THE CHAMPAGNE region is not just enjoyable for the wine experts of this world. LEAH SIMPSON heads to France to find out why

WHY  IS CHAMPAGNE SO SPECIAL?
Those of us who want the reassurance of being able to gander independently around an active city, as well as those who are used to or want to escape to the peaceful countryside, will have the best of both worlds in the Champagne region.

On the short walk from Reims train station to our hotel, we wandered past a range of department stores as well as some up-market boutique shops. There was even a trim range of to-be-seen-in cafes, not forgetting a few thriving restaurants along the way.
 
On the other hand, if you’re the sort of person who likes to get stuck into the history of your holiday town right from the get-go, Notre Dame Cathedral de Reims is in handy walking distance from the train station. So perhaps unfortunately for some, you couldn’t miss the spiritual site if you tried. Perfect for satisfying all your sight-seeing needs from day one.
 
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If that’s not your scene, beyond the cute cobbled square – and uncomfortably close side streets – your bubbles await…
 
WHERE CAN I TASTE?
Bollinger
On entering this impressively grand establishment we were taken on a hasty gander through Madame Lily Bollinger’s vineyard. Feasting on the fruits of her personal front garden, this was just our starter. With barely enough time to digest our guide Christian’s intricate explanation of how their Pinot Noir-based bubbly is made, we found ourselves frantically unsticking our shoes from a rather alcoholic kafuffle.
 
Yes, the Bollinger folk don’t mind getting messy on their famously informative tours. When they’re not feeding your soul with their silky Special Cuvee, you may find them feeding your soles with the plentiful juices of the overflowing first pressing.
 
Lanson
Champagne amateurs fear not. Although this is the second big-name champagne house to appear on the list, you can be sure you will be provided with everything there is to know about the delicious beverage before you leave. The Lanson tour breaks down each different stage of champagne making: most notably guiding you through the bottling process, ageing in the cellars, the riddling of the bottles, removal of the sediment (disgorgement), all the way down to the labelling. Our tour, with commentary and of course all our burning questions answered by Export Director Olivier, lasted around an hour.
 
Henri Giraud
When we sat for a tasting with generous owner Claude and his daughter Emmanuelle Giraud, we didn’t expect to have tasted every name across their growing spectrum of bottles by the time we finally arose. From the Code Noir Brut and Rose champagnes to the Coffret Fut de Chene Milliesime, the people at Henri Giraud, who currently sell in Selfridges, will certainly make sure you are well taken care of.

Don’t leave without picking up a bottle of their Ratafia de Champagne. Best described as a creamy desert wine, it makes a great alcoholic alternative to syrup as an ice cream topping. Use sparingly though, just because it tastes amazingly sweet, you could well regret guzzling loads of the stuff down at once.

Chartogne Taillet
This extremely tiny champagne-growing house surprised us. At only 26 years of age Alexandre Chartogne has to be the youngest owner in the region. When we arrive in Merfy he greets us by popping his head through his tiny garage door – hardly what we experienced at Bollinger or Lanson. He confesses that he supervises everything at Chartogne Taillet, from the grape picking process during their September harvest, right up to the distribution of the final product.

A well-known brand in the US, Alexandre hopes to spread the family money-maker far and wide, hopefully tackling the UK market one day.

We sit out on his front patio to sample the Champagne Cuvee Fiacre Taillet. Although a more than spacious family home, his residence is so tiny in comparison to all the other houses visited that we can even hear his neighbours’ DIY work going on next door. Quite the personal experience.

Still, Alexandre’s tasty treasures prove that smaller growers might just do it better.

The mature flavours of the spread on offer are both comforting and complex. They would certainly go down well at both a picnic or an important dinner party.

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WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
If you’re worried about not having enough to do once the champagne houses close their gates to the public, we would recommend residing in the full throng of it. Plenty of entertainment is on your doorstep in the square and although the clubs and bars are certainly out there being taken advantage of, the streets still remain surprisingly peaceful, so you can be guaranteed a good night’s kip.
 
We stayed at the Best Western Hotel La Paix. This three star accommodation is much larger than it appears on the exterior. The location of many conferences in Champagne, it is filled with meeting rooms. The communal spaces also provide good opportunity to mix with visitors and those who live in the surrounding area.
 
WHERE CAN I EAT?
You’ll never be out of options for a hearty breakfast here. The hotel’s restaurant Café de la Paix serves up a buffet from 7-9.30am each morning.
 
For lunch we recommend Le Theatre 7 in the Epernay area. It’s extremely popular and you will probably have to book in advance to avoid waiting in a queue upon arrival. But the attentive service and expert advice on the best dish and beverage combination, is definitely worth the wait. Study the champagne treasure chests built below the glass floor panels in the reception area to occupy your time.
 
And if indoor dining isn’t your thing, you’ll find Les Grains Des Argent a true delight. We arrived just before sunset while the air was still warm. The infinity view of acres and acres of grape vines is the perfect accompaniment to any six course dining experience. Well, it has never been a secret that the French like to eat well…
 
WHICH CELEBRITIES ARE FANS OF CHAMPAGNE?
Bollinger is the only Champagne brand 007 would dare lay a finger on, so we could name Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan as their biggest fans. The house situated in Ay has a whole waiting room dedicated to the James Bond movies so feel free to check out the long list of names for yourself.

Following the rhythm of the brand’s international development, Lanson has become the partner of some of the most prestigious sporting clubs, events and institutions around the world. We’re sure you’ve seen the stars swigging the sparkly stuff along with their strawberries courtside at Wimbledon.
 
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Eurostar go from London St Pancreas station to Paris Nord. There is then a short walk to Paris Est where you can take the TGV to Reims station.