A few minutes' walk from the Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger and Ruinart cellars, on the Saint-Nicaise hill listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Domaine Les Crayères occupies the former Polignac family estate. Since 1904, it has been one of the most emblematic addresses in all of Champagne.
A grand house at the heart of a seven-hectare park
The estate takes its name from the "crayères", ancient Gallo-Roman chalk quarries dug beneath the hill, ideal for storing wine and aptly nicknamed "underground cathedrals". The house itself, sheltered within its green setting, embodies the quintessence of French art de vivre: classic decor, refined furnishings, French-style gardens maintained with constant care. The interior bears the signature of Pierre-Yves Rochon, an interior architect specialising in grand hotels, also behind the decor of the Four Seasons George V in Paris.
20 rooms and suites, plus a villa apart
The Château and its Cottage together offer 20 rooms and suites as well as a villa, each designed in the purest French classical style, with a generosity of space rarely matched by other establishments in the region. The refinement here never seeks the ostentatious: it unfolds in the details, from woodwork to fabrics, in an atmosphere that favours intimacy over spectacle.
A gastronomic table led by Christophe Moret
The restaurant Le Parc, led by chef Christophe Moret, formerly of the Plaza Athénée under Alain Ducasse and later of Maison Lasserre, embodies the estate's culinary ambition. His cuisine, respectful of Champagne's terroir and committed to sustainability, is enjoyed facing the park, in a dining room that ranks among the most sought-after in the region. The bar La Rotonde completes the experience for a more informal moment over a glass of champagne.
An exceptional cellar
The Domaine Les Crayères can boast one of the finest champagne cellars in Europe: nearly 58,000 bottles and 1,000 references, praised by the specialist press as the continent's best champagne cellar. A further draw for enthusiasts wishing to combine a stay with wine discovery right at the heart of the producing region.
Why stay here
The Domaine Les Crayères offers a rare balance: immediate proximity to Reims's UNESCO-listed historic centre, while still feeling like a countryside retreat, sheltered within its wooded park. It is the reference address for anyone wanting to experience Champagne in its full heritage dimension, without leaving the city.
Passionate about travel and urban discoveries, I create guides to help travelers organize their getaways in the most beautiful cities in Europe and elsewhere. Through City Travelers, I share itineraries, practical tips and tour ideas to take full advantage of each destination, for a weekend or a longer stay.
