Verzenay Lighthouse (Phare de Verzenay)
Rue de Phare, Reims, Grand Est, 51360
Although France's Champagne region is far from the sea, it has its own lighthouse. It was conceived in 1909 as a marketing gimmick by Champagne producer Joseph Goulet, who wanted to draw attention to his brand. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction, complete with an interactive museum, a tasting room, and a gift shop.
The basics
Visitors can head up to the 82-foot-high (25-meter-high) lighthouse for panoramic views over the region, enjoy a glass of bubbly in the garden, or learn about the lighthouse and Champagne production at the on-site museum. The Verzenay Lighthouse is a popular stop on tours of the Champagne region, and if you opt for a private tour, you can visit between tastings. Admission is free with select city passes, too.
Things to know before you go
The lighthouse is a must-visit for photographers wanting to get great shots of the Champagne region.
Getting to the top of the lighthouse requires climbing 101 steps up a spiral staircase.
Children ages 5 and under visit free, and those aged 6 to 16 receive discounted admission.
How to get there
In the Champagne region of France, the lighthouse is set on the eastern end of the town of Verzenay, about a 10-minute walk from the town center. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Reims—the unofficial capital of the region—and about a 30-minute drive from Epernay, where many of the most famous Champagne houses are located. This region is best explored on a tour that includes taxi transportation, especially if you plan to sample Champagne.
When to get there
The Verzenay Lighthouse is open daily from the beginning of April to the end of September, and from Tuesday to Sunday in October–December and February–March. It remains closed in January, and generally reopens the first weekend of February. Open-air concerts are held during the summer, usually from May through mid-September, and are free to the public.
Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims)
Even if you don't drink, it's worth visiting the Champagne region to see the Reims Cathedral, one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in France. Dating back to the 13th century, this massive UNESCO-listed structure is where many of the country's kings were crowned, and is notable for its intricate exterior carvings and its gorgeous stained-glass windows.
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