is that if you want to buy you will need cash, but if you dont have enough there is a cash point in the nearby village of Bouzy which is 5 minutes away.
Their address is 1 Impasse de la Sec, 51150 Ambonnay, and email champagne.t.rodez@wanadoo.fr
Written 2 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mich_cra_holidays
London33 contributions
We have been a few times to Reims/Epernay and on our most recent visit, we stopped at some of the more unknown and smaller champagne houses.
In Abonnay, there is a small champagne house called Thierry Rodez. You dont have to make an appointment, just stop there and ring the bell. Thierry's wife speaks perfect english and they were so welcoming. We learnt more about champagne making and the lifestyle than on any of the more "popular" tours. I would definately recommend it.
We also stopped at Contesse Lafond in Epernay. This is a fairly new champagne house but again, we were made to feel very welcome. You do not need to book here either. It was like sitting in somebody's lounge and drinking champagne. Castellene, also in Epernay is a good tour and tasting and worth a visit also.
In Abonnay, there is a small champagne house called Thierry Rodez. You dont have to make an appointment, just stop there and ring the bell. Thierry's wife speaks perfect english and they were so welcoming. We learnt more about champagne making and the lifestyle than on any of the more "popular" tours. I would definately recommend it.
We also stopped at Contesse Lafond in Epernay. This is a fairly new champagne house but again, we were made to feel very welcome. You do not need to book here either. It was like sitting in somebody's lounge and drinking champagne. Castellene, also in Epernay is a good tour and tasting and worth a visit also.
Written 3 November 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo,
Ik zou graag binnenkort de champagnestreek gaan bezoeken met mobilhome, wie kan mij een gedetaeerde wegomschrijving bezorgen met eventuele bezienswaardigheden.
Alvast bedankt,
Willems Jos
willems.jos@live.be
Written 12 September 2018
We went to the fete a few years back and were lucky enough to have a designated driver who did't like champagne (!!?!!) - this year people are flying in from different parts of the world and so while we will hire a car to get to our accommodation we won't be driving between the villages during the fete. Any top tips of people have managed it? Did you use taxis, are they readily available? Or are there shuttles between the participating villages? I can't find anything on the fete website - quelle surprise :-)
Written 6 March 2018
Will be in France with friends in late may. We are planning a day trip from Paris to Epernay. The plan is to take the train, rent a car in Epernay and drive the Champagne trail to Reims, just kinda playing along the way. is this a good approach for a day trip to this region
Written 6 December 2016
We're going to be in Reims for the month of July. I would love to view the country side and make a few stops at local mom and pop champagne houses. Can you recommend some that speak English? My French speaking skills are très peu.
Thanks,
Peggy
Written 9 April 2016
We used this tour from Tripadvisor. It was fabulous! It saved us the time and energy of figuring out where to go and how to approach the various Champagne houses.
Sorry, not allowed to post HTML, so just look it up.
Small_Group_Champagne_Tour_with_Champagne_Tastings_and_Lunch_from_Reims-Reims
Written 8 June 2018
Hi everyone! I'm thinking about visiting the Champagne area in late April. Do you think the vines will be fine for a first time visit? I'm worried they will still look a bit "dead". Thanks! Best, Giovanna
Written 19 January 2016
I would like to visit the winery on the 9th or 10th March. Is a tour available for 2 adults and what price?
Written 14 January 2015
My husband and I are going end of March and staying two nights in Reims. Were planning a day trip to Epernay. Is it worth while to rent a car or can this route be done by train and walking?
Written 29 December 2014
My husband and I are going end of March and staying two nights in Reims. Were planning a day trip to Epernay. Is it worth while to rent a car or can this route be done by train and walking?
Written 29 December 2014
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