The romance of the fizzy elixir lends romance to the region. Originally the name was derived, less romantically, from 'Campania': land of plains. That's very much an understatement, this landscape isn't just plains. There are also undulating hillsides on which grow the perfectly romantic rows of vines and on which rest the 300 charming Champagne villages. If you know which of these you want to stay in go straight to our guru's list. Otherwise here are some good reasons to visit, and some of the best places to stay in Champagne to enjoy them.

What not to Miss

• The romance of the drink must come in part from the magical story of its 'invention' by Benedictine Monk, Dom Perignon. Sparkling wine starts life as still wine, in the case of Champagne, mostly thin, acidic blends of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. Champagne is then fermented in the bottle. When the yeast breaks down the sugars produce the carbon dioxide sparkle. Many people will tell you that when you taste Champagne before the fermentation process has occurred you’ll be able to see why it’s so important to the region, so make sure you try some.
• The Champagne Route is the most common way to traverse the region, taking quaffers and connoisseurs from one beautiful village to the next (don't miss Colombey Les Deux Eglises - close to the champagne route and once home of General de Gaulle). Many vineyards are passed along the way. Most of the big producers don't grow their own grapes, but the ones who do are obviously the most interesting to visit. It's worth remembering that much of the region's best bubbly is produced in the 5,000 or so small scale vignerons. So make sure you make time to visit some of them. Many are happy to welcome visitors.

Reims

Premium champagne grapes are grown on the gentle slopes of the Montagne de Reims, where many of the big names in champagne are based. Including Pommery, Krug, Taittinger and Roederer.

Taittinger is one of the few major champagne houses you can tour without a booking. Once a church, the cellars of this 'house' go down several levels, to those cut into the chalk in Roman times. Don't be put off by the famous name, it's worth visiting Tattinger because it's one of the few champagne houses which still turns its bottles by hand.

Épernay

25kms south of Reims, Épernay is the true wine capital of Champagne. Situated in the heart of the vineyards, ninety per cent of this town's population work in wine. And Épernay has 37 Champagne houses - Reims has eight. Épernay is also one of the wealthiest towns in the Champagne region. Partly because this is where Moët et Chandon have their cellar. But many of the smaller producers within walking distance of Moët are also well worth a visit.

Épernay is also famous for the vast underground cellars lying directly below its streets. There are approximately 110kms worth, holding 200 million bottles of fizz.

Troyes

Beautiful and unchanging Troyes is the second historic capital of the Champagne region, though, unlike Reims, it doesn't have any champagne houses. It does have some wonderful half-timbered medieval ones though - thought of as some of the best preserved in Europe. And some very fine Gothic architecture as well. It also has some excellent museums. And probably the most famous outlet mall in France.

Don't forget that this is a busy destination, for all sorts of reasons, year round. So if you want to guarantee a bed in one of the best places to stay in Champagne, do yourself a favour and plan well ahead.

The best places to stay in Champagne

In Reims

• On the edge of the Montagne de Reims, Château de Rilly is one of the best places to stay in Champagne. It is beautiful, peaceful and surrounded by a reserve, and is perfectly located for taking in all that Reims has to offer.
• Close to reims, Les Bulles Dorees is a quirky, yet elegant, Champagne House with four spacious bedrooms and a beautiful garden. You’re surrounded by vineyards here.
• The Château les Crayeres is a five star château with 20 rooms, a Michelin starred chef, classical furniture and decor and 400 champagne labels. This is a sophisticated hotel with very high service standards.

In Épernay

• La Villa Eugene is purist fizz and luxury. This charming house once belonged to the famous Mercier family - also famed for holding a car rally in the subterranean cellars under Épernay. It's also a perfect spot if you want to be within walking distance from as many champagne houses as possible.
• The Hotel Restaurant les Avises is well known by foodies for its Michelin star chef. But this ten room hotel in a converted château is also well located for the both the champagne houses of Épernay and the region. The interiors are modern and the bathrooms are particularly expensive.
• Hostellerie la Briqueterie is a recently renovated country house hotel set on a vineyard just a short stroll from Épernay. There are 40, rather luxurious rooms, with views of fountain-filled gardens, a spa and a heated indoor pool.

For Historic Champagne

• A fabulous half timbered townhouse, La Maison de Rhodes is one of the best places to stay in Champagne if you're here for the region's history as well as its wine. Once owned by the Knights of Malta it's hard to get more medieval wonderful than this 12th Century building. It's also a perfect choice if you're looking to get away from the main Champagne tourist drag.
• The Hotel le Château Fort de Sedan is a medieval fortress with beautifully, and comfortably, renovated interiors and a splendid buffet breakfast. As well as original stone walls, you’ll also find some lovely antiques, and you’re surrounded by some excellent walking trails.
• Beautifully renovated, Le camp des Oiseaux was originally built in the 15th century, and the lovely stone and timber facade remains. Inside there are nine, light, airy rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The restaurant is gourmet and the Troyes location is excellent.

For Romance

• The Château d’Etoges is a stately château surrounded by its own parkland and vineyards. There are 28 rooms, all of them opulent, many with four-poster beds, fireplaces, parquet floors and high ceilings. There’s also an excellent spa.
• The Domaine Château du Faucon is a fabulous château set in stunning grounds. It has 26 elegant rooms, individually styled and featuring quality antiques, traditional fabrics and wallpapers and yet clean lines. There’s a tennis court and the restaurant serves excellent regional cuisine.
• Le Clos des Terres Soudees is a boutique design hotel in Vrigny, with just five bedrooms an an excellent gourmet restaurant. And of course an extensive wine list.
• Domaine Sacret in central Ay, is a chic and intimate guesthouse with just four rooms, owned by a wine-growing family. Expect free-standing baths, antiques and a bar, complete with a billiards table. You’re walking distance from a number of excellent restaurants.

For Foodies

• Les Berceaux is a reasonably priced, family run hotel in Épernay close to some of the world’s most famous champagne houses. It has just 28 rooms but offers a choice of two restaurants, the Michelin starred Michelon, and Bistrot 7.
• L'Assiette Champenoise has won not just one, but two Michelin stars for its cuisine, created by Arnaud Lallement’s cuisine. The hotel around the restaurant has 35 super modern rooms and suites - some with private balconies and jacuzzis.
• Chez Odette is a sleek, design hotel in a beautiful rural spot with an excellent, gourmet restaurant. There are just nine rooms and suites - some with open fireplaces, and all with dark wood and slate bathrooms.

For Rural Peace

• La Closerie des Sacres is a three room B&B converted from stables, and there’s a French farmhouse feel to the property. As well as complimentary breakfast you’ve also access to a kitchen and BBQ.
• Le Parc du Château is a stylish, contemporary guesthouse with five sleek, comfortable rooms - all with their own patios facing out into the property’s beauty parkland. Very peaceful. And close to the winemaking village of Hermonville.
• The Hostellerie La Montagne is a charming restaurant with nine traditional rooms in a peaceful spot close to woods and forests. The food is superb and the atmosphere elegant and relaxed.

For Families

• L'Assiette Champenoise is one of the best places to stay in Champagne for wine tasters. Several champagne 'caves' are within walking distance. The accommodation is modern and luxurious. And the restaurant has two Michelin stars, so it's also a top choice for foodies. Surprisingly it's also one of the best places to stay in Champagne for families, as lots of its rooms are large enough to accommodate an extra bed without needing a whole suite.

Best B&Bs

• Le Clos Margot in rural Vertus is an excellent B&B with five, large elegant, but minimal rooms, and beautiful surrounds.
• Domaine de la Creuse is a charming, beam-clad B&B with five prettily decorated rooms and a large, tranquil garden. You’re very close to Troyes.

For Great Value

• La Grande du Relais is a former coaching inn just off the Champagne Route in Colombey Les Deux Eglises. There are 11 rooms with stone walls and exposed beams, and good French food. Rooms start from less than £70 per night.
• Also offering room for under £70 per night, La Petite Abbaye is a charming chambres d'hôtes with four double rooms - only one with an ensuite, though. Simple, traditional and comfortable.
• The Villa Louis Victor is a comfortable B&B near Dizy, with five simple rooms, a hearty breakfast on offer and a great location. Rooms start from around £70 per night.

For an Apartment or Villa

If you're travelling in a group or with family, it's sometimes easier to book more flexible, self catering type accommodation. For a good selection we recommend our online partner booking.com.

Travel Information

• The nearest international airport to the Champagne region is Charles de Gaulle Airport, or one of the other Paris airports. Though if you’re travelling from the UK the easiest way to get to Champagne is via Paris on the Eurostar. However you get to Paris, from there it’s between 45minutes and hour by train to your destination within the region. Many European centres would have similar train links to the region.
• If you want to hire a car - which we highly recommend if you’re staying in Champagne and want to see the region’s highlights - we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• May and June are the best times to visit if you want to enjoy the best weather and avoid the crowds - who usually visit between July and August. But September and October are best if you want to see the harvest.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search to one of Champagne’s towns, try our recommendations for the best places to stay in Reims?
• Or the best places to stay in Épernay? or Troyes?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.