Millennial Champagne

Champagne - A Millennial Guide

Françoise Peretti, Director of Champagne Bureau UK shares her insights on where to go and what to do for travellers seeking a fresh take on the region.

Both in travel and beyond, Millennials are a generation full of curiosity - seeking authentic experiences that engage both the senses and mind, make you feel alive and create long lasting memories. Sustainability and solid eco-credentials are also high on the agenda and of course, in a world where social media reigns supreme, the more ‘Instagrammable’ the better. Luckily for us based in the UK, Champagne is right on our doorstep, offering those credentials and so much more, and should undoubtedly be at the top of the list for young British travellers.

Less than a four-hour drive from London or a 45-minute fast train (TGV) ride from Paris, the world’s most prestigious wine region happens to be just about the most easily accessible. In addition to being a UNESCO world heritage site, Champagne was also the first wine region to conduct a carbon footprint assessment over 20 years ago and this sustainable ethos permeates both its wine production and culture. The past few years have seen a host of new locations appear and experiences arrive for travellers to discover - from treetop bars through to contemporary art shows. Here’s a brief (and by no means exhaustive!) guide to some of the exciting places to visit. Where to sleep

For those seeking a chic wellness retreat, Le Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in Champillon would be an ideal choice. Opened in 2018, the hotel is nestled in the vineyards of Champagne, with panoramic views of the secluded, vine-covered hills of Epernay. It has just 49 rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a luxuriously spacious 16,000 square foot spa with a pool to unwind in. Another option could be Cottages Antoinette, an innovative ecological project composed of 3 cottages built on stilts in the middle of the Champagne vineyards, on the edge of the forest, above the village of Chigny-les-Roses. These offer a panoramic view of the vineyards and the city of Reims. If you’re keen to be in the city itself, there are a whole host of hotels and B&Bs to choose from.

What to eat and where to drink

In the City of Reims, during the daytime take a stroll through the Boulingrin a food market, listed as a historical monument in 1990. Pop in for brunch or charcuterie at Le Cabasson, a quirky

haunt full of art, or while you’re in the area, enjoy a meal at La Brasserie du Boulingrin - a local institution. In terms of bars, visit the Trésor de Champagne bar or Le Clos, a cool boho terrace for relaxed vibes and an extensive Champagne list. Whether you choose to stay there or not, book lunch on the panoramic terrace of Le Bellevue at Le Royal Champagne Hotel for a stunning instagrammable view. Finally, to elevate your Champagne experience quite literally, visit The Perching Bar in Verzy. This is a Champagne bar in the trees where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the region, while sipping Champagne in an elegant treehouse built around a majestic oak tree.

For your daily dose of culture

In 2015, the Champagne houses, hillsides and cellars were UNESCO listed due to their significance on the global stage. Essential to visit is the cathedral - Notre-Dame de Reims - one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, built in the 13th century. Take a tour to see the beautiful stained glass, an iconic photo outside and witness a sound and light show after dark. Reims was in fact the coronation city, where all the Kings of France were crowned. Close by, you can step inside la Villa Demoiselle, a flagship example of blending art nouveau and art deco house by architect Louis Sorel. In Epernay, walk the mythical Avenue de Champagne and visit internationally known houses including Champagne Boizel which has a new memorable cellar experience. For a longer day trip, you can visit the striking Medieval streets of the City of Troyes in the south of the region.

Alternative experiences at Champagne producers

Champagne is home to over 320 houses and 16,000 winegrowers, offering a stunning diversity of Champagne wines to taste and Houses to visit. Each will offer a unique, individual experience for tasting and purchasing wine. If you’re looking to visit a couple of Houses with alternative experiences, you might consider visiting the Champagne Pommery cellars to experience the contemporary art exhibitions within the estate. In need of recalibrating? Try the

© Phovoir yoga and champagne experience at Champagne Louis Brochet. For the more adventurous, Champagne Devaux offers water workshops, which involves a canoe trip, tasting and picnic. At Château Thierry visit Champagne Pannier and take your friends on an escape game in the medieval cellars.

Newness in 2021

The much-anticipated Musée du Vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie Régionale finally opened this Spring after many years in the making. Built in 1852 on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne as a sumptuous residence and reception venue for the Perrier-Jouët Champagne house, the ‘Château Perrier’, now a two-museum in one, is a remarkable architectural feat in the Belle Epoque style that has just undergone a 20.5 million euro restoration and refurbishment work in order to house one of France’s largest collections of archaeology and a remarkable exhibition on the history of Champagne, with over 100,000 objects on display. Soon to come also is the opening of Pressoria - a new centre dedicated to the sensory experience of Champagne. Located in the heart of the vineyards in AÿChampagne, travellers will be able to take part in a unique sensory journey revealing all the secrets of Champagne.

AT feast

Light, airy and serving lots of wholesome fare, AT feast is the latest addition to the dining scene at St John's Wood.

Ideal for those looking to make healthier choices without the compromise after an indulgent lockdown, AT feast offers a mix of nourishing, lighter choices with a focus on zero food waste, and a unique take on some larger comfort classics.

The intriguing and innovative menu is divided into small eats, light eats and large eats, with a creative cocktail menu and large wine list to match. AT feast has worked hard to create a selection that offers organic, vegan and minimal sulphur wines from sustainable brands.

Menu highlights include top-to-tail tempura veg, which uses all parts of the vegetables to ensure no waste; broccoli margherita flatbread with Laverstoke mozzarella; vegan shepherdess pie; and a zero waster daily burger served with pickled & crispy onions, tomato relish, burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, beanamole, and sweet potato fries. This daily changing option ensures that every bit of food is utilised while providing an extra, delicious option on the menu.

The fish and chips with a twist is a particularly clever dish with fava bean umami marinated fish, light batter, wasabi tartar, black sesame, pickled onion, minted peas and sweet potato fries. A real restaurant with a conscience, the clean, natural interiors and sustainable shop at the front match AT feast's ethos and allow you to 'buy in' to the idea quite literally supporting both this local business and the environment simultaneously. The idea of eating 'left-over' food has become socially frowned upon despite the quality remaining the same as any other item you would usually eat at a restaurant, but AT feast are on a mission to change perceptions, and they're going about it in all the right ways. Friendly and relaxed with plenty of options for both vegans and meat eaters, AT feast is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, catch up with friends, family and business colleagues alike whilst enjoying the knowledge that you are doing your part.

it

London

If you are looking to go all out post lockdown then IT London is the place to be. Located on Dover Street, the London outpost of the original Ibizan fine-dining restaurant boasts exceptional dishes and destination DJ sets.

Lavish, playful and luxurious, the glamorous surrounds of this Mayfair eatery ensure a good evening. From the statement bar and thick curtains to the gilded mirrors, marble tables, atmospheric lighting and velvet scalloped back chairs of the main dining room, the whole venue oozes exclusivity and decadence however in contrast, the impeccable food is built on simplicity and flavour.

Having opened just before the pandemic struck, IT has like all restaurants had a tricky time but with a new executive chef - Nino di Costanzo in charge who is also known as the “Chef Artist” and who’s two Michelin star restaurant in Daní Maison was recently named among the “10 coolest restaurants in the world” by Forbes, the restaurant is firmly back on the map.

Reflecting the already hugely successful concepts from its establishments in Ibiza and Milan, IT London offers a fashionable fusion of fine dining and daily music sets from international DJs. Set across two floors of a former art gallery, the restaurant also boasts a private dining space akin to a private members club where guests can enjoy an elegant skylight view and complete privacy with added benefits such as own bar and DJ booth.

You may be forgiven for thinking that with all this style, the food doesn't hold up but it does, it really does. Beautifully presented and using fresh seasonal ingredients, dishes are exceptional. From Tartare di dentice, melograno, asparagi e dressing al frutto della passione - Sea-bass tartare, pomegranate, asparagus, passion fruit dressing; to the wonderfully light Gnudo di ricotta e spinaci con limone salato - Ricotta dumplings, spinach, salted lemon; this is fresh Italian fare with an artistic twist. Wonderfully simple yet packing a punch, the Spaghetti ai Pomodori and crispy thin Margherita are the stars of the show. While the Tiramisù al cappuccino is a must try dessert.

With such good food, a well-curated wine list is expected and IT delivers with knowledgeable sommeliers on hand to guide you though the menu.

A destination in itself, you will find yourself whiling away the evening and planning your next visit in a heartbeat.

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LEXUS LC 500-C SPORT PLUS

Engine Power (hp) Torque (Nm)

5.0-litre V8 457 530

0-62mph (secs) 5.0 Max Speed (mph) 168 Transmission Direct-shift 10-speed Automatic Fuel Consumption (mpg) 24.1 Carbon Dioxide Emissions (g/km) 275 Price (from) £98,275