Ah Champagne! A region that evokes celebration and elegance, Champagne attracts visitors throughout the year. With lovely historic towns and world-famous vineyards and Champagne houses, there’s always something to see and do at any time of the year.
The best time to visit Champagne depends on what you’re looking for. Each season brings its own charm to this wine region, and in Champagne it’s never a bad time to pop open a bottle of bubbly!
Our favorite months to go on one of our self-drive tours in Champagne are April, May, June, September and October.
Although the average maximum summer temperature is around 28°C/82°F, it can get hotter, especially in August. In 2024, temperatures reached 35°C/95°F for just a few days.
In the winter months, the weather can drop to below 0°C/32°F, and the days are shorter. We therefore recommend waiting until at least April to visit Champagne, or preferably May, when the weather tends to be much better.
Visiting Champagne during spring, early summer or early fall will help you to avoid the hottest and coldest temperatures, and are the ideal times to enjoy outdoor activities.
We’ve written this month-by-month guide to help you decide when to plan your visit. We also warmly invite you to reach out to us, your trip-planning team - Emilie, Laura and Clelia. We’re very happy to answer any questions you have about our self-drive tours in Champagne.
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Alex & Judy
Champagne by Month
January and February (winter)
Winter in Champagne is quiet compared to other times of year. Temperatures range from -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F), the days are shorter, and the vineyards are bare. Nonetheless, if you’re in France in the winter, you might discover a certain charm in the tranquility of the countryside. Although this isn’t the best time for exploring outdoors - be sure to pack your winter coat, hat and gloves! - you will find that some of the region’s most popular places, like the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, are free from large tourist crowds.
Reims, the capital of the Champagne wine region, is small enough that you can visit the main places of interest in a day.
Reims Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Gothic architecture. The cathedral played a key role in French history, as it was where most of the Kings of France were once crowned. Unfortunately, the cathedral was severely damaged due to WWI shelling. However, it has since been restored, with additional stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, and the smiling angel in the northern portal of the west façade.
The Palais du Tau, next to the cathedral, is the former residence of the archbishop of Reims. The palace once hosted post-coronation banquets, but nowadays it is a museum filled with artifacts, statues and tapestries from the region. The museum is under renovation and will re-open in 2025.
When in Champagne, a champagne-tasting is a must at any time of year! In the winter, you can escape the cold by visiting a cozy wine cellar and taste some of the finest champagnes without the crowds. We recommend a visit to the famous cellars of the Taittinger or Pommery champagne houses.
Keep in mind that some smaller wineries may be closed or have shorter opening hours in January, so be sure to check beforehand.
From late January to the first week of February, the FARaway arts festival in Reims brings together artists, performers and dancers from a chosen world region, with performances and workshops taking place in theaters across the city.
Our Tip: If you’re visiting Reims in January, be sure to try a galette des rois (King’s Cake) from a local bakery to celebrate Epiphany on January 6th.
You can explore beautiful Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne on our tour of northeastern France
March and April (early spring)
Spring can be a wonderful time to visit Champagne. The flowers are beginning to bloom, the weather is milder, and the days are noticeably longer (especially in April).
It’s likely to still be cold until mid-March and cold weather can persist through April. In late March 2024, temperatures dropped as low as 0°C/32°F, so be sure to pack warm sweaters and a coat, with layers you can remove if necessary. If you’d like to visit Champagne in the spring, we recommend waiting till April or May, if possible, when the weather is likely to be better. In April, temperatures tend to range from 10-16°C (50-61°F) during the daytime, rising a few more degrees in May.
A walking tour of Reims is a good option on a fine day. Be sure to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a gothic marvel.
If you’re a fan of art nouveau and art deco, we think you’ll love the Villa Demoiselle’s beautiful rooms and gardens. You can also enjoy a glass of champagne in the wine cellar at the end of your visit.
History buffs will want to visit the Musée de la Reddition (Museum of the Surrender), where the Germans signed the declaration of unconditional surrender on May 7, 1945. It was General Eisenhower’s HQ and the map room, where the declaration was signed, remains intact. There are also exhibits of uniforms, press reports and other artifacts and souvenirs from the time. PLEASE NOTE that from May 12, 2025 through March 2026, the Museum of the Surrender will be closed for renovation work.
For a champagne tasting and tour, we recommend the Taittinger Champagne House in Reims. They offer several different tours that teach you about the champagne-making process. You’ll also get to see the ruins of the medieval Saint Nicaise Abbey, and descend to the Gallo-Roman crayères (carved out caves), which are part of the Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site. Champagne is matured in these caves for years before it is sold. You may reserve your tour in advance via the Taittinger Champagne House website.
Our Tip: For a unique experience in April, visit the Les Faux de Verzy, a natural reserve near Reims that’s home to twisted beech trees known as “faux.” These fascinating trees make for a lovely walk, especially when the spring flowers are blooming.
If you would like to explore France’s history and heritage, we can customize this tour of Champagne, Burgundy, Loire Valley & Normandy to suit your preferences.
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May (spring)
May is one of our favorite times to visit the Champagne region. With mild temperatures of 10-19°C (50-66°F) or often warmer, the region will be in full bloom, so it’s ideal for enjoying outdoor activities.
As well as the other activities we’ve mentioned, such as Champagne-tasting at Taittinger Champagne House in Reims, or strolling the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, it’s a lovely time to explore the charming villages of the Champagne region.
Hautvillers is the birthplace of champagne (so it’s not exactly a hidden gem!) but if you’re interested in the history of champagne, it’s a must-visit. Just a 10-minute drive from Épernay, the quaint village has many little family-run champagne houses offering tastings. Stroll along the winding streets and visit the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers, where the grave of the monk Dom Pérignon, an 18th-century pioneer of the champagne-making process, is located.
Ville-Dommange is one of the closest towns to Reims and is more of a quiet refuge from the tourist crowds. We like to recommend this village to our travelers and it’s a beautiful location surrounded by vineyards with various local vineyard tours and champagne-tastings on offer. You’re allowed to walk in the vineyards but keep in mind that you’re not allowed to touch the vines or the grapes. Champagne Florent Bergeronneau-Marion is our favorite independent champagne house in the village, run by a local family. For a few euros you can taste a few wines, and this fee is waived if you buy a bottle or two of their large selection of champagnes.
If you’re interested in history and local festivals, try to be in Reims during the Johannine festival (Fêtes Johanniques), when the town pays tribute to Joan of Arc. During this medieval festival, people dress up in medieval outfits, the town takes on a medieval air and there are parades and performances for all to enjoy. It’s usually held in the last weekend of May or in early June.
If you would like to discover the best of France off the beaten track, we invite you to browse our French towns and villages tours.
June (early summer)
June is another wonderful month to spend a few days in Champagne. With the arrival of summer, average temperatures reach 23°C, so bring light clothing and sun protection, with a sweater or light jacket for the evenings.
June is an ideal time to enjoy the outdoor activities we’ve mentioned. If you’re mainly interested in visiting the Champagne vineyards, most of these are located between Reims and Epernay (35 minutes south of Reims). You’ll only need two days to explore this area, including visits to Champagne wineries.
Between Reims and Epernay is the ‘Montagne de Reims’ (which at 286 meters high isn’t really a mountain!). Vineyards cover this sloped area and it’s beautiful to drive around. This whole area was once under the sea. If you do one of our Champagne region tours and you’re interested in prehistory and fossils, we’ll recommend a place nearby you’ll always remember!
If Champagne-tasting is your priority, we’ll recommend a driving itinerary to introduce you to the region, and we can book a tour and champagne tasting for you at one of the famous Champagne houses (Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger).
We can also arrange for one of our expert private guides to take you from the vineyards to the wineries. On this tour, you’ll learn about the soil, the vintages, how the Champagne is made and also visit smaller family wineries that you couldn’t visit on your own. You'll probably taste more Champagne in a day than you ever have–but don’t worry; on this tour your guide will be driving!
In the summer, the region is buzzing with festivals and events, such as the Flâneries Musicales in Reims, which normally runs from mid-June through early July. This classical music and jazz festival includes many free concerts, which take place at venues around the city. The final Picnic Concert in Champagne Park is a must!
If you would like to visit several of France’s wine regions on your trip, you may be interested in our France For Wine Lovers tour!
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July and August (mid-summer)
July and August in Champagne are lively and warm, with average temperatures of around 25°C (75°F) (although they can be much higher). There are plenty of cultural events and opportunities for outdoor activities.
You might enjoy a picnic in the vineyards if the weather isn’t too hot. Many champagne producers offer picnic baskets filled with local delicacies and a bottle of Champagne.
In August, some of the busier places may seem quieter than you’d expect, as many locals head off on their vacations. However, they’ll still be busier than other times of year with the international tourist crowds.
The Route du Champagne takes place over a couple of days in the summer. It’s an annual event (and route) for tourists who want to discover the region and learn more about the production of Champagne, and taste and buy it. The festival welcomes thousands of champagne enthusiasts every year along its 300-mile route, which passes through many of Champagne’s beautiful towns and villages, including Reims and Epernay. However, if you’re not especially interested in experiencing the festival, this may be a reason to avoid visiting the Champagne region at this time!
Find out more about our custom self drive tours of France, and how we tailor each tour to your wishes
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September and October (late summer to early fall)
As the summer fades into fall, September and October are two of our favorite months to visit Champagne. With temperatures ranging from 12-20°C (54-68°F), the weather is perfect for exploring the vineyards and the charming towns we’ve mentioned at your own pace. The grape harvest often begins in mid-September, so it’s an exciting time to see the vineyards bustling with activity.
While you’re in Reims, be sure to visit Place Drouet d’Erlon, the city’s main pedestrian square. It’s lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, and is a lovely spot for people-watching while you relax with a glass of Champagne,
To try an essential regional sweet treat, stop by Maison Fossier at 25 cours Jean-Baptiste Langlet in Reims. This historic bakery has been making their famous biscuits roses since 1691. These are perfect for pairing with Champagne on your trip or for taking home as a delicious souvenir.
To experience a bit of local culture in Reims, head to Café du Palais, a family-run café established in 1930. Inside, you can admire their eclectic art collection. Outside, you can sit on the terrace and enjoy a glass of Champagne with your biscuits roses.
Our Tip: For a quiet afternoon, you may like to visit the medieval Saint Jacques Church near Place Drouet d’Erlon and just a short walk from the cathedral. It’s a peaceful escape from the lively square and the stained glass windows inside are stunning.
If you’re a gourmet or foodie, we invite you to browse our gourmet food tours in France
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November and December (Winter)
In November and December, the crowds thin out, temperatures drop to 3-10°C (37-50°F), and post-harvest, the Champagne region may seem to have a more relaxed pace. It’s not our favorite time to visit for outdoor activities, but you may enjoy discovering the region and local culture without the tourist crowds.
In December, the Reims Christmas Market is one of the largest in France. Stroll among stalls filled with handmade gifts, sample seasonal treats like vin chaud (mulled wine), and enjoy the festive spirit.
Our Tip: If you’re in Champagne for the holidays, you may like to attend the Christmas Eve Mass at the beautiful Reims Cathedral.
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If you would like to explore the Champagne region at your own pace by car, with a comprehensive, personalized itinerary planned by us, we invite you to browse our Champagne tours.
All our tours can be customized to suit your preferences. We can help you enjoy the best of Champagne - the region and the drink - at any time of year!
