Slow tourism for families in the Champagne region

With its vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, its historical châteaux, characterful villages and varied landscape, the Champagne region has so much to offer. So jump on your bike and go exploring the lovely green countryside in all its diversity. Take your pick from the multiple cycle paths, suitable for the whole family, along the river Meuse, in the countryside around Reims or through the Marne Valley. 

Famous for its sublime Gothic cathedral, Reims has more than one trick up its sleeve. For a start, this city is the perfect destination for anyone keen to try the slow tourism approach in Champagne, thanks to local initiatives in favour of the ecology transition. The region’s capital city has no shortage of eco-friendly eateries either, offering a delicious break between your visits. You’ll appreciate a gourmet experience at Au fil des saisons, for example. This restaurant prepares everything in-house from fresh, local, organic and fairtrade products. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes and some amazing salads, hearty soups, original flans and truly exquisite desserts, to eat in or take away.

At the spot where the river Marne meets the Haute-Marne, this vast manmade lake created in the 1970s is a key nature spot of the Champagne region. Between nature walks, bike rides around the lake, pedalos, high-ropes adventure trails and wildlife observation, the Der Lake is an outstanding natural haven that appeals to both adults and children, whatever the season.

Try the slow tourism experience in Champagne with a night in a tree cabin. Take your family deep into the intriguing forest of Orient, for the magical and relaxing experience of sleeping in one of the wooden cabins up in the trees. While you’re there, you’ll have a chance to admire the wildlife and the lush vegetation that surrounds you. 

It may be less famous than Reims and Épernay, but Châlons-en-Champagne has so much to offer. Nicknamed the Venice of the Grand Est region, the town stands on a vast network of rivers and streams. When spring returns, don’t hesitate to pay it a visit! This is the ideal time of year to rent an electric boat and escape for some family time on the various waterways that criss-cross the town. Explore between the little medieval houses and historic streets of Châlons on a boat trip that has a few surprises in store.

Tucked in the exceptional panoramic landscape of the luxuriant Orient forest, the Nigloland theme park is another place you really must visit during your slow getaway in Champagne. This is sure to keep the whole family entertained, with all sorts of fun shows and thrilling rides galore. Besides the rides, you'll be pleased to know that the park has undertaken a number of sustainable initiatives in its commitment to preserve the environment. A magical experience that you won’t forget in a hurry! 

Just 35 km from Châlons-en-Champagne, stop off in the village of Pierry for a bucolic picnic in the grounds of the Vollereau estate. Against the outstanding panoramic backdrop, join a guided tour of the property and unveil the secrets of the ancestral expertise behind its champagne production. Then, in the heart of the vineyards, enjoy a picnic of traditional local products that’ll have the whole family’s mouths watering.