A sparkling getaway in Champagne

Charlotte, from the blog Paris with Charlotte, came to discover the art of Champagne-style living during a trip in December. Here, she shares with us her favourite places to visit!

A stay in Champagne

I may be a Parisian, a real 'city girl', but I'm one of those people who are completely charmed by the Champagne region.

As well as being very easy to get to by train- just hop on the TGV and in 45 minutes you're on your way from the City of Light to the beautiful vineyards of Champagne- this region gives me an immediate change of scenery and a sense of calm.

Of course, I'm not telling you anything new, the bubbles of Champagne are the marvellous reputation of this region, but today I'd like to take you on a slightly more detailed discovery of what you can experience in Champagne.

Le Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa

Let's start with one of the region's most prestigious addresses: the hotel restaurant Le Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa.

Its 5-star status is justified by the unforgettable experience it offers, starting with the rooms. Spacious and elegant, they offer panoramic views over the vineyards. Clara, who gave me the tour, explained that the hotel manager had wanted guests to disconnect, feel at home and let themselves go: with this in mind, they had built fewer but more spacious rooms.

The Royal Champagne also boasts an incredible spa on a rare scale. I didn't have the chance to discover it; you'll have the pleasure of doing that for me.

I did, however, enjoy a wonderful lunch with a view of the Champagne countryside. I dipped my spoon into chef Paolo Boscaro's truffle risotto and succumbed to Claire Santos Lopez's profiteroles. A veritable feast, gourmet and refined gastronomy, and exceptional service, I'm won over.

The atmosphere at Royal Champagne changes with the seasons, and I can't wait to rediscover it in summer. I can already see myself on the rooftop terrace, savouring the view over the green vines, the sunlight streaming through my glass of Champagne ... sorry, I digress!

Habits de Lumière in Epernay

Let's continue with another not-to-be-missed experience in the Champagne region: the Habits de Lumière weekend in Epernay.

This event alone is worth the trip, because it's so unique! It's an annual celebration of the art of living in Champagne, with festivities that thrill locals and visitors from all over the world.

For three days, at the heart of the festive month of December, the Avenue de Champagne is decked out in a thousand lights and offers a host of events.

I arrived on the first evening of the "Habits de Lumière", and as the name suggests, the many Champagne houses along the avenue were decked out in colourful light displays that blew my mind. The avenue also came alive with live shows, champagne bars, musical entertainment and a fireworks display.

A festive moment that makes me want to come back next year!

Getting to know each other...

Champagne offers not only exceptional experiences but also a wealth of culture and unique encounters.

If you don't know where to start on your first visit to Champagne, I recommend Pressoria. If the name doesn't ring a bell, it's a fully immersive, interactive museum for everyone, where you can discover all the secrets of Champagne bubbles.

Pressoria's immersive, interactive scenography will awaken your five senses and enrich your knowledge of champagne. Even if you think you know everything there is to know about champagne, don't miss out! The sequence of rooms is very well done, and you'll be awakening your senses the champagne way. The concept behind Pressoria is to educate you about champagne in a fun way: climate, geology, the grape harvest, the hidden face of the vine, champagne-making, effervescence - it all makes sense!

The icing on the cake is a tasting of this drink of kings on the terrace with a view.

.... to practice!

Knowledge is all very well, but practice is essential!

I really wanted to discover a winemaker who was off the beaten track and could offer me something memorable... This desire led me to an independent winemaker, far from the conventional path: Champagne Cuillier.

Specialising in artisanal champagnes, this family of winegrowers cultivates its vines using agroforestry and organic methods, adding a human dimension to every sip.

The tasting took me through several vintages, culminating in the pinnacle of my expectations: an introduction to sabrage. It was an unforgettable experience that combined fun, laughter and discovery. I can assure you, this human encounter with Champagne Cuillier will remain engraved in my memory.