Reimsannual, mid June to mid Julyabout one month
A month of classical and crossover concerts across Reims heritage venues, from the Basilique Saint-Remi to city parks, with hundreds of artists. Many concerts are free, and the festival pairs naturally with a Champagne tour of the city.
Tip: Plenty of concerts are free; book the marquee evenings at the basilica early as they fill quickly.
Cote des Bar (Aube)annual, first weekend of August2 days
The first weekend of August, a cluster of Cote des Bar villages in the Aube opens its cellars for a tasting-passport weekend. Each year a different set of villages on the right bank of the Aube takes its turn welcoming visitors to the open caves.
Tip: Buy the tasting passport and wristband online ahead of time; the wristband is mandatory to enter the open cellars.
Reims and Epernayannual, fourth Friday of October1 day
The global Champagne Day, on the fourth Friday of October, sees houses, growers, bars and shops worldwide pour and share Champagne. The Comite Champagne runs the official event directory listing local tastings and open cellars across the region.
Tip: Use the official events map to find tastings and open houses near you on the day, in Champagne and worldwide.
Massif de Saint-Thierrybiennial, October of odd years2 days
Harvest festival of the villages of the Saint-Thierry massif in the Champagne appellation, held every two years since 1991 in a different village each time; admission is free. The 2025 edition took place in Pouillon on 11 and 12 October. The next edition is announced for 2 and 3 October 2027 in Brimont; the programme had not yet been published.
Tip: The host village changes each edition, so confirm the venue and programme on the massif's site before travelling.
Epernayannual, second weekend of December3 days
Each December the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay transforms into a stage of illuminations, video mapping, champagne bars, a vintage-car parade and fireworks. A Saturday gastronomy session, Habits de Saveurs, pairs Michelin chefs with growers.
Tip: The festival is free with no ticket needed; the two evening shows on Friday and Saturday on the avenue are the highlight.
rotating Champagne villageannual, around 22 January1 to 2 days
Around 22 January, Champagne growers honour their patron Saint Vincent. Beyond the local village masses, the Archiconfrerie stages a grand costumed parade in a different Champagne town each year, gathering brotherhoods from across the region.
Tip: The host town changes annually; confirm which village or city holds the grand parade before planning a trip around it.