Posted on May 3, 2025

Author: Iris

Less than five hours' drive from the Netherlands is a region where the hills are full of vines, charming villages alternate and champagne is not something special, but simply part of everyday life. We took a short road trip through the Champagne region and enjoyed two full days among the grapes.​

​

Day 1- Off to Reims

We left early in the morning by car for Reims, the unofficial capital of the Champagne region. Arriving in the city, we first strolled through the old town, where the cathedral made an immediate impression. Its Gothic façade, stained glass and the tranquillity inside made for a special start to the trip.

After a coffee on a terrace (and a quick stop at Sephora, of course), we decided to take it easy. Reims has enough quaint streets, shops and squares to keep you entertained for hours. In the evening, we ate at Le Clos, an atmospheric restaurant with local dishes and - of course - a fine champagne menu.​

Day 2 - Reims, Épernay, Hautvillers and Passy-Grigny

After a good night's sleep, we started the day with breakfast at the cosy Café Petrouchka. Small, local and with good coffee - just what you need for an active day. From Reims, we drove in about half an hour to Épernay, the town best known for the Avenue de Champagne. This street is sometimes called one of the most expensive in the world - not because of the shops, but because of what lies underground: tens of millions of bottles of champagne in kilometres of cellars. 

We strolled past the grand champagne houses, enjoying the beautiful facades, the tranquillity and the contrast between the chic and the village-like. We then drove on to Hautvillers, a small village known as the place where Dom Pérignon once lived. He is also buried in the church. The village itself is atmospheric and full of charming streets, old signs and viewpoints. Just outside the centre, we found a lovely spot overlooking the valley - perfect for a picnic among the vines.

We ended the day in Passy-Grigny, at Champagne Dom Caudron. This champagne house is a bit smaller and less well known, but that's what makes it extra fun. We booked a guided tour with tasting via GetYourGuide and learned all about the Meunier grape, the production process and the history of the house. The highlight? A tasting that combined champagne with chocolates. A surprisingly good combination.

Back in Reims, we ended the day with dinner at Le Gaulois - classically French, cosy and a nice place to let all the impressions of the day sink in.

​

Back home

After a final breakfast at Café Veuve Clicquot, we said goodbye to Reims and drove back towards the Netherlands - with a boot full of memories (and bottles).

​

Practical

- The region is easy to reach by car from the Netherlands and once you are in the Champagne region you will come across plenty of nice stops.

- Staying overnight is fine in Reims; it's a central base.

- Book Champagne visits in advance, especially in high season.

- Hautvillers is small but worth a visit - and bring a rug for an impromptu picnic.

- Champagne Dom Caudron is highly recommended for those looking for something different from the big houses.

​​