Champagne may be celebrated for its vineyards, Maisons and exceptional wines, but what happens when you're travelling with children? From underground adventures and interactive museums to forests, amusement parks and lakeside escapes, there's more to discover than you might expect.
I have three children, and despite spending a considerable amount of time in Champagne every year, I've never actually taken them with me.
The reason is fairly straightforward. When I'm in Champagne, I'm generally working, visiting producers, conducting interviews or attending events. My days are full, and I simply don't have the time to give the children the attention they would need.
Nevertheless, one of the questions I'm asked most frequently by people planning a trip to Champagne is: What do we do with the kids?
It's a reasonable question and one that, quite frankly, has been awkward to answer. Champagne is provincial France. It doesn't have the constant activity, entertainment and distractions of Paris or other major European cities. Life moves at a different pace, particularly in the villages, where restaurants and businesses can have limited opening hours and, on Sundays, almost nothing is open. But the locals like it this way.
Having spent so much time exploring the region, I've given considerable thought to how I would approach a family holiday here.
My advice is to be selective about where you stay, plan around the children's interests and recognise that some of Champagne's most enjoyable family experiences have very little to do with wine.
Where to Stay: Location Matters
Choosing the right accommodation can make an enormous difference when travelling through Champagne with children. My preference would always be somewhere reasonably central, where you can walk to restaurants, cafés and shops, or alternatively a property outside town that offers enough facilities to keep everyone entertained.
The Practical Choice: Airbnb
I use Airbnb accommodation almost every time I visit Champagne, and for families, I think it's one of the most practical options.
There is a good selection of apartments and houses throughout Reims, Épernay and the surrounding villages, often at relatively affordable prices compared with hotels.
Having a kitchen makes an enormous difference when travelling with children. You can prepare breakfast, organise a simple dinner without having to go out again, and, perhaps most importantly, throw a load of washing on when necessary.
My only caution is to book early if you need several bedrooms. Many of the apartments in Champagne are relatively compact, often with just one or two bedrooms. Finding a well-located property with three separate bedrooms can be more challenging, particularly during busy periods.
Reims: Convenience and Comfort
Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix. This is one of the hotels I particularly like in Reims. Located in the main shopping and restaurant district, it feels like a welcome respite from the activity of the surrounding streets. The interior courtyard is lovely, the rooms are comfortably appointed, and there are dining options within the property.
Importantly for families, there's also an indoor swimming pool. After a day exploring the city, having somewhere for children to swim and unwind is a considerable advantage.
La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa. Directly opposite Reims Cathedral, La Caserne Chanzy has one of the city's most impressive locations. You can walk straight out to the cathedral, explore the historic centre and find plenty of restaurants nearby.
The hotel also has an indoor pool within its spa facilities, although I would recommend confirming children's access arrangements before booking.
For families who want a higher-end experience without sacrificing convenience, both are worth considering.
Épernay: Fewer Options, but Some Worth Considering
Épernay is considerably smaller than Reims, and accommodation options can be more limited, particularly for larger families needing several bedrooms.
Nonetheless, there are a couple of hotel options worth considering.
Les Suites du 33. Located within the beautiful de Venoge estate on Avenue de Champagne, this property offers a particularly appealing three-bedroom apartment accommodating up to six guests. With a fully equipped kitchen and an exceptional location, it combines the practicality of self-contained accommodation with the experience of staying at one of Champagne's historic Maisons.
La Villa Eugène. This elegant nineteenth-century residence on Avenue de Champagne offers a more traditional luxury hotel experience. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, it has beautifully appointed rooms and a heated outdoor swimming pool, which is a welcome feature when travelling with children. It's particularly suited to smaller families, although room configurations and additional bedding should be confirmed before booking.
Both properties are conveniently positioned for exploring Épernay on foot, with restaurants, cafés and the town's main attractions within easy reach.
Vineyard Retreats: A Holiday Within the Holiday
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. For families wanting a genuine luxury experience, Royal Champagne is difficult to overlook.
The rooms are exceptionally spacious, with enormous beds, lounge areas and sweeping views across the Vallée de la Marne. There are two substantial swimming pools, one indoors and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the vineyards.
It's very much a destination in itself, with restaurants, terraces, wellness facilities and attentive staff who can assist with arranging activities.
The trade-off is its location. You won't be walking into Épernay for dinner, so I would recommend having a car or organising transfers. It's also important to confirm the permitted room occupancy and children's access to leisure facilities.
LOISIUM Wine & Spa Hotel Champagne, Mutigny. For a more contemporary, nature-inspired experience, LOISIUM is another option I like.
Surrounded by vineyards, the hotel has a modern architectural style, an outdoor swimming pool, walking routes and opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside.
The hotel can assist with outdoor activities, including electric-bike experiences, and there are casual dining options on site.
It's generally positioned below Royal Champagne in terms of luxury pricing, making it an appealing alternative for families who want a vineyard retreat without necessarily committing to the region's highest accommodation rates.
The important consideration is that you are outside the main towns, so having transport will make exploring the region considerably easier.
Reims: History, Underground Adventures and Art
Reims is the largest city in the Champagne region, and naturally, it offers the greatest variety of accommodation, restaurants, shopping and activities for families. If you're visiting Champagne for just two or three days, I would probably recommend making Reims your base. It's particularly convenient for those arriving by train, with connections to Paris and Épernay, and plenty of attractions within walking distance of the city centre.
One of the things I appreciate about Reims is that, despite being a reasonably busy city, it has several lovely green spaces where you can escape the streets and give children an opportunity to run around. There are bakeries, cafés and casual restaurants throughout the centre, so you don't need to plan every meal or outing in advance.
Square Colbert and Les Promenades. Opposite the railway station, Square Colbert sits within the beautiful tree-lined Promenades that stretch through the centre of Reims. This whole area is worth knowing about when travelling with younger children. There are leafy lawns, plenty of benches, playground areas and seasonal water features along the Promenades, including fountains that provide some welcome relief during summer.
It's the perfect place to escape your hotel or Airbnb for an hour or two, pick up a sandwich or something from a nearby bakery, and let the children burn off some energy. Sometimes these simple breaks are just as important as the major attractions.
From here, Reims offers plenty of opportunities to explore history, architecture and some of Champagne's most extraordinary underground spaces.
Reims Cathedral. The cathedral is one of France's most important Gothic monuments and the historic coronation site of French kings. Its enormous scale, stained-glass windows and elaborate stone carvings make it an impressive introduction to medieval architecture.
Reims Planetarium. An excellent option for a rainy day, the planetarium offers astronomy presentations designed for different ages. Children can learn about the solar system, stars and the night sky through immersive projections.
The crayères of Reims. Beneath the city lies an extraordinary network of ancient chalk quarries, some dating to the Gallo-Roman period. These underground spaces are fascinating from both geological and historical perspectives, and several Champagne Houses provide opportunities to visit them.
Champagne Pommery. Of the major Champagne Houses in Reims, Pommery is particularly interesting for families because of its relationship with contemporary art. Throughout its extensive underground cellars, visitors encounter sculptures, installations and artworks that transform the galleries into something resembling an underground museum. The contrast between ancient chalk walls and contemporary art can be wonderfully engaging for children.
Champagne Taittinger. Another compelling underground experience, Taittinger's historic crayères reveal layers of history, from Roman chalk extraction and medieval religious life to the First World War. The Maison has introduced L'Instant Famille, a dedicated family visit designed for children aged six to twelve, combining exploration and storytelling with a tasting for adults. Check the current program when planning your visit.
Exploring Épernay: Easy Days on Foot
Épernay is considerably smaller than Reims, but it has a charm of its own and is particularly easy to explore on foot. The town is compact, with its main shopping streets, restaurants, cafés and famous Avenue de Champagne all within a relatively manageable walking distance.
It's also a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding vineyard villages, including Aÿ, Cumières and the Vallée de la Marne, although having a car will give you considerably more flexibility.
For families, I'd recommend allowing time to explore the town itself rather than rushing straight into cellar visits. There are several enjoyable places to stop along the way.
Parks, gardens and fountains. Épernay has some lovely green spaces that are perfect for giving children a break from sightseeing. One of the best is Parc du Jard, a recently redeveloped park close to the town centre, with lawns, shaded areas, picnic tables and a wonderful new water feature, complete with a reflecting pool and mist maze where children can cool off during summer. The gardens surrounding the Hôtel de Ville, at the beginning of Avenue de Champagne, are another lovely place to wander, with landscaped paths, a waterfall and a charming Temple of Love. There's also the Jardin de l'Horticulture, a leafy botanical escape with beautiful mature trees and the Cubry stream running through it. My suggestion would be to pick up a few things from a local bakery and enjoy an unhurried hour outdoors before continuing your exploration of the town.
Avenue de Champagne. The magnificent avenue is worth exploring for its architecture alone. Although most attractions revolve around champagne, there are several stops that offer something more engaging for children.
Champagne Mercier. At the far end of the avenue, Mercier offers an underground cellar experience that includes a small train travelling through the galleries. The scale of the cellars and the unusual journey make this one of the more accessible Maison visits for families.
Moët & Chandon. The extensive underground cellars offer an introduction to Champagne's history and production. Curious older children may appreciate the engineering and extraordinary network of tunnels, although I would avoid scheduling too many conventional cellar tours. Check the age requirements before booking.
Musée du vin de Champagne et d'Archéologie régionale. Housed in the beautiful Château Perrier, this museum is particularly worthwhile for children interested in history, geography and science. Its collections explore the region's geological formation, archaeological discoveries and the evolution of Champagne.
Perrier-Jouët's gardens. If the adults would like a glass of champagne, the Maison's beautiful garden offers a more relaxed setting. There are art installations to discover, outdoor seating and small plates of food. The menu is somewhat sophisticated for fussy young eaters, but the environment makes it an enjoyable place to pause. Check seasonal opening and booking arrangements before visiting.
Aÿ: Discovering Champagne Through the Senses
Pressoria. Just outside Épernay, in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, Pressoria is one of the experiences I would particularly recommend for families.
It's a beautifully conceived, interactive journey through the world of Champagne, beginning with the geology and natural environment of the region before exploring the annual growth cycle of the vines, the harvest and how champagne is made.
What makes it appealing to children is the way information is communicated. Rather than relying on lengthy explanations, the experience uses visual displays, sound, aroma, touch and immersive installations to bring the subject to life.
Visitors can move through the exhibition at their own pace, exploring how the vineyards change through the seasons and how grapes are transformed into wine. At the end, adults can enjoy a champagne tasting while children are offered grape juice, with views across the vineyards.
It's an excellent example of how Champagne's wine culture can be made accessible to younger visitors without expecting them to sit through a conventional tasting.
Outdoor Adventures: Forests, Cycling and Wildlife
Some of the best experiences in Champagne are outdoors, particularly when the weather is warm.
Petit Train Des Vignobles de Champagne. Take a 15 minute drive south of Reims to the village of Chamery and board the miniature train which will take you on a small tour of local vineyards. The ride concludes with a small champagne tasting.
Faux de Verzy. Located in the Montagne de Reims, this remarkable forest is famous for its unusual twisted beech trees. Their contorted branches and low, spreading canopies create an almost mythical landscape, especially when the foliage is bright green.
There are walking trails through the woodland, making it a lovely place for children to explore. I would particularly recommend visiting on a Sunday, when many other attractions and businesses are closed.
Electric-bike adventures. Cycling through Champagne's vineyards is wonderful, but I strongly recommend electric bikes. The landscape is far hillier than many visitors anticipate, and an enjoyable family outing can quickly become exhausting when children tire of climbing.
For older children, a guided electric-bike tour can be a great way to explore the villages and vineyards. For younger children, look for operators offering child seats, trailers or appropriate family equipment. Épernay Tourism is a useful starting point for finding local providers.
Parc Argonne Découverte. For children who love animals, this wildlife park offers opportunities to discover wolves, birds of prey and other animals, alongside outdoor activities. Its suspended hammock attraction is another unusual feature that adds an element of adventure.
Bigger Days Out: Amusement Parks and Lakeside Adventures
For families staying longer, there are several attractions worth travelling beyond the main vineyard areas to experience.
These are experiences I'd recommend setting aside an entire day for, particularly if you're travelling with children. Both Nigloland and Lac du Der are located well beyond the main vineyard areas around Reims and Épernay, so you'll need to factor in a reasonable amount of driving. Nigloland is situated further south, towards the Aube, while Lac du Der lies to the southeast. Depending on where you're staying, I'd allow approximately one to two hours each way for these excursions. They're certainly worth considering, but I wouldn't try to combine either with other major activities on the same day. Having your own car is also the most practical way to visit.
Nigloland. Located in Dolancourt, in the southern part of the Champagne area, Nigloland is a substantial amusement park with roller coasters, water rides and attractions catering to different ages. There is also a thematic hotel on site, which I would seriously consider, given the distance the theme park is from Epernay and Reims. Luxury cabins are also available for those seeking a wilder adventure.
This is somewhere I would dedicate an entire day rather than trying to combine it with vineyard visits. For children who have patiently accompanied their parents around Champagne, it could easily be the highlight of the holiday.
Lac du Der. This enormous lake offers an entirely different perspective on the region, with beaches, swimming areas, boating, paddleboarding, sailing and cycling routes.
It's particularly appealing in summer and offers the kind of freedom and outdoor activity that children often need after several days of sightseeing.
Accro Der. Located near Lac du Der, this treetop adventure park offers climbing courses, suspended obstacles and zip lines. With activities for different ages and abilities, it's another excellent option for active children.
Exploring Champagne by Boat
For something a little different, consider taking the children onto the Marne River. It's a wonderful way to experience Champagne from another perspective, with vineyard-covered hillsides, charming riverside villages and beautiful countryside unfolding along the water.
Blue Nautic, Épernay. For families who prefer something a little more adventurous, Blue Nautic has offered small electric boats that you can navigate yourself without a boating licence. After a short safety briefing, families can explore a designated stretch of the Marne at their own pace. The boats accommodate small groups, making this an enjoyable activity for children who love being out on the water. There is also a casual riverside dining option nearby. As operating status and seasonal availability may change, confirm that services are running before planning a visit.
Bateau Champagne Vallée, Cumières. Just outside Épernay, in the picturesque village of Cumières, this traditional paddle-wheel boat offers a more leisurely way to discover the Marne Valley. The boat has a distinctive Mississippi-style appearance, and cruises take passengers through the vineyard landscape with views of the surrounding countryside. There are sightseeing cruises as well as lunch and dinner experiences. For families with younger children, it's a particularly appealing option because everyone can relax and enjoy the journey without having to navigate the boat themselves.
Both experiences offer an enjoyable alternative to Champagne's more traditional attractions, particularly during the warmer months.
Festivals and Seasonal Experiences
Timing your visit around one of the region's annual celebrations can add another dimension to a family holiday.
Habits de Lumière, Épernay. Held annually in December, this festival transforms Avenue de Champagne with illuminated buildings, light projections, performances and festive entertainment. The combination of architecture, spectacle and atmosphere makes it particularly appealing for families.
Christmas markets in Reims. Reims becomes especially festive in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with market stalls, seasonal food, decorations and children's entertainment. It's an enjoyable time to visit, although winter temperatures can be very cold.
Fêtes Johanniques, Reims. Celebrating Joan of Arc and the city's royal history, this annual festival brings medieval traditions to life through costumes, historical demonstrations, processions and entertainment.
Where to Eat With Children
Food doesn't need to become another challenge when travelling through Champagne. Both Reims and Épernay have plenty of casual dining options, particularly around their central shopping and tourist districts.
Sacré Bistro, Épernay. One of my suggestions for families who want good food without an overly formal setting. Burgers and fries provide familiar options for children, while adults can enjoy a more interesting bistro menu and an excellent champagne selection.
En Aparthé, Épernay. A whimsical tea salon and lunch bistro boasting fairytale-like food presentations and vibrant, colorful interiors. Located in the town centre, so it's convenient too.
Matin Gourmand, Epernay. A lovely option for breakfast or brunch with children, Matin Gourmand offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with sweet and savoury favourites. The wonderfully fluffy pancakes are a particular highlight, served with a choice of indulgent toppings that are sure to appeal to younger diners. It's an easy, informal stop for families wanting a leisurely breakfast or a sweet treat between sightseeing activities.
Sacré Burger, Reims. A straightforward choice for families who want burgers in a casual atmosphere.
NONNA, Reims. Italian cuisine offers another alternative when children have had enough traditional French food. Check current opening hours and the menu before visiting.
The Glue Pot, Reims. Located on the lively, pedestrianised Place Drouet d'Erlon, The Glue Pot is a relaxed, pub-style restaurant that's particularly convenient for families. The menu is approachable, with burgers, homemade fries, salads and a dedicated children's menu, while adults can enjoy a good selection of wines and champagne. There's also a generous outdoor terrace, making it a great place to sit in the sunshine, enjoy a casual lunch and watch the activity of central Reims.
Café du Palais, Reims. A Reims institution since 1930, Café du Palais is a wonderfully characterful French bistro, filled with eclectic artwork, vintage furnishings and a magnificent Art Deco stained-glass ceiling. It's also a good choice for families, with traditional French bistro dishes, a dedicated children's menu and highchairs available. On warmer days, the outdoor terrace is particularly appealing, while adults can enjoy an excellent selection of champagne by the glass. It's a lovely way to experience a little of Reims' history without the formality of fine dining.
Fast food and familiar favourites. Sometimes, particularly after a long day of sightseeing, the easiest option is something familiar. Reims has a wide selection of fast-food chains, including McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Five Guys, Subway and Domino's Pizza, alongside French takeaway and bakery chains. Épernay has fewer options, but you'll still find McDonald's, Burger King and Domino's Pizza, with some outlets located outside the immediate town centre. For families travelling with fussy eaters, or simply wanting a quick and affordable meal without the formality of restaurant dining, these can be useful alternatives.
Getting Around Champagne With Children
Getting around Champagne is relatively straightforward, but choosing the right transport can make an enormous difference...and avoid end-of-day meltdowns!
Hiring a Car: My Preferred Option for Flexibility
Hiring a car in Champagne is generally easy, with several well-known rental companies operating in the region, including Sixt, Avis and Europcar.
Rental facilities are available around the principal transport hubs, although collection locations and opening hours vary between providers. You can arrange a vehicle for a single day or for the duration of your stay.
For families, having your own car offers enormous flexibility. You can visit smaller villages, explore the vineyards and travel to attractions such as Nigloland or Lac du Der without relying on public transport or coordinating multiple transfers.
It also makes life easier when children become tired, plans change or you simply want to stop somewhere unexpectedly.
I would recommend reserving in advance, particularly if you require child seats or a larger vehicle.
Travelling by Train: Easy and Affordable
Regional trains are another excellent option, particularly for travelling between Reims and Épernay.
Services are generally quick and affordable, and some routes provide access to smaller villages along the way.
My recommendation is to download the Trainline app before travelling. I find it much easier to search for journeys, compare departure times and purchase tickets directly through the app rather than using ticket machines at railway stations.
Although station machines often have English-language options, purchasing through the app removes much of the uncertainty of navigating an unfamiliar ticketing system, particularly if your French is limited.
You can generally purchase tickets as required, although I would check schedules in advance, especially on Sundays and public holidays when services may be less frequent. SNCF Connect is another option for booking French rail travel.
Uber: Convenient, but Not Always Reliable
Uber is available in parts of Champagne, but I would be cautious about relying on it as your primary form of transport.
Unlike Paris and other major cities, Champagne has a much smaller pool of drivers. This can mean longer waiting times, higher fares and less predictable availability.
One of the biggest challenges is travelling outside the main towns. You might have little difficulty finding a driver to take you from Reims or Épernay to a vineyard village, only to discover that finding a return journey is considerably more difficult.
For this reason, I would avoid relying on Uber for visits to remote producers or countryside attractions unless you've organised your return transport in advance.
Private Drivers: Convenient but Expensive
For families who prefer not to drive, hiring a private driver is another option.
A dedicated vehicle and driver provide considerable convenience, particularly if you're visiting several destinations in one day or want someone else to manage the logistics.
As a general guide, I would allow approximately €400–€500 for a full day's private driving service, although pricing varies according to the vehicle, duration, itinerary and provider.
It's certainly a more expensive option, but for families wanting a completely organised day without navigating unfamiliar roads, it can be worthwhile.
Making Champagne Work for the Whole Family
If I were planning a holiday to Champagne with my three children, I wouldn't attempt to fill every day with cellar visits and wine experiences.
I would choose accommodation with plenty of space, plan one significant activity each day and leave time for parks, swimming, casual meals and spontaneous exploration.
I would also be realistic about what children find interesting. An underground cellar train might be fascinating, but three conventional Champagne House tours in a day probably won't be.
The beauty of Champagne is that it offers an opportunity to experience a different side of France. Beyond the famous Maisons are forests, villages, historic monuments, waterways and landscapes that deserve to be explored in their own right.
And while the region may not have the constant stimulation of Paris, perhaps that's part of its appeal for families too.
A little less rushing, a little more exploring and the freedom to enjoy France at a different pace.
With the right planning, Champagne can be as rewarding for children as it is for the adults who have come to discover its wines.
