What began as a passion for the Champagne region has grown into a specialised travel company dedicated entirely to this remarkable wine region. But how did Champagne Travel begin? What makes our approach different from other travel companies? And when is the best time to visit Champagne? In this article, we answer eight frequently asked questions about Champagne Travel, our approach and what makes travelling through the Champagne region such a unique experience.
How did Champagne Travel begin?
Champagne Travel was founded by Hinke de Jong, a Champagne specialist who has been closely connected to the Champagne region for many years. Her passion and dedication have been recognised internationally. She was appointed a Champagne Ambassador by the Comité Champagne and was awarded the prestigious title of Dame Chevalier de l’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, an honour reserved for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to promoting the Champagne region. Champagne Travel was founded with one clear ambition: to inspire more people to discover the Champagne region and experience everything it has to offer. From the very beginning, our goal has been to create memorable journeys that reflect each traveller’s interests, expectations and travel style. No two itineraries are ever the same. For more than fifteen years, we have travelled throughout the Champagne region on a regular basis. During that time, we have built extensive local knowledge as well as a trusted network of Champagne producers, hotels, restaurants and regional partners. Because we know the region so well, we can recommend places based on personal experience rather than online reviews or travel guides. Today, Champagne Travel is made up of a specialised team that designs journeys for private travellers, companies and wine professionals from around the world. Whether it is a carefully curated Champagne weekend, a fully tailor-made itinerary, a corporate incentive or a multi-day group tour, every journey is created with the same attention to detail. Transportation, private transfers and exclusive experiences can all be arranged as part of the program.
What makes Champagne Travel different from other travel companies offering trips to France?
Unlike many travel companies that include Champagne as one of many destinations, we have chosen to focus exclusively on this extraordinary wine region. That specialisation allows us to advise our clients with genuine expertise, first-hand experience and an extensive network throughout Champagne. Several times a year, we travel across the region to discover new places, strengthen existing relationships and stay up to date with the latest developments. We know many Champagne houses, independent growers, hotels, restaurants and local partners personally. As a result, every recommendation we make is based on our own experience rather than on online reviews or third-party recommendations. Our in-depth knowledge of the region allows us to create programmes that go well beyond the familiar tourist routes. Whether guests are looking for renowned Champagne houses, boutique family-owned producers, exceptional restaurants or unique local experiences, we carefully match every itinerary to their interests. We also work closely with experienced local guides, enabling us to organise everything from private Champagne tours to large international incentive trips and corporate events. Whatever the size of the group, our aim is always the same: to give our clients an authentic and unforgettable experience of the Champagne region.
Why do travellers choose Champagne Travel?
One of the compliments we hear most often is that our clients would never have discovered some of their favourite places without our guidance. That is exactly what sets Champagne Travel apart: combining in-depth regional knowledge with personal service and tailor-made travel experiences. No two travellers are the same, which is why every journey starts with understanding what our clients are looking for. Whether someone dreams of visiting prestigious Champagne houses, discovering boutique family-owned producers, enjoying exceptional gastronomy or simply experiencing the region at a relaxed pace, we create an itinerary that reflects their interests and expectations. Today’s travellers are looking for more than a standard travel package. They want authentic experiences, personal recommendations and the confidence that every detail has been carefully considered. That is exactly what we aim to provide. Over the years, we have welcomed travellers from all over the world and are proud of the consistently excellent reviews we receive. Clients regularly mention our personal approach, attention to detail, flexibility and extensive knowledge of the Champagne region as the reasons they chose to travel with us.
What does a tailor-made journey with Champagne Travel look like?
Every tailor-made journey begins with a conversation. Before we recommend Champagne houses, hotels or restaurants, we want to understand the people behind the booking. Who is travelling? What is the purpose of the trip? Which experiences are most important? And what does the ideal visit to the Champagne region look like? Based on those conversations, we create a personalised proposal that serves as the foundation of the journey. Together with our clients, we refine every detail until the itinerary perfectly matches their wishes, interests and expectations. Once everything has been finalised, we take care of the entire journey. Accommodation, Champagne tastings, restaurant reservations, transportation, private transfers and additional experiences are all carefully coordinated to create a seamless travel experience. The result is much more than a holiday. It is a personalised journey through the Champagne region, thoughtfully designed around the people travelling and the experiences they want to remember.
Where do most of your travellers come from?
Today, Champagne Travel welcomes travellers from across the globe. While many of our clients come from Europe, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, we also organise journeys for guests from North America, Australia, New Zealand and several Asian countries. Over the past few years, we have seen a growing international interest in the Champagne region, a trend that is clearly reflected in our bookings. Every traveller visits Champagne with a different purpose. Some are looking for a gastronomic weekend filled with exceptional food and Champagne, while others visit for a corporate event, a celebration or simply to explore one of France’s most iconic wine regions. Those different expectations make every journey unique.Although our clients come from many different countries, they all share one thing: they want to experience the Champagne region in an authentic way. By taking the time to understand their interests and travel style, we create journeys that feel personal and leave lasting memories.
What types of Champagne journeys do you organise most often?
No two journeys are ever the same. One week we may be organising a romantic Champagne weekend for two, while the next we’re planning a multi-day itinerary for wine professionals or an incentive programme for an international company. Our portfolio ranges from carefully curated travel packages to fully tailor-made journeys. We organise everything from short Champagne getaways and luxury experiences to group travel, corporate incentives and exclusive programmes where every detail is taken care of. Whether our clients are travelling for leisure, business or professional purposes, every itinerary is designed around their individual wishes and interests. That variety is exactly what makes our work so enjoyable. We work with private travellers, companies, organisations and wine professionals from around the world, creating journeys that showcase the very best of the Champagne region in a way that suits every type of traveller.
Why is the Champagne region such a great destination for incentive travel and corporate events?
The Champagne region offers a unique combination of gastronomy, history, hospitality and unforgettable experiences, making it an ideal destination for incentive travel, corporate events and team retreats. Champagne itself is synonymous with celebration, achievement and success, creating the perfect setting to reward employees, strengthen business relationships or bring teams together. The region offers something for every type of group. From world-renowned Champagne houses and family-owned producers to picturesque villages, outstanding restaurants and beautiful vineyards, there is an impressive variety of experiences to choose from. It’s no coincidence that a significant part of the Champagne region has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, acknowledging its rich cultural heritage and centuries-old winemaking tradition. Another major advantage is the region’s accessibility. Distances between locations are relatively short, allowing groups to experience a great deal in just a few days. The Champagne region is easily reached by car, high-speed train and air. The TGV station at Champagne-Ardenne (Reims) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, located just 90 minutes away, provide excellent connections for both European and international visitors. At Champagne Travel, we also arrange private transportation from airports and train stations, ensuring every journey runs smoothly from arrival to departure. Combined with the region’s wide range of accommodation, meeting venues and activities, we can create tailor-made programmes for both small executive groups and large international organisations.
When is the best time to visit the Champagne region, and why?
Every season has its own charm, making the Champagne region a wonderful destination throughout much of the year. In general, we recommend visiting between March and December, when the region is at its liveliest and there is plenty to experience. Spring brings fresh green vineyards and the first signs of new growth, while summer is perfect for enjoying the outdoors as the grapes slowly ripen. Towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, the Champagne harvest takes place. This is one of the most exciting times to visit, as the entire region comes alive with activity. Autumn is also a favourite season thanks to the beautiful colours of the vineyards and the often pleasantly mild temperatures. Winter offers a completely different atmosphere. The villages are beautifully decorated for the festive season and, if you’re lucky, you may even experience the vineyards covered in snow. This is also the time of year to visit the traditional Christmas market and the famous Habits de Lumière festival in Épernay, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. And of course, there’s no better time to stock up on Champagne for the festive season. August does require a little more planning. Many local business owners take their annual holidays during this month, meaning that some smaller Champagne houses, restaurants and accommodations may be temporarily closed. Because we stay in close contact with our local partners, we know exactly what is open and can advise our clients accordingly when planning a trip during this period.