Are you looking for the best towns in the Champagne region of France? We’ve got you covered!
If youʻre booking your trip to Champagne last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇫🇷 Top experiences and tours in/to Champagne:
- Day trip to Champagne with 8 tastings (from Paris)
- Guided Tour of Champagne Cellar with Tastings (budget option!)
- Champagne, Epernay, and Family-Run Wineries Tour (from Reims)
🛌 Top hotels in Epernay (our suggested base!):
- La Charuel (in the center of Epernay!)
- La Petalerie (great location!)
- Manoir Henri Giraud & Spa (has a spa and a pool!)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around the Champagne region? Click here to check rental car rates for France!
This guide discusses some of the cutest Champagne towns and villages – all with a different story (and plenty of bubbly!).
Did we miss any of the top towns and villages in Champagne?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Best Towns in the Champagne Region
1. Châtillon-sur-Marne
Châtillon-sur-Marne is a sleepy little village located in the Marne Valley. In the early Middle Ages, it served as a Roman fortress.
The large and imposing statue of Pope Urban II presiding above the rest of the Champagne countryside is one of the highlights of the area.
Get a glimpse of what life was like for a family of winegrowers in the village at Ecomuseums of d’Oeuilly, marvel at the grandiose architecture of Notre-Dame de Reims, and visit the grand wine houses and vineyards at Epernay.
Nearby you can also check out Chalons-en-Champagne, Memorial of Dormans, Ruinart, Soissons, and La Ferte-Milon.
2. Fleury-la-Riviere
Fleury-la-Riviere is another charming village on the right bank of the Marne Valley. The 798-hectare commune features 232 vineyard owners and many champagne producers.
Make sure to visit in spring if you are after experiencing blooming flowers and the awakening Champagne vineyards.
A visit to La Cave aux Coquillages, the most impressive wine cellar in the Champagne region, guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience.
Join a 90-minute guided underground excursion to learn some of the essentials of geology, witness geological treasure left there 45 million years ago, and round off your tour with sipping Legrand-Latour champagne.
Be ready to marvel at the quantity of shells on the walls of the cellar.
When in the mood for wine or champagne, head to Cooperative of Fleury la rivière, Champagne MARC, or Champagne Francois Principe Arnoult.
3. Hautvillers
Hautvillers, nicknamed the cradle of Champagne, is a small French village nestled in the South of the Montagne de Reims that will reward you with stunning views over Epernay and the Champagne valley.
Abbaye d’Hautvillers is the final resting place of the monk Dom Pérignon, the spiritual father of the world-famous champagne who resided in the town during the 17th century.
Going for a Champagne tasting is one of the best things to do in Hautvillers (and a must for every Champagne itinerary, naturally!).
Head to Champagne G.Tribaut à Hautvillers, Jean Pierre Patigny, and Champagne J.M. Gobillard et Fils to get insights into Champagne production and sample the best sparkling wine in the area.
Wander around the town to admire ‘maisons champenoises’ (Champagne houses) with unique architecture and witness around 140 wrought iron signs, which were used to depict various businesses during the Middle Ages when people couldn’t read or write.
Panoramic views of the Marne Valley from Belvedere Dom Pérignon are unmatched.
4. Avize
Right in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, you can find the pretty little village of Avize. Just fifteen minutes south of Epernay, this is the perfect place to take a nature break.
Reconnect with nature at the famous Vix Park, where you can also take in the stunning views of the Champagne Valley.
Keep your eyes peeled for the giant bottle of champagne standing on the heights of Avize.
You’ll also see the homes of Agrapart, Michel Gonet, and Jacques Selosse, who celebrate the unique terroir of the Côte des Blancs.
For a champagne tasting, visit Champagne Waris Larmandier, Champagne Waris Hubert, and Champagne Veuve J. Lanaud, or pop over to Le recommandé for a Sunday brunch in the historic post office.
5. Rilly-la-Montagne
Rilly-la-Montagne is one of the oldest villages in the Grand-Est region, just outside of Reims, which draws visitors with its vineyards and champagne houses.
During WWII, the town was partially destroyed by the bombardments of 1944.
History buffs can check out Eglise Saint-Nicolas, a 12th-century Romanesque-style church, where they can explore its architectural heritage and admire the beauty of its wooden sculptures dating back to 1890.
Champagne lovers can sample to their heart’s content at Champagne Roger Manceaux, Champagne Didier Herbert, Champagne Michel Fagot, and Champagne Andre Delaunois, among the other 50 Champagne producers.
Some of them even offer cellar tours as well as vineyards tours, so you can see all Rilly-la-Montagne has to offer.
Biking and hiking trails are also available in the forests surrounding the village.
6. Crecy-la-Chapelle
Crécy-la-Chapelle is a hidden gem in Seine-et-Marne, in the Île-de-France region. It is also referred to as the “Venice of Brie” since it features many moats.
One of the best things you can do here is to stroll around the village to take in tranquil vibes.
The village was an important trade, crafts, and textile production area in the Middle Ages thanks to The Grand Morin, one of the Marin River’s tributaries, running through the center of the city.
Even though the center of the city still retains its medieval charm, you can still find agricultural land and forests blanketing the surrounding countryside.
Hike Crécy-la-Chapelle-Guérard, get up close and personal with animals at Parrot World, admire La Venise Briarde, and step back in time at Collégiale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption de Crécy-la-Chapelle.
7. L’Epine
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city life at L’Epine, nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes.
The main highlight of the village is the impressive Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Epine, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
The 17th-century legend has it that the statue of the Virgin Mary and Child was allegedly discovered in a burning thorn bush (épine) by some shepherds while they were herding their flock down from pasture, which led to the construction of a church that now houses the replica of the statue.
If you’re visiting with your significant other, then you can plan a romantic weekend getaway at “Les Armes de Champagne,” located just opposite the basilica.
Get wet and wild at Oceanile, get an adrenaline rush with FullJet, and experience the old town charm at Mini-Ville.
8. Ay-Champagne
The pretty Champagne village of Aÿ-Champagne, the birthplace of Champagne Bollinger and famed French jeweler René Lalique, is the largest village in the Champagne region.
Those who want to delve deep into the village’s rich heritage can join a guided tour that will make them walk along the village’s typical half-timbered houses, see the 15th-century Gothic-style Église Saint-Brice, visit various shops and producers, etc.
Get your e-bike from A la Française and head to explore Champagne’s UNESCO-listed vineyards, like La Côte aux Enfants, with an expert guide.
You can also visit the charming commune of Hautvillers to see Dom Pérignon’s tomb in Saint-Sindulphe church before returning to Mareuil-sur-Aÿ for a champagne tasting.
Learn the secrets of the winemaking process at the Pressoria Museum, go tasting at Champagne Bollinger or Champagne Ayala, level up your dining experience at Avarum Restaurant, and make sure to pair your bubbly with Biscuits roses de Reims before leaving the village.
9. Toul
Toul is another charming city located between the banks of the Moselle River and the Marne au Rhin Canal. It is one of the four towns fortified by Vauban at the end of the 17th century.
Start your journey from Terres Touloises Maison Du Tourisme, where you can get all the necessary information about nearby must-see attractions.
Uncover Toul’s architectural heritage at Cathédrale et cloître Saint Etienne, which features Romanesque plan, Gothic architecture and Flamboyant façade.
The Collegiate Church of St. Gengoult is another fine example of Gothic architecture. Stroll along the narrow streets lined with medieval buildings, broaden your cultural horizons at Musee d’Art et d’Histoire de Toul, and get a glimpse of the bygone era by exploring Remparts de Toul.
Not-to-miss events throughout the year are the Wine Fair in April, the Bach Festival from June to September, the Sound and Light Show in the summer, and St. Nicholas’ festival in December.
10. Avenay-Val-d’Or
Avenay-Val-d’Or, also known as Avenay, is a tranquil village boasting champagne houses and a variety of vineyards mostly used for Pinot Noir.
Channel your inner history buff by visiting the 13th-century Church of Saint Trésain and the 19th-century mill in the center of the village.
Take in panoramic views from the 196 meters high Mont Aigu, sip on the finest Champagnes at Champagne Crucifix or Champagne Augustin et fils, and hike Au Pays de la Livre or Circuit du Mont Aigu.
In the village, you can find a playground with 3 spring games along the river “La Livre” as well as a playground and Petanque court at the corner of Rue des Moulins and Allée des Courtes Royes.
Val d’Or Mountain Bike Ride in June and Semi-night and night mountain bike ride “La Loupiote du Val d’Or” in October are some of the events locals don’t want you to miss.
11. St. Amand sur Fion
Saint-Amand sur Fion, nestled in the heart of the Vitryat hills, is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (and an easy day trip from Paris!).
The village is well known for its timber-framed houses sprinkled across the village as well as for its river, mills, and former lavoirs (communal washing places).
Eglise Saint Amand, boasting a gallery porch looking like a cloister, is the centerpiece of this picturesque village. This 12th-century church featuring Romanesque architecture was rebuilt in white chalk in the Gothic style.
The 13th-century choir known as “la Merveille de Saint-Amand” (the Marvel of Saint Amand) is one of the later Gothic additions. Please note that it is open to visitors by appointment only.
Nearby you can also find a 12km hiking trail, gardens, farms with ancient courtyards, and small estates along the river Le Fion.
12. Epernay
The last one on this list is unofficially known as the “Capital of Champagne” since it boasts some of the world’s greatest Champagne House headquarters.
One of the best things to do in Epernay is to stroll down the Avenue de Champagne, lined with historic houses with iconic Champagne brands.
The most notable of these are Moët et Chandon, Mercier, Pol Roger, Perrier-Jouët, and more.
Those who want to dive deep into the area’s rich heritage can visit Église Notre-Dame, tour the gorgeous Château Perrier, and wow at the Renaissance architectural style of Portail Saint-Martin.
Taking a hot air balloon ride is the best way to get a bird’s eye view of the Champagne vineyards and take in stunning views of other key highlights of Epernay.
Catch a local show at the 19th-century Le Salmanazar Theatre, take a day trip to Reims, and climb Mount Bernon for unparalleled views of Epernay.
Did we miss any of the best towns in the Champagne region in this guide?
Let us know your favorite Champagne towns in the comments!
More Champagne Travel Guides
- Champagne tours from Paris
- Champagne tours from Reims
- Things to do in Epernay
- Things to do in Reims
- Best Champagne books
- Weekend in Champagne
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.