Champagne House
Visit a Champagne House : one of the best things to see in Reims

Reims, the heart of France’s Champagne region, is a city synonymous with luxury, celebration, and world-renowned sparkling wine. As the historic coronation site of French kings, Reims has long been a symbol of prestige and tradition. Today, it is best known as the epicenter of Champagne production, home to some of the most iconic and prestigious champagne houses in the world.

From the grand cellars of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin to the art deco elegance of Taittinger, Reims offers a captivating blend of history, craftsmanship, and indulgence. Each champagne house in Reims tells a unique story, rooted in centuries of winemaking expertise and innovation. Whether you’re a connoisseur, a curious traveler, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, exploring these legendary houses is an experience like no other.

Champagne Houses to visit in Reims

  1. Veuve Clicquot 
  2. Taittinger 
  3. Ruinart

Veuve Clicquot – Historic crayères (chalk cellars)

Reims champagne

Veuve Clicquot is one of the most iconic champagne houses in Reims, renowned for its rich history and pioneering spirit. Founded in 1772, the house owes much of its legacy to Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, who took over the business in 1805 and revolutionized Champagne production with the invention of the riddling table and the first brut champagne. The crayères—deep chalk cellars carved from Roman-era quarries beneath Reims—are a UNESCO-recognized site, offering a cool, constant temperature perfect for aging Champagne. These 24 kilometers of underground tunnels store millions of bottles, creating a unique environment where time and tradition shape each sip. A visit here is a journey through innovation and elegance, where history bubbles to life in every glass.

Book your guided tour in Reims!

Taittinger – Beautiful underground Gallo-Roman chalk caves

Taittinger is a name synonymous with elegance and refinement in the Champagne region. The house was established in 1932 but traces its roots back to the 18th century, when the Taittinger family began acquiring vineyards and chalk cellars. The underground Gallo-Roman chalk caves, some dating back to the 4th century, are a highlight of any visit. These vast, labyrinthine tunnels—carved by the Romans to extract chalk for construction—now serve as the perfect aging environment for Taittinger’s celebrated wines. The house is particularly famous for its Comtes de Champagne prestige cuvée and its Brut Réserve, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. A tour here combines history, architecture, and the art of Champagne-making, making it a must-visit in Reims.

Book your Reims Walking Tour !

Ruinart – The oldest Champagne house

Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house in the world, predating even Veuve Clicquot. Named after its founder, Dom Ruinart, a Benedictine monk, the house has been crafting Champagne for nearly three centuries. Its crayères, carved into the chalk cliffs of Reims in the 18th century, are a marvel of underground architecture and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruinart is celebrated for its Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) and R de Ruinart, a prestige cuvée that embodies the house’s commitment to purity and balance. A visit to Ruinart is a step back in time, where tradition and innovation merge to create some of the most exquisite Champagnes in the world.

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