France
Day 1: Chalmet, Hautvillers, Épernay & Reims
Our first day set the tone for a sparkling weekend. We started with a visit to the charming Champagne Chalmet, followed by a scenic stop in the picturesque village of Hautvillers, known as the birthplace of champagne. On our way to Épernay, we made a short detour to Le Phare de Verzenay, a lighthouse surrounded by vineyards offering panoramic views. For €3, we climbed to the top, but the experience was slightly disappointing. The glass enclosure made it uncomfortably warm, and the views weren’t much better than those from the base. In Épernay, we strolled along the famous Avenue de Champagne, soaking in the elegance of the grand maisons. We ended the day in Reims, where we admired the breathtaking Regalia light show projected onto the façade of the cathedral. A magical moment to close a day full of bubbles and beauty.
Champagne tasting at Chalmet
Just a short 20-minute drive from the center of Reims, we visited a charming, small-scale champagne house with a special personal touch, it’s run by distant relatives of a married uncle. This connection made the visit feel even more meaningful. We were welcomed with open arms by the incredibly kind Anne-Laure, who guided us through the tasting experience in a cozy room inside their home, specially designed for guests. Her passion and knowledge made the explanation both engaging and easy to follow. We had the pleasure of tasting four different champagnes, each with its own character and story. The atmosphere was intimate and relaxed, far from the commercial feel of larger houses. At the end of the tasting, each couple purchased six bottles of champagne, which meant the visit itself was complimentary, a lovely gesture that made the experience even more memorable. If you're in the area and looking for an authentic, heartwarming champagne experience, this hidden gem is absolutely worth a visit. And the champagne? Simply delicious.
Champagne and oysters at Le Bocal
Our evening at Le Bocal, a charming seafood restaurant in the heart of Reims, turned out to be a spontaneous success. Initially, we considered making a reservation for our group of four, but were surprised to learn that the restaurant required a €100 deposit in case of a no-show. That felt a bit unusual, so we decided to take our chances and just show up. Luckily, when we arrived around 7:30 PM, there was plenty of space available on the outdoor terrace, and we were promptly seated without any issues. We kicked off our evening with a bottle of delicious champagne, perfectly paired with fresh oysters and a selection of other seafood delicacies. Every bite was mouthwatering, truly a finger-licking aperitif that set the tone for a relaxed and indulgent night. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, adding to the warm atmosphere of the place. Le Bocal is definitely a hidden gem for seafood lovers and a must-visit spot in central Reims.
The Reims cathedral light show
One of the most magical moments of our weekend in Reims was witnessing Regalia, the breathtaking sound and light show projected onto the façade of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Through vivid video mapping and music, the show brings to life the emotion and grandeur of a royal coronation day. We admired the spectacle on a warm evening, standing among locals and visitors in the plaza in front of the cathedral. The show lasts about 15 minutes, is free of charge, and requires no reservation. Just show up and enjoy. 🕙 Showtimes: Fridays and saturdays at 10:45 PM (Season runs from May 30 to September 27, 2025) It’s a must-see if you’re in Reims during the summer. An unforgettable way to see the cathedral in a whole new light.
