Desert glamping near Reims

It’s all about the bubbly in Reims, the unofficial capital of France’s Champagne region. Champagne houses, tasting cellars, and UNESCO-listed monuments (most notably the grand Cathedral) are everywhere you turn in this history city, so there’s plenty to discover on a walking tour. You won’t want to spend too long in the city, though. Instead, pitch your tent amid the vineyards, park your motorhome at an aire (motorhome park), or snag a campervan or caravan site at a rural campground, then set out on an epic tasting tour along the Champagne Route.

South of Reims, the vine-clad slopes of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park provide a verdant backdrop for hiking and biking. From here, the Marne River winds its way west through the Marne Valley, leading the way to family-run vineyards, fairy-tale châteaux, and the Champagne villages of Hautvillers,  Châtillon-sur-Marne, and Château-Thierry.

Summer, especially July-Aug, brings huge crowds to Reims, and it’s worth timing your visit for the quieter (and cheaper) months of spring or fall instead. Speaking of fall, this is harvest time at the region’s many Champagne vineyards and the ideal time for tasting. The main camping season runs from April through October, but don’t be put off by a winter visit—Reims Christmas markets are rightly popular, and seasonal snowfall renders the city even more magical.