The largest city in Marne, Reims is part of the Grand Est region, home to many of the major champagne maisons and four UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, which saw the crowning of the nation’s kings for over 10 centuries and its adjacent palace, where the post-coronation banquets took place. Tour the cellars of Mumm, Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin, Tattinger and Ruinart and peruse works at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in a former abbey. Check out over 200 classic cars at the Musée Automobile and read medieval manuscripts in the Bibliothèque Carnegie.
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Book one of 47 suites at this sleek former coaching inn that’s pet and family-friendly. Here you can swim in an infinity pool overlooking vineyards during the warmer summer months and a 25-metre heated indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows year-round. Treatments at the spa incorporate the region’s signature tipple, with rooms for couples’ therapies. Its restaurant, Le Royal, is renowned with bookings required far in advance. Under the leadership of chef Jean-Denis Rieubland it achieved a Michelin star and uses produce from the property’s own garden. There’s also a brasserie, Le Bellevue, and the Abysse bar for bubbles.
Château De Sacy
Indulge in a opulent break at this hilltop boutique hotel set in a village among the vineyards of Champagne, a 20-minute drive from Reims. Each of its 12 individually designed rooms are named after iconic historical figures and take on a Napoleonic style with antiques and chandeliers. Outside, you can take in the views as you dine on the terrace, soak in Norwegian hot tubs, or work up a sweat in the sauna. Inside the glamorous chateau, is the Les Vignes bar and restaurant, with cheese, charcuterie and lighter bites delivered to rooms on request.
