For the people of Champagne, July 2015 is a date carved in stone. It is at this moment that the Slopes, Houses and Cellars of Champagne have been recognized by UNESCO as the spaces of birth, production and commercial distribution of Champagne wine: a source of pride for this model of sparkling wines and universal symbol of celebration! This world heritage is notably composed of three main areas : the Colline Saint-Nicaise in Reims, the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay and the Historic hillsides of Cumières in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, in the heart of the Parc de la Montagne de Reims. To better understand this heritage, here is what you should not miss under any circumstances !
Take the famous Champagne Tourist Route
This legendary road recently celebrated its 70th anniversary! Signposted in both directions with “Champagne Tourist Route” signs, it takes you to explore sublime hillsides historical version, superb traditional villages, ancestral churches, or proud castles...
For a real wine tourism getaway, all you have to do is choose one of the 6 routes available to you. One of them extends over 112 kilometers through the Montagne de Reims vineyards, departing from Reims or Épernay. Good road !
Hike on the vineyard discovery trail
Punctuating the vineyard, these constructions, which look like little houses made of brick, wood or stone, are emblematic of the Champagne hillsides ! These are in fact old buildings used by winegrowers for shelter or to store their equipment.
Faced with progress in viticulture, they have gradually lost their initial function... but not their charm! In Trépail, the discovery trail of the vineyard lodges invites you to immerse yourself in the history of this precious local wine heritage. Labeled Vignobles & Découvertes, it brings together several interpretation panels that will quench your thirst… for knowledge!
Visit Pressoria, interactive museum in Aÿ-Champagne
The legendary wine of kings will soon have no more secrets for you thanks to Pressoria ! This champagne wine interpretation center opened its doors in 2021 in Aÿ-Champagne, a village nestled in the vineyard.
Here, your 5 senses are called upon to understand the production of the famous Champagne bubbles, through a fun and high-tech experience. The course, immersive and interactive, adapts to everyone's pace, from young apprentice winegrowers to the most seasoned amateurs!
Admire a sea of vines from the Verzenay Lighthouse
warm up your calves: today you climb 101 steps, heading to the top of a lighthouse overlooking a sea… of vineyards ! Yes, you read correctly... In Verzenay, this unusual building has watched over the vineyard since its construction in 1909 by Joseph Goulet, a daring entrepreneur looking for clearly visible advertising for his champagne: a successful bet!
The lighthouse is now open to visitors. On the menu ? A fabulous panorama, a exciting vine and wine museum and, of course, of tastings to satisfy your taste buds!
What if we continued together?
