When you think of France, what immediately comes to mind? Perhaps images of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Mediterranean's sun-soaked beaches, or Bordeaux's picturesque vineyards?
However, tucked away beneath Champagne, lies a hidden world waiting to be discovered – the historic caves and wine cellars that play an integral part of this region's champagne-making heritage.
In excellent news for connoisseurs and occasional imbibers alike, visitors to Champagne can tour these amazing caves and cellars. From Ruinart to Tattinger and Veuve Clicquot, here are seven of Champagne's unmissable underground marvels.
Champagne's caves and wine cellars have a long and fascinating history. Around 80 BCE, the Romans started digging beneath Reims and Épernay to mine the region's rich salt and chalk reserves. Excavations continued into the Middle Ages.
In the seventeenth century, local winemakers started using these caves for champagne storage. They provided the perfect cool temperature, consistent humidity, and protection from direct sunlight, knocks, and vibration.
While many producers today use modern storage and cooling techniques, most of the most historic champagne houses still use these subterranean caves and cellars.
So, what are the best caves and cellars to visit in Champagne? Let's explore.
Quietly situated between Reims and Épernay, Cattier in Chigny-les-Roses is a lesser-known stop on the Champagne trail.
Established in 1763, Cattier's fascinating caves span three levels. Here, lucky visitors can explore their distinct architecture (featuring Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic styles) as well as Cattier's distinctive bottles. Tours and tastings are on request only.
As an interesting aside, rapper and record producer Jay-Z bought Cattier's iconic Armand de Brignac brand in 2014 - adding a touch of celebrity sparkle.
For a unique experience, visit Mercier in Épernay, where visitors embark on a tour aboard a small train. You'll travel through 18 kilometres of cellars, 30 metres beneath the surface.
One of the many highlights? The world's largest champagne barrel, showcased at the 1889 World Fair in Paris! The 200,000-bottle barrel (yes, you read right – 200,000 bottles) was judged second only to the Eiffel Tower.
As one of the most renowned Champagne houses, Moët & Chandon's labyrinthine cellars in Épernay offer a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. They're the most extensive cellars in the region, stretching over 28 kilometres into Champagne's white chalk.
Whether you opt for an "Imperial", "Signature", or "Grand Vintage" visit, each tour is a journey through time, beginning in their beautiful courtyard. Make sure to leave enough time for the shop and tasting experience.
With its unmistakable white label adorned with a red ribbon, Mumm has left an indelible mark on the world of Champagne.
Founded in Reims in 1827, the house offers visitors an immersive "Cordon Rouge Experience" in its underground cellars, engaging their senses with the sights, sounds, and aromas of Champagne production.
History buffs can enjoy the Mumm museum and 25 kilometres of cellars before a well-earned tasting of their iconic Cordon Rouge champagne. There's even a "Cru and Cheese" tour to sample artisanal cheeses from Reims alongside their iconic bubbles.
Established in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house in France. Located in Reims, its chalk cellars (designated a historic site since 1931) are a testament to centuries of tradition.
Visitors can explore these underground marvels almost 40 metres below the earth, where walls adorned with bottles stretch as far as the eye can see, and tiny sculptures in the chalk (carved by generations of French workers) offer glimpses into the past.
Nestled in Reims' Place Saint-Nicaise, the Maison Taittinger invites visitors to explore its underground cellars. Here, whitewashed Gallo-Roman caves (18 metres below ground) house millions of bottles steeped in history. These historic chalk mines date back to the fourth century and are so important they're a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With remnants of the thirteenth-century Saint Nicaise Abbey that once stood on the site, Tattinger's historic cellar tour is as fascinating as it is memorable. Their cellars reopen in July 2024.
Barbe Nicole Ponsardin, the widow behind Veuve Clicquot, made history as the first woman to run a Champagne house. Her legacy lives on in Reims, where visitors learn about her pioneering spirit and innovative techniques, including the invention of the "riddling table" for clarifying Champagne.
A visit to the Veuve Clicquot cellars (with options to personalise your tour and learn about different aspects of champagne-making) culminates in a tasting. For an even more immersive experience, the Manoir of Verzy Parc opens its grounds for gourmet picnics overlooking the vineyards.
The stunning nineteenth-century Vranken-Pommery estate is just metres away from Reims Cathedral. It's a stunning spot constructed by the indomitable Madame Pommery (complete with turrets and manicured gardens). You'll even find annual contemporary art exhibitions, as well as the Art Nouveau gem Villa Demoiselle.
The 18 kilometres of underground cellars house over 60 Roman chalk pits and a staircase with 116 steps. They're listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In great news for environmentally-aware travellers, there are plenty of public transport links to the heart of the Champagne region. Both Reims and Épernay are easily accessible with TGV rail connections from Paris (90 mins journey time).
To reach Chigny-les-Roses, catch a train from either Reims or Épernay and disembark at the village of Rilly-la-Montagne. It's then a three-kilometre hike or short taxi ride to the house of Cattier.
Plenty of campsites dot this picturesque region, so visitors can truly immerse themselves in Champagne's vineyards.
Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply curious about Champagne's rich history and traditions, these underground marvels promise an unforgettable journey through France's winemaking legacy. So next time you're in the region, delve beneath the surface and explore the treasures that lie beneath!
Peter Stannett
Content Writer
Peter is a key part of our creative team; he's a multifaceted individual with a deep love for cooking, travel, and music.
While he does a stellar job of keeping our content fresh, focusing on SEO and monitoring website traffic, his heart truly belongs to the world of culinary delights, exploration, and his guitar.
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