When most people think of Champagne, they picture polished tasting rooms and the big-name houses with crisp white tablecloths and well-rehearsed tours. And while that version exists, there’s another side to this region quieter, slower, and honestly, more rewarding.

If you’re someone who prefers vineyard views over velvet ropes, and real conversations over rehearsed presentations, this part of Champagne will feel like a breath of fresh air. You don’t need to pack your day with back-to-back tastings or tick off a checklist of bottles. Here, you can settle in, take your time, and let the rhythm of the countryside set the pace.

There’s a calm to this region once you step away from Reims and Épernay. You’ll find small villages tucked between the vines, where the boulangerie opens when it opens, and the local winemaker might pour you a glass in their backyard while their dog naps in the sun. It’s that kind of place.

Walk a little. Linger often. Maybe you’ll stop into a family-run domaine with no signage, or stumble on a market selling local cheese and fresh bread that somehow tastes better when eaten outside with a bottle chilled in the stream. It’s simple, real, and exactly why this part of Champagne is ideal to visit.

In this guide, we’ll share a handful of quiet places to stay - countryside cottages where you can cook your own breakfast, quiet vineyard estates, and small, lived-in hotels that still have keys instead of key cards. The kind of places that let you fully sink into the stillness and charm of rural Champagne.

Traveling solo? Escaping for a slow weekend? Or maybe planning to stay awhile? Well, this is Champagne without the crowds. Just rolling hills, honest wine, and the kind of everyday beauty that’s easy to miss when you're rushing.

Les Crayères: Reims, Without the Rush

Les Crayères sits just outside the center of Reims, tucked behind tall hedges and old stone walls like it’s been quietly watching the city change for over a century. The building itself is grand (a 19th-century château with tall windows and ivy curling up the facade) but there’s nothing showy about it. Inside, the atmosphere is soft and thoughtful. Calm, even when it’s fully booked.

This is a place for people who appreciate details: fresh flowers in the room, wide windows that open onto gardens, a welcome that doesn’t feel rehearsed. The rooms are classic, with just enough polish to remind you where you are, but not so much that you feel out of place arriving with a dusty suitcase and vineyard-swept hair.

What makes Les Crayères feel special—especially for travelers who don’t love crowds—is how easily it lets you move between worlds. You can walk to the big Champagne houses in Reims if you want to, or spend the afternoon on a shaded bench in the garden, reading while the sun shifts over the vines. There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant here, and yes, it’s exquisite. But there’s also a cozy brasserie where you can eat well without needing to dress up or plan ahead.

It’s luxury, but not loud about it.

If you’re here for slow travel (quiet mornings, vineyard walks, long meals) this is a solid place to land. And while it’s popular, it never feels busy. The service is smooth, the staff remember your name, and you never have to ask twice for anything. It’s the kind of stay that holds its shape in your memory, not because it was flashy, but because it gave you room to breathe.

La Maison Penet: Sleep Among the Vines in Verzy

In the quiet village of Verzy, deep in the Montagne de Reims, sits La Maison Penet—a family-run Champagne house that also opens its doors to overnight guests. Staying here feels less like checking into a hotel and more like being invited into the heart of Champagne life.

The setting is what first draws you in. The house is surrounded on all sides by vines, so from the moment you wake, the view reminds you where you are. Mornings come with birdsong, golden light spilling across the rows of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the soft stillness that’s rare in busier corners of the region. Step outside with your coffee and you’ll see nothing but green hills rolling into the distance.

But the real soul of La Maison Penet comes from the people. The Penet family has been making Champagne here for generations, and their connection to the land is obvious. They don’t just pour you a glass; they take the time to share their world with you—walking through the vines, explaining the soil, showing you the cellar, and letting you in on details you’d never hear on a big group tour in Reims.

The guest rooms are few in number, which is what makes them so peaceful. Each is designed with simplicity and charm: exposed beams, vintage furniture, thoughtful modern touches, and large windows that open directly onto the vineyard landscape. It feels rustic in the right way—comfortable, lived-in, and real.

What makes a stay here unforgettable is the tasting experience. Instead of a rushed half-hour standing at a counter, you’ll have a private tour that unfolds at the family’s pace. The process, the grapes, the story—it’s all explained with the ease of people who have lived it their whole lives. And when you sit down for the tasting, often paired with small local bites, you don’t just taste Champagne—you understand it.

For travelers who prefer intimacy over prestige, this is exactly the kind of place that makes Champagne memorable. Verzy itself adds another layer of charm: a sleepy village best known for its twisting beech trees, a forest that feels both ancient and slightly otherworldly. From the house, you can wander into the woods for a quiet walk, then circle back to sit in the garden with a glass in hand.

And if you do want to explore further, Reims and Épernay are both within easy reach, but you’ll return grateful for the calm of Verzy. Compared to the larger Champagne estates with long queues and polished tours, La Maison Penet feels like the antidote: personal, genuine, and quietly beautiful.

La Maison Penet is tucked right among the Champagne vineyards, so you’re constantly surrounded by the beauty of the region. The estate is perfect for those who enjoy a slow morning with a cup of coffee in hand, gazing out over endless rows of vines that stretch as far as the eye can see. Take a walk through the vineyard before breakfast, or simply sit in the garden, listening to the birds and taking in the fresh air. It’s this kind of tranquil, rural beauty that makes the Champagne region so unique—and La Maison Penet offers it in spades.

The Montagne de Reims is less crowded than other parts of Champagne, so you’ll find yourself in a peaceful bubble of nature, free from the hustle of more tourist-heavy locations. It's a place to reconnect with the land, the history, and yourself.

Cottage Saint-Oinette: A Quiet Sanctuary in the Champagne Countryside

Just outside Reims, surrounded by rolling fields and vines, you’ll find Cottage Saint-Oinette—a place that feels less like a hotel and more like a true countryside retreat. It’s the kind of stay that makes you slow down without even trying. You arrive, step into the garden, and suddenly the pace of the city feels very far away.

The cottages are warm and inviting, each with its own character. Interiors are simple but thoughtful: light streaming through wide windows, wooden beams, cozy corners where you can curl up with a book. It’s not flashy—it’s the kind of comfort that makes you immediately feel at home. For solo travelers, couples, or even a few friends, it’s an easy place to settle in for a few days and forget the outside rush.

One of the little joys here is the breakfast basket that arrives at your door each morning. Fresh bread still warm from the bakery, flaky croissants, local cheeses, maybe some fruit or jam depending on the season - it’s a small ritual that feels like such a luxury when you’re eating it in the garden or by the fire. Everything comes from nearby markets and farms, so the flavors reflect the land you’re staying in.

Days at Cottage Saint-Oinette can be as slow or as busy as you like. If you’re in the mood to explore, Reims is just a short drive away, with its gothic cathedral, markets, and Champagne houses. The owners can also arrange private tastings with local winemakers, giving you a chance to meet small producers who work on a much more personal scale than the big houses. And if you’d rather not leave, the cottages are fully equipped with kitchens, so you can cook with ingredients picked up from the market and enjoy dinner in your own little corner of the countryside.

What makes this place so appealing is its balance of privacy and connection. You have the freedom to keep to yourself—walk through the vines, read under the trees, enjoy the stillness of the countryside—but you also have the chance to tap into the region’s culture through food, wine, and local stories.

For slow travelers, Cottage Saint-Oinette offers exactly what Champagne does best when you step away from the spotlight: space, quiet, and the feeling that you’re part of the landscape, not just passing through it.

Hotel Le Dormeur du Val: An Artsy, Relaxed Base in Central Reims

Looking for a place that feels as cozy as it is cool? Hotel Le Dormeur du Val is just the spot. Nestled in the heart of Reims, this boutique hotel is the perfect mix of artsy charm and relaxed comfort. It’s not set in a vineyard, but don’t let that stop you—it’s ideally located to let you explore the best of Reims and easily dip into the Champagne experience.

From the moment you step inside Le Dormeur du Val, you know you’ve found somewhere special. The vibe here is quirky, rustic, and undeniably charming. The hotel blends vintage touches with modern design, creating a cozy, inviting space that feels both artsy and warm. Whether you’re lounging in the lounge with a glass of Champagne or curled up with a book in your room, it’s the kind of place where comfort meets style.

Every corner has personality. Think wooden floors, local artwork, and little details that make you feel like you’re staying in a friend’s stylish home rather than a hotel. It’s a haven for solo travelers, couples, and anyone who enjoys staying somewhere that’s as unique as the experience itself. We’re obsessed with the design here. Obsessed.

Perfectly Positioned in Reims

While you won’t find the vineyards right outside your door, Hotel Le Dormeur du Val places you at the heart of Reims - making it the perfect spot to explore everything the city has to offer. You’re just a short walk from the stunning Reims Cathedral, the lively Place Drouet d'Erlon, and some of the best Champagne houses in the region. After a day of sipping Champagne and exploring the city, you can head back to the peaceful, artsy vibe of this cozy spot, where everything feels effortlessly cool and welcoming.

It’s really the best of both worlds—you're close to all the action, but you still have a calm, quiet place to retreat to when you’re ready to relax.

A Personal Touch You’ll Appreciate

What really sets Le Dormeur du Val apart is the service. The staff makes you feel like you’re staying with friends, not just another guest. Whether you need a tip on where to grab a great meal or just want to know about hidden gems in the city, they’re always there with a warm recommendation. You’ll feel like you’ve got a local friend guiding you through the best spots in Reims, making your stay feel even more personal and special.

The Vineyards of Montagne de Reims: Walks, Forest Trails, and Small Producers

While Champagne is known for its grand estates and famous houses like Moët & Chandon, there’s an entirely different side to this region that speaks to the more reflective traveler. Take your time here; slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the smaller, often overlooked details that make this region so unique.

Rather than rushing from one grand Champagne house to another, why not walk slowly through the vineyards themselves? The Montagne de Reims region, just south of Reims, is home to some of the most beautiful—and less-visited—vineyards in the region. The landscape here is not only breathtaking but also full of history.

You can take a self-guided hike through the vineyards, perhaps starting from the village of Verzy, a quiet gem in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. This charming village is home to the famous "Verzy Beech Trees"—a unique, ancient forest that feels like something from a fairytale. The trees twist and turn in peculiar shapes, and the paths around them are perfect for quiet reflection. These vineyards, combined with the story behind the land, offer the kind of peaceful, reflective experience that’s perfect for solo travelers or anyone seeking a deeper connection to the region.

Épernay: A Quieter Champagne Experience on the Avenue de Champagne

Épernay is one of Champagne’s best-kept secrets. While Reims often steals the limelight, Épernay offers a quieter, more intimate Champagne experience, with its elegant streets lined with stunning 19th-century architecture and, of course, Champagne houses that are equally prestigious but far less crowded.

If you’re craving a low-key yet enriching experience, the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay is not to be missed. This picturesque avenue is lined with grand Champagne houses, but what sets it apart is the lack of mass tourism. You can take a private tour of smaller producers, such as Champagne Roger Coulon, where the experience feels more like an exclusive invitation to the family’s Champagne-making tradition. The tours are detailed, and the tastings are personal, giving you a genuine feel for what makes Champagne so special.

It’s here, amid the quiet elegance of Épernay, that you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition of Champagne-making, all while enjoying a less rushed atmosphere. It’s a lovely change from the more commercialized side of tourism in France.

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Getting to Champagne: Slow Travel by Train and Scenic Drives from Paris

Reaching Champagne is relatively straightforward but allows for a leisurely journey. From Paris, you can take a train from Gare de l'Est to Reims, which takes about 45 minutes. From Reims, you can easily rent a car and drive through the beautiful vineyard-filled countryside, stopping in villages like Cumières, Bouzy, and Hautvillers, all of which offer charming, quiet corners for exploration.

For those who don’t mind driving, we recommend taking a scenic drive from Paris through the French countryside is an experience in itself. The Champagne region is just far enough from the city to feel like an escape, but close enough that you can enjoy a leisurely drive through its charming villages and rolling hills.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Champagne and Dining in Reims

What is Champagne known for in terms of food?

Champagne isn’t just famous for its sparkling wine—it has a rich culinary tradition that pairs perfectly with its iconic bubbles. Local dishes often include hearty French comfort foods like coq au vin (chicken cooked in wine), fromage de tête (head cheese), and pâté en croûte (meat pie). These dishes are typically enjoyed with a glass of Champagne, where the acidity and bubbles complement the rich, savory flavors of the food. Exploring the local cuisine is just as important as tasting Champagne in the region.

How do I pair Champagne with food?

Pairing Champagne with food is a delight—its acidity and bubbles can cut through richness and balance out flavors. For lighter dishes like seafood, go for a Brut Champagne, which offers crisp freshness. With richer meats like chicken or pork, a Rosé Champagne will add a subtle fruity sweetness. Blanc de Blancs, made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, is perfect for delicate dishes like foie gras or soft cheeses, while a Blanc de Noirs, made from Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier, works well with heartier, richer fare.

What makes Reims a great destination for Champagne lovers?

Reims is at the heart of the Champagne region, and it's where you’ll find some of the world’s best-known Champagne houses. The Cathedral of Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an iconic part of the city’s rich history. Reims offers a unique opportunity to visit traditional Champagne houses, learn about the production process, and taste Champagne at its source. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards and family-owned estates, giving you a chance to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and wine-making traditions.

What are the best Champagne houses to visit in Reims?

While you’re in Reims, some of the must-visit Champagne houses include:

Taittinger: Famous for its deep history and beautiful caves.
Veuve Clicquot: One of the world’s most recognized names, offering exceptional tours and tastings.
Ruinart: The oldest Champagne house in the region, known for its historical cellars.
Pommery: A stunning Champagne house with an artistic, contemporary twist.

For a more personalized, intimate experience, seek out smaller, family-run producers like Champagnes Pierre Gimonnet & Fils and Champagnes Larmandier-Bernier for unique and educational tastings.

Is Reims a good place for solo travelers or couples?

Absolutely! Reims is a fantastic destination for both solo travelers and couples. For solo travelers, it offers a peaceful and rich cultural experience, with plenty of historic sites, hidden cafés, and local shops to explore. Couples will love the romantic atmosphere of the Champagne houses, scenic vineyards, and quiet spots for intimate dining. The calm pace of life in Reims makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to unwind, enjoy delicious food, and explore at their own pace.

Can I visit Champagne vineyards outside of Reims?

Yes! While Reims is a fantastic base, you can also explore nearby regions like Epernay, Aÿ, and Verzy, which are just a short drive away. These areas are home to many independent producers who offer intimate vineyard tours. The Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims are particularly known for their stunning vineyard views and historic Champagne cellars. Renting a car or taking a guided tour will allow you to explore the picturesque vineyards and smaller Champagne houses at a slower pace.

What makes Champagne wine so special?

Champagne is unique because it undergoes a secondary fermentation process that takes place in the bottle, creating its signature bubbles. The region’s climate and the unique soil of the Champagne terroir, which includes chalky soil, also contribute to its distinct taste. Champagne is made primarily from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The careful balance of these grapes and the region’s winemaking traditions make Champagne a symbol of celebration, craftsmanship, and history.

Where to Stay in Champagne, France for a Quiet, Scenic, and Sparkling Escape