tahuey

My husband I and I would like to plan a trip to the Champagne region between now (March) and November. When is the best time to go to maximize the experience?

Also any tips on where to stay and tasty restaurants (we are foodies) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

tahuey

Anyone...

Lawchick

Every time is good. I have been there Winter/Summer/Autumn/Spring - makes no difference.....except the Summer can be hot and some Champagne houses are closed in August.

traveller1959

Yes, anytime is good. Maybe May/June and September/October will be nicest.

I strongly recommend this restaurant which is close to Epernay:

http://www.labriqueterie.fr/

It is awarded a Michelin star. We had lunch there (a set menu) and were amazed how reasonable the check was. Dinner is probably a little more expensive.

A recommendable hotel is this:

http://www.chateau-etoges.com/

The food is also very good but does not reach star level.

For a more intimate tour of a champagne cave, I recommend this winery:

http://www.champagne-launois.fr/

The products are of outstanding quality and very reasonably priced. We usually take a couple of boxes of their vintage champagne back home when we are there. The have also a most charming museum in their caves.

ira

Hi t,

Mid-May to mid-June (sort of late to plan for that) or mid-Sep - mid-Oct.

If you go in the fall, they will be harvesting the grapes and the cepes will be in season.

bilboburgler

With Ira, the Japanese tend to arrive on mass in the spring but then so do the wild flowers.

If you go there why not also drop down to Alsace.

ekscrunchy

Here is a restaurant/hotel that gets consistently good reviews:


http://www.lescrayeres.com/uk/navigation.htm

I am not sure that harvest time is the best time, as many vintners are up to their ears with work..(I have not been at that time so don't have first-hand information; we were dissuaded from visiting during harvest season)

tahuey

Thansk everyone for all the good tips. Might have to try for June!