Champagne Dreams and Sparkling Adventures in Reims!

Adventures in Reims
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

If you’ve ever caught me sipping on a bubbly glass of Champagne, you know it’s not just a fancy treat for special occasions – it’s my daily sip of joy. While most people wind down with a glass of wine in the evening, I’m all about that fizzy magic. So when I planned my trip to France, I was over the moon to head straight to the heart of it all: the Champagne region.

My journey kicks off with a four-city medieval tour (because who doesn’t love a good castle?), and Reims is my sweet two-day escape before I make my way to Paris to live out my fashionista fantasies. Let’s break it down:

Now, when it comes to exploring the world-famous Champagne houses in Reims, there are plenty of ways to do it. Sure, you could join a fancy guided tour (starting at around $100 for a half-day excursion). But, why not add a little fun and flair to the experience? Instead, I’ve decided to go full throttle with a self-guided E-bike tour.

Reims has dozens of Champagne houses just waiting to be explored – and they’re all within a 2-mile radius of the train station. What better way to zip around at your own pace than on an electric bike? I’m all about sipping bubbles without breaking a sweat (or falling off my bike after a few glasses). Pedalsandbubbles offers daily E-bike rentals for $55, or you can go all in with a 2-day rental for $85. If you’re more of theI want a guide to show me the waytype, they’ve got you covered there too.

Before I take off, I’ve mapped out my own sparkling itinerary of 4 fabulous Champagne houses, all within a 25-minute pedal from the train station. So, no worries about getting lost in a sea of Champagne. Here’s the route I’ll be taking:

Veuve Clicquot

Ah, Veuve Clicquot – the big dog of the Champagne world! Founded in 1772, this Champagne house has some serious bragging rights. They created the first vintage Champagne back in 1810, and in 1816, they invented the riddling table to help clarify Champagne. Oh, and did I mention they created the first blended rosé Champagne in 1818? Talk about game changers.

Taittinger

You know what I adore almost as much as Champagne? Underground spaces. Yup, ever since I went spelunking in college, I’ve been fascinated by cool, dark, and mysterious places. Taittinger’s cellars are a dream come true. They’re built 18 meters below ground in the ancient chalk pits that date back to the 4th century! These tunnels were later extended to form the foundations of Saint-Nicaise Abbey, which monks used to store their Champagne. The Abbey was destroyed in the French Revolution, but the underground catacombs survived! Today, these mystical cellars are home to Taittinger’s finest bubbles – talk about a Gothic setting for a sparkling adventure.

Mumm

Mumm is another must-see in Reims – it’s a legend in the Champagne game. Established in 1827 by three German brothers, Mumm’s rich history is as intoxicating as their bubbly. The cellars were designed in 1898 by architect Ernest Kalas and artist Auguste Guilbert-Martin, and they’re practically an art museum underground. The tour also includes stops at the Foujita Chapel, a masterpiece created by the famous Japanese artist Léonard Foujita. Oh, and fun fact: Foujita’s rose design also appears on Mumm’s Brut Rosé bottle!

Charles De Cazanove

This historic house has been around since 1811, and now it produces 3 million bottles of Champagne every year! Plus, it’s just a quick 5-minute walk from the Reims train station. I’m all about efficiency! The best part? You’ll be treated to a tasting of three different Champagne varieties: Prestige (white), Rosé, and Vintage Champagne. A little bubbly variety never hurt anyone, right?

Between my winery escapades, I’ll be making pit stops at some of Reims’ iconic sites – think Notre-Dame de Reims, the Basilica of Saint-Remi, and the Abbey of Saint-Remi Museum. And here’s the genius of renting bikes: I can pedal my way from one Champagne house to the next, passing these jaw-dropping landmarks like a sightseeing boss. Spot something cool? Easy! Park the bike, snap a selfie, and explore to my heart’s content. It’s travel freedom at its finest!

Of course, it’s not all about sipping and sightseeing – I’m also carving out some time to unwind. After all, what pairs better with a glass of Champagne than a blissful spa day? Because even on a whirlwind adventure, a little R&R is essential to keep the bubbly spirit alive. Cheers to rejuvenation and revelry!

So, that’s my Champagne-filled itinerary. Reims, get ready for some serious bubbly fun! Whether you’re into cycling, sipping, or soaking up some history, there’s no better place to pop a cork and enjoy the good life.

Stay tuned for more sparkling adventures!

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