The Champagne Route

By Linda Tancs

The Champagne Route in France stretches for about 435 miles across the Grand Est region. Its epicenter is arguably Reims, where you’ll find some of the largest and most celebrated champagne houses, many of which are open for tours and tastings. A key attraction is Domaine Pommery, covering 123 acres and 11 miles of cellars and tunnels. You’ll even see underground cathedrals dating from the Gallo-Roman era, some of which have monumental bas-reliefs sculpted in chalk. Chalk is a unique feature of the region, and houses like Pommery are fortunate to have their cellars buried in historic chalk pits. Get there via a 45-minute train ride from Paris.