Weekends in Champagne

I’m opening a bottle of Champagne today and with my first sip, I couldn’t think of a better way to start a new blog series: Chasing Bubbles — A Journey through champagne.

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It was a very last-minute decision for me and my boyfriend to escape for the weekend which is something I don’t usually do. We were craving a quick getaway, somewhere within driving distance from Rotterdam but with a completely different landscape. We ended up visiting the Champagne region twice this year: once over Easter weekend and again in July. I’d definitely recommend July/August, when the vineyards are lush and green, heavy with grapes. But I loved seeing the contrast: from quiet, empty fields in spring to rolling waves of vines waiting to be harvested end of the summer.

As we drove in from Reim to Épernay, the hills began to open up in front of us with endless vineyards, winding country roads, and soft golden light. It felt like stepping into a French movie scene: slow, sunlit, and romantic.

What surprised me most after these trips was how different it felt from the Champagne image we all know. It is not flashy or over-indulgent , but grounded and full of passion. The people here care deeply about their craft, their history, their land and it shows in every glass. Champagne is more passion than luxury!

Getting there and around

It’s about a four-hour drive from Rotterdam. It was an easy and scenic road trip. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the Champagne houses and nearby villages at your own pace, as public transport here is limited. However, remember: When you drink, dont' drive!

Épernay — The Beating heart of bubbles

Épernay was our base for the weekends. It is a small, elegant city and entirely devoted to Champagne.

We started our mornings with breakfast and coffee at the chic Miblo Coffee before a stroll down Avenue de Champagne, where history and luxury fill the air. You can join a tour or a tasting; or sit in a garden with a glass in hand, and watch time slow down.

If you wander beyond the avenue, the city itself is charming. It is full of cafés, boutiques, and everything you need for a cozy weekend.

💡 Tip: Book restaurants in advance as they fill up fast. L' Oben is our fav place (after 3 booking attempts) and honestly, the food was heaven. It was a feast for both eyes and taste buds! And if you’re shopping for wines/champagne, check out Les grands vins de france. You can find unique labels straight from the source and you can enjoy the tasting with some snacks too.

Explore Hautvillers - The birthplace of champagne

Hautvillers (pronounced O-vil) is a small village with beautiful views over Epernay and the Champagne valley. It's the home of Dom Pérignon, the monk whose winemaking legacy shaped the history of Champagne. You can visit his tomb and stroll through the peaceful Dom Pérignon garden. Hauvillers is a perfect little stop for a half-trip.

As you stroll through the village, look up and spot around 140 wrought-iron signs hanging in front of the houses. Each one tells a story, showing the profession, the passion, or any distinctive sign designating its owner. It’s such a charming detail, adding an authentic character to the village.

We wandered through the narrow alleys without Google Maps, just following our curiosity. The village is small enough that you really can’t get lost here.

💡 Viewpoint tip: At sunset, take a short walk to the viewpoint overlooking the vineyards. The light spills gently over the valley, and from up there, you can see rows of vines stretching endlessly into the horizon. You can also take a walk through the winesyard. We did it after the rain so we could smell the earthy, chalky scent lingering.

Visit Moët & Chandon House — A Classic for a Reason

A must-do for any Champagne lover, especially if you are new to the world of bubles. Here, you’ll dive into the rich history and meticulous process behind one of the world’s most iconic Champagne houses.

The guided tour takes you through the vast underground cellars, stretching over 28 kilometers beneath Épernay. Rows upon rows of bottles rest in the dim golden light, waiting for their perfect moment to be uncorked. The tour ends with a tasting and of course, sipping a glass of Moët where it was born feels extra special.

You can truly feel luxury and passion here. Every bottle is a work of patience: a non-vintage bottle must age for at least 15 months, while vintage ones rest for a minimum of three years and often much longer to achieve the complex flavour. It’s humbling to realize how much time and care go into every sip.

Visit Pressoria Museum in Aÿ-Champagne

We spent a quiet Sunday morning at this interactive museum to dive deeper in the world of champagne. It takes you through every step of the process, from the chalky soil and cool climate to the different grape varieties, blends, and techniques that give each bottle its unique character.

It’s small but beautifully curated: engaging, visual, and informative if you want to understand the craft behind what’s in your glass.

And of course, ending with a small tasting overlooking the wines valley is a must. 😉

Take a road trip along Champagne Tourist Route

Take a little road trip through the Champagne valleys and hills, discovering the smaller wine villages along the way. You can stop whenever you like: walk between the vines, take photos, and breathe in the fresh, crisp air. It’s the kind of drive where you roll the windows down and let the countryside slow you down.

Final thoughts

As we drove back home with a little more knowledge about this drink and a trunk full of bottles we’d fallen in love with during the tastings. Champagne had shown me its heart: not just in the glass, but in the process and the people who bring it to life.

Enjoying Champagne is such a personal experience. As I learned during one of the tastings, you may not taste what others taste and that’s okay. It connects to your own memories and emotions, making every sip uniquely yours.

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In my next post, I’ll share more about the smaller Champagne houses that you can visit beyond Avenue de Champagne.