What Is The Best Time To Visit Champagne Area in France?

Are you wondering about what the best time to visit the Champagne area in France is? Then I got you covered!

We have traveled to France many times, and throughout the seasons. Every season has its upsides and downsides, that’s for sure.

It can be hard to decide when to plan your trip to the Champagne if you don’t know the area.

Luckily for you, I know all the ins and outs and have created this useful guide to help you plan your vacation at the best possible time.

So without further ado, let’s get to it!

Best Time To Visit Champagne, France – My Take On It

First of all, I’ll give you my opinion on the best time to travel to the Champagne area. In my opinion, fall is the best time to visit the Champagne – for many reasons.

Fall is the time of the harvest. This means beautiful, colored fall foliage and many harvest festivities all around. It is a happy and cheerful season, perfect for a trip to Champagne.

Of course, it tends to be more expensive and crowded in the fall as well, which is the downside.

Luckily, there is no bad time to visit the Champagne. It is a great destination year-round, even though the landscape changes a lot and every season has its pros and cons for sure.

Our last trip to Champagne was in spring. Even though it was a bit chilly, we loved the beautiful flowers everywhere.

Summer is the time to go for romantic evening dinners and tastings outside, whereas winter is ideal for a cozy spa and wine getaway.

Visiting the Champagne Region in Spring

Pros: beautiful flowers, less crowds, affordable

Cons: Some restaurants & wineries might be closed, the weather is unpredictable, less events

Visiting the Champagne region during spring is lovely, and I can only recommend it. As winter fades, the region comes alive with the first signs of vine growth.

Springtime sees fewer tourists for sure. That makes it an ideal period if you want to avoid the crowds, like we do.

This season allows for more intimate visits to wineries as well. You can learn directly from producers about the process of making Champagne.

Sadly, this means some restaurants are closed still. We had a lot of trouble finding places to eat because so much was closed off.

The weather is comfortably cool, perfect for tours through the cities of Reims and Epernay. It might rain a little, so make sure to book a hotel with a spa for a rainy day.

We visited the Champagne region at the end of April and absolutely loved it.

Weather in Champagne in Spring

Visiting the Champagne Region in the Summer

Pros: beautiful weather, great for outdoor activities, all restaurants and wineries are open, lots of festivities

Cons: more expensive, more crowds, can get hot

Visiting Champagne in summer is pretty amazing – high season is in full swing, and there is so much going on.

You’ll experience temperatures ranging from warm to hot, but I thought the weather was perfect for exploring.

What I love the most about this season is sitting outdoors and dining in the warm evening sun.

Summer is when Champagne really comes alive. The vines are lush and green, stretching as far as the eye can see.

The longer days mean more time to wander through historic towns, and lots of outside seating in the village squares.

Summer brings festivals and events. They are pretty much celebrating everything from the wine itself to the rich heritage of the area.

Just be ready for some company as you explore, and consider booking tours and tastings in advance to secure your spot.

Visiting the Champagne Region in the Fall

Pros: harvest festivals, beautiful fall foliage, lots of activities

Cons: more expensive, more crowds, weather can be dreary

Fall in Champagne is like nothing you have ever seen. The vineyards transform with hues of gold, orange, and red, showing the first signs of the harvest season.

My wife is an absolute fall-girly, so naturally it is her favorite season to go.

Late September through November is a special time to visit. The weather cools down, which is pretty cozy.

The harvest, or “vendange,” is the highlight of Champagne in the fall. You can sometimes even participate in the harvest activities, which is so much fun.

After all the harvesting is done, the atmosphere in the region is festive, with many events celebrating the year’s yield.

The cooler weather also brings with it a shift to heartier local cuisine. As usual, the food is perfectly complemented by the region’s sparkling wines.

With fewer tourists than in summer, you can enjoy a more laid-back visit. It is still busier than spring or winter, so expect slightly higher prices. In my opinion, it is well worth it.

Weather in Champagne in the Fall

Visiting the Champagne Region in Winter

Pros: very affordable, cozy, quiet

Cons: little activity, some things might be closed, cold weather

Winter in the Champagne region is a special time. The vineyards are covered in morning frost and sometimes even a bit of snow. It is a different kind of beauty compared to the rest of the year.

It’s a time when the tourist crowds thin out, giving you a more intimate experience. Temperatures are perfect for cozying up in wine cellars and tasting rooms or even the hotel spa.

Champagne in winter is great because many producers have more time to engage with visitors. The region’s towns, like Reims and Épernay, shine with holiday lights and markets.

It’s a season for slowing down, savoring the moment, and discovering the depth of Champagne’s culture and traditions.

But keep in mind that many restaurants close for the season.

If you are traveling on a budget, this is the best time to go to Champagne.

Weather in Champagne France in Winter

How Many Days Do You Need in the Champagne Region?

I suggest visiting the Champagne region for at least 3 full days.

Of course, you can get a pretty good idea of the region in a day trip from Paris, but there is so much more to see.

My favorite part about the Champagne is the beautiful small restaurants, the charming family-owned wineries, and the nice landscape.

It will take you a couple of days to slowly explore the region and relax. This is not a trip you’ll want to rush.

I would not spend more than 5 days in Champagne, though. That is about the time frame you’ll need to see all of it, at a really slow pace.

I have created a lovely itinerary for the Champagne region that you can do on a long weekend. This will give you a good idea of what you can do in the area.

Best Time To Visit Champagne, France For Festivities

• La Route du Champagne en Fête: This is a special event that happens annually. It is a festive, musical, and gastronomic walk through the Champagne region.
• Habits de Lumière: Towards the end of the year, Epernay becomes the stage for the Habits de Lumière festival, an artistic and colorful light festival.
• Christmas Markets: From the end of November through December, the Champagne region has lots of Christmas markets that will get you into the mood for the best time of the year.
• The “Vendanges en Fête” or “Harvest Festival” is a celebration of the harvest but also a cultural event with tastings, tours, and sometimes music and dancing in the vineyards. The dates vary each year, so check the official tourism website.

Conclusion: Best Time To Visit Champagne, France

The best time to visit northeastern France, and especially the Champagne area, is in fall.

That is when the Champagne harvest season begins, and the region comes alive with wine festivals, live music, workshops, and festive decorations.

Summer is probably my least favorite time to go, because it is quite busy and expensive. That will give you less of an opportunity to visit smaller wineries and learn about the winemaking process.

Spring is another awesome season to visit the Champagne landscapes. We went toward the end of March and early April, which was quiet and lovely.

Whenever you decide to visit this beautiful wine region, you’ll have a great experience. It is lovely year-round, and every season has its pros and cons. 

Make sure to sip a glass of champagne, visit smaller Champagne houses and a UNESCO world heritage site, and try some regional specialities.

Try to learn about the craftsmanship of champagne production, so you can get a true appreciation for the wine.