Conviviality and gourmet delights for the 70th anniversary of the Champagne Tourist Route

This year, we're popping the champagne! The Champagne Tourist Route is celebrating its 70th anniversary with an exceptional programme. It's a sparkling anniversary celebrated with grand banquets in the vineyards, visits to exceptional cellars and wine-related holidays. A unique Champagne experience.

6 banquets to celebrate the Champagne Tourist Route

Parcels of vines clinging to the hills, country roads winding between the vines, centuries-old cellars stretching beneath the villages... the Champagne Tourist Route is a must for lovers of refinement from all over the world.

On Saturday 20 May, you're invited to 6 country-style banquets in the vineyards to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Champagne Tourist Route. Along large convivial tables laid out in the open air, flutes will clink as we toast to the most festive of drinks at noon sharp, while a gastronomic meal, prepared using local produce by local caterers, will bring the guests together. Each Champagne terroir will have its own banquet at the same time: from the Coteaux Vitryats to the Coteaux du Sézannais and the Petit Morin, the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay and the Massif de Saint-Thierry, the Côte des Bar and the Vallée de la Marne Ouest.

This festive occasion will be enlivened by music and entertainment, and will continue throughout 2023 with a series of exceptional events: a picnic at the winegrower's, a "guinguette" on the banks of the Marne, an oenofestival of music, an exhibition of contemporary art in the vineyards or a gourmet walk- there's no better way to celebrate Champagne in 2023.

Great historic houses and passionate winegrowers

What if this year was the opportunity to (re)discover the region? Take advantage of the 70th anniversary of the Route Touristique du Champagne to treat yourself to an oenological weekend in Champagne. Visit the cellars of some of the greatest houses and independent winegrowers, take part in tastings, stroll through the vineyards... a sparkling escapade awaits you.

The 280,000 plots of vines that dot the rolling Champagne countryside invite you to discover the secrets of champagne production. Immerse yourself in the cellars of the most prestigious Champagne houses in Reims and Épernay, take part in workshops on the sparkling nectar in the company of winegrowers, or taste the best vintages on farm tours- there are a thousand and one ways to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Champagne.

Enjoy a memorable day in the company of a winemaker to discover all the hidden treasures of the vine. It's a unique opportunity to get to know champagne.

Champagne: the essence of Champagne gastronomy

Champagne, the best ally of Champagne gastronomy? Of course it is! Prestigious restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs await you for gourmet meals with champagne. More of a picnic in the vineyards? The winegrowers organise meals in the fresh air between the vines, and prepare packed lunches to take with you on beautiful walks through the Champagne vineyards or between the picturesque little villages on the Champagne Tourist Route. There is no shortage of small village inns where you can sample traditional cuisine, always with a glass, and the other top-of-the-range products of the region sublimate the precious elixir to perfection. Such is the case of the truffle, which can be dug up in the company of a truffle dog and later enjoyed as part of a meal based around the precious tuber. Oenology and gastronomy go hand in hand in Champagne!

A rich heritage between town and country

Explore the vineyards on foot, by bike or electric scooter along more than 600 km of signposted footpaths, and marvel at the rural heritage along the way. For history buffs, a trip to Hautvillers in the footsteps of Dom Pérignon is a must, while the towns of Reims andÉpernay boast UNESCO-listed buildings. Wine-lovers won't want to miss a visit to the oldest wine press in Champagne, to learn more about the workings of the vine, while nature lovers can enjoy a bike ride between Reims and Épernay, discovering the region's bucolic landscapes and hillsides, which are also listed by UNESCO. There are a thousand and one ways to discover Champagne!

Bubbles for an exceptional weekend

For a weekend of relaxation and gourmet delights, head for the Champagne region. Here you'll find charming accommodation where you can disconnect from the world in the midst of the vines and enjoy a gentle bubble with your family or loved ones. From top-of-the-range hotels with spas where you can relax and unwind during a wellness getaway, to bed and breakfasts in the countryside for an authentic experience, each day ends with a champagne aperitif and culinary surprises. The more adventurous will venture into unusual overnight accommodation for an unforgettable experience: cabins, gypsy caravans, teepees or tiny houses promise moments of rejuvenation close to nature in the Champagne region. You'll never want to go home!

An escapade of landscapes and wine in Champagne

Armed with your smartphone, explore the hillsides of Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Available via the IdVizit app, the Panoramic Tour takes you on a tour of 8 exceptional viewpoints from Hautvillers to Ambonnay: an original experience that allows you to discover colourful panoramas! It's an opportunity to admire the sumptuous scenery and learn more about the work of the vines. Take the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque villages, take a picnic break or enjoy a glass of champagne as you look out over the hillsides and vineyards... a real invitation to relax and contemplate!

Whether you want to spend a few hours or a whole day, the 40km route offers an original, fun experience of the Champagne vineyards that's accessible to all the family.

*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health and should be consumed in moderation.