A museum outing in Champagne | Explore Grand Est

Educate your palate: our champagne museums

What would a visit to Champagne be without a visit to a museum dedicated to the wine of kings?

Here's a tip for epicureans: in Aÿ-Champagne, near Épernay, start your oenological escapade with Pressoria. More than just a visit, this interpretation centre on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims takes you on a journey through your senses. Observe, touch, smell; from the earth to the vine, via the grape harvest and the flavours... (Re)discover the wine of kings from every angle. Including taste! Your exploration ends with a tasting of champagne* (and grape juice for the younger visitors) with a breathtaking view over the famous Reims vineyards.

Once you've discovered all the secrets of champagne production, head to the Musée des Bouteilles Anciennes less than an hour from Troyes. Housed in a family home, this unusual museum traces the development of champagne bottles from the 18th century to the present day. Let yourself be carried away by the anecdotes of the passionate guide, who will tell you all about the techniques developed by the House. The highlight of the visit? Two two-hundred-year-old flutes, some of the first glasses used for tasting champagne.

A place for artists: our museums dedicated to Champagne art

From Épernay to Troyes, the Champagne region not only abounds in exceptional vineyards, but also in talented artists.

If you're passionate about sculpture, take a look at the fascinating career of Camille Claudel at the museum dedicated to her in Nogent-sur-Seine. The collection of over 200 of the artist's sculptures traces her fascinating history. You can also discover the work of Alfred Boucher, Camille Claudel's teacher and a little-known artist from the Champagne region. Our expert advice: by following the "family trail" or taking part in the museum's many workshops, your family visit will be even more fun and memorable!

Are you more interested in painting? In the small village of Essoyes, immerse yourself in the life of the famous Impressionist master Auguste Renoir in his own home. His work tools, his canvases, his armchair... You'd think he was coming back soon! It's a moving visit that takes you through the painter's collections and the art of living in Champagne. To extend this journey back in time, you can also visit the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Saint-Ménéhould. Precious objects, furniture and works of art take you back to the 18th century along an immersive trail dedicated to the capital of the Argonne.

Telling the story: our historic Champagne museums

More than just a destination rich in bubbles, Champagne is a veritable open-air museum! From Troyes to Épernay, exploring the region's historic sites is the ideal way to learn all about the history of the Champagne region... and of France.

Start your journey back to the days of the French Revolution at the Valmy 1792 Historic Centre. Discover the fascinating story of the Battle of Valmy on this immersive trail suitable for all the family. Listen out for the sound of cannon fire, marvel at the burning Bastille and follow in the footsteps of the French troops on a legendary site in French history.

Are you passionate about the Great War? You'll probably prefer the Dormans Memorial, dedicated to the soldiers who fell in the battles of the Marne. After exploring the cloister and exhibition rooms, don't forget to climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view over the Marne Valley.
If you're also interested in the Second World War, you can extend your visit with the Charles de Gaulle Memorial, located in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. Take the time to immerse yourself in the fascinating life of this war hero. In Champagne, hillsides and historical collections go hand in hand!

: Champagne is located in the Grand Est region of north-eastern France. It lies at the confluence of three départements: Marne, Aube and Haute-Marne. It includes the towns of Reims, Troyes and Épernay, whose famous Avenue du Champagne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is best known for the slopes of the Montagne de Reims, which are also listed.

: The museums of Champagne are the ideal place to discover all the secrets of this beautiful destination! Here's a list of Champagne museums where you can plan a visit:

- The Écomusée champenois, in Épernay
- The Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum (also in Épernay)
- The Pressoria interpretation centre, in Aÿ-Champagne
- The Musée des Bouteilles Anciennes, in Celles-sur-Ource
- The Champagne and Vine Museum, in Cumières
- The Champagne Famille Carbot museum in Châlons-en-Champagne
- The Camille Claudel Museum, in Nogent-sur-Seine
- The Renoir cultural centre in Essoyes
- The Napoleon Museum, Brienne-le-Château
- The House of Enlightenment and the Museum of Art and History, Langres
- The Saint-Rémi Museum in Reims
- The Charles de Gaulle Memorial in Colombey
- The Musée de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière in Troyes
- The Cité du Vitrail in Troyes

: An exploration of Épernay, the capital of Champagne, has to end with a tasting! To learn all about the nectar of kings and get an introduction to fine bubbles, you can opt for a visit to the cellar of a major Champagne House in the heart of the town. After listening to your guide's explanations, he or she will tell you all about how to taste the house's champagne according to the rules of the art.

Here is also a non-exhaustive list of museums near Épernay offering tastings at the end of your visit:

- The Musée des Bouteilles Anciennes,
- Pressoria interpretation centre
- The Champagne Famille Carbot museum
- The Champagne and Vine Museum

: Is history close to your heart? With no fewer than four UNESCO World Heritage sites, Reims is an ideal city for a cultural break in Champagne.

Here's a list of the remarkable heritage to discover in Reims:

- Reims Cathedral
- The Palais du Tau (closed until 2025 for renovation)
- Saint-Rémi Abbey
- Saint-Nicaise hill
- The vineyards of the Montagne de Reims
- Mansion houses with Art Deco facades hidden away in the city

: While Reims is a must-see Champagne town on your Champagne break, there are many other towns and cities in the region with hidden treasures to discover.

Here is a list of towns and villages to visit in Champagne:

- Épernay
- Châlons-en-Champagne
- Troyes
- Hautvillers
- Chateauvillain
- Essoyes
- Nogent-sur-Seine
- Brienne-le-Château
- Langres
- Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises