History
From its commanding position on the mountain of Reims, surrounded by some of the finest vineyards in Champagne, the Hotel Royal Champagne looks out across the River Marne to the more distant vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, and west to the historic Abbey of Hautvillers, where Dom Perignon was a cellarer.
The site was first built by the Gauls and later fortified by the Romans; the Roman road lies beneath the hotel and the cellars.
The original Inn, called “L’Auberge de Bellevue” became an important staging post on the main road from Reims to Lyon for all the mail and stage coaches travelling this busy and beautiful road.
Many regiments, both French and foreigners, chose to break their journeys at the inn to enjoy the food and wine of the region, despatching the corks of countless bottles of Champagne in the traditional military manner - with a sabre. The most famous regiment of all to bestow its patronage was the Royal Champagne Cavalry Regiment, founded by François 1st as one of the four best regiments of France. Today this association is commemorated by the name of the hotel, and by the standard of the Royal Champagne Cavalry Regiment which flies proudly beside the flag of the Association of Relais & Châteaux.
The long tradition of welcoming the traveller and gourmet continues.
With its outstanding position and its elegant and comfortable rooms, the Royal Champagne is still an ideal staging post.
This former inn celebrates the very best of Champagnes with more than 200 exceptional varieties and vintages of bruts and rosés. The cuisine matches the quality of the cellar. The guestrooms offer breathtaking view of the vineyards and the Marne Valley; the ideal retreat for Champagnes’ enthusiasts who want to visit vineyards and wineries of Grand Champagne houses.
