Champagne Pommery, Reims

Historic Site in Reims

CC BY-SA 40 / Aimelaime

Champagne Pommery is one of those Reims experiences that instantly feels iconic, even before you step underground. The estate is a landmark in the city and a natural stop for anyone who wants to understand Champagne beyond the label. What makes it memorable is the way it combines a classic house story with something more unexpected: a visit that feels part heritage tour, part art experience, and part sensory dive into the world of bubbles.

The real magic begins beneath the surface, in the chalk cellars known as crayères. Descending into those cool, echoing spaces is like entering a different city altogether-one carved into stone and filled with millions of bottles resting in conditions that feel perfectly, naturally engineered. It's one of the top attractions in Reims for a reason, and it's often visited on walking tours of Reims that include a Champagne-house stop as the day's celebratory finale.

History and Significance of the Champagne Pommery
Things to See and Do in the Champagne Pommery
How to Get to the Champagne Pommery
Practical Tips on Visiting the Champagne Pommery
Where to Stay close to the Champagne Pommery
Add a Is the Champagne Pommery Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Champagne Pommery
For Different Travelers
Nearby Attractions to the Champagne Pommery

History and Significance of the Champagne Pommery

Champagne Pommery was founded in 1858 and quickly became part of the wave of houses that defined Reims as the beating heart of Champagne production. Its significance is not only in longevity, but in how the brand helped shape the idea of Champagne as a refined, export-ready product tied to craft, image, and hospitality as much as winemaking.

What sets Pommery apart in Reims is the scale and theatricality of its underground world. The crayères-deep chalk quarries adapted into cellars-form a distinctive heritage landscape that feels both ancient and industrial. The constant temperature and humidity make them ideal for ageing, but beyond the technical benefits, they create a sense of ritual: you don't just “visit a cellar,” you descend into a hidden cathedral of Champagne.

In more recent years, Pommery has leaned into a cultural identity that goes beyond wine. By integrating contemporary art installations throughout the cellars, it positions the visit as a creative journey as well as a tasting, reflecting the house's blend of tradition and innovation in a way that feels uniquely Reims.

Things to See and Do in the Champagne Pommery

The main event is the cellar walk through the crayères. The descent itself is part of the story: the air cools, the sound changes, and the scale of the space becomes clear as you move deeper into the chalk corridors. As you go, you’ll see bottle stacks and production cues that hint at the long timeline behind each release.

What makes the route especially distinctive is the contemporary art woven into the underground environment. Installations play with light, sound, and texture, turning parts of the cellar experience into something closer to a gallery. Even if you’re not normally an “art tour” person, the contrast between ancient chalk walls and modern works can make the visit feel more immersive and unexpected.

The tasting at the end is where the experience comes together. After the cool, quiet cellars, the tasting rooms bring you back to the surface with a focus on flavour and style. It’s a good moment to ask questions about the differences between cuvées, what “Brut” means in practice, and how ageing in chalk influences texture, freshness, and mousse.

If you have time, keep an eye out for special tours or seasonal events. Pommery often uses its estate setting to host cultural programming, and timing your visit to coincide with an exhibition or themed tasting can elevate the experience from “classic cellar visit” to a more memorable Reims highlight.

How to Get to the Champagne Pommery

Most international visitors reach Reims via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Paris Orly Airport, then continue to the city by rail or road. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Reims on Booking.com.

Reims is easy to reach by train from Paris Gare de l'Est, and once you arrive at Reims Centre station you can take a local bus, taxi, or a longer walk depending on where you're staying and how much time you have. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If you’re travelling by car, plan to park at or near the estate or use a convenient city parking area and continue on foot depending on traffic and your schedule. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Champagne Pommery

Suggested tips: Go earlier in the day if you want the cellars calmer, and save the tasting as a relaxed “reward” before lunch or an afternoon stroll.
Best time to visit: Weekdays outside peak summer for the most comfortable pacing and fewer tour bottlenecks.
Entrance fee: €26 Self Guided Tour / €32 Guided Tour
Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ; Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Official website: https://www.champagnepommery.com
How long to spend: 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether you do a self-guided visit, a guided tour, or add extra tastings.
Accessibility: The cellars involve stairs and significant walking; contact Pommery in advance if you have mobility needs, as access options can be limited underground.
Facilities: Visitor reception, tasting rooms, and shop on site; toilets are typically available at the estate level.
Photography tip: Cellars can be low-light; steady shots work better than fast snaps, and be mindful of any no-photography zones around installations.
Guided tours: A guided tour is worth it if you want deeper insight into production and the story of the house; self-guided can be ideal if you prefer to linger with the art.
Nearby food options: Plan a proper meal back in central Reims afterward, or choose a Champagne-friendly lunch spot so the tasting feels like part of the day rather than an isolated stop.

Where to Stay close to the Champagne Pommery

A central base is usually the smartest choice in Reims, because it keeps dining and the cathedral district on your doorstep while Champagne houses remain easy day stops. Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix is a comfortable, central option that makes it simple to build a day around cellar visits and city walking. Holiday Inn Reims - Centre is a practical choice with easy access to transport and the main streets. If you want to stay right by the cathedral quarter for a classic Reims city-break feel, La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection keeps you close to the city’s headline sights while making Pommery an easy outing.

Add a Is the Champagne Pommery Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you want a Champagne-house visit that feels distinctive rather than interchangeable. The crayères are memorable on their own, and the contemporary art adds an extra layer that makes the tour feel like an experience rather than a production briefing.

It's also worth it for the balance it brings to a Reims itinerary. After churches, palaces, and museums, Pommery delivers a different kind of cultural heritage-one built around craft, place, and sensory enjoyment, with enough history behind it to feel genuinely rooted in the city.

FAQs for Visiting Champagne Pommery

It depends on the tour type and season; some visits can be flexible while others fill up, so checking ahead is the safest approach.

They are deep chalk cellars used for ageing Champagne in stable, cool conditions.

Most visits take 90 minutes to 2 hours including the tasting.

Most standard visits include a tasting, with options to upgrade depending on the cuvées offered.

Yes, the cellar and art experience can still be worthwhile, and you can usually skip tasting or ask about non-alcohol alternatives.

Yes, cellars are cool year-round, so bring a light layer even in summer.

Access can be challenging due to stairs and walking; contact Pommery in advance to discuss options.

Policies vary, but families can often visit the site; the tasting is for adults and the cellars require close supervision.

Rules can vary by area and installation; check on site and avoid flash underground.

The combination of vast crayères and contemporary art installations gives the tour a uniquely immersive character.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (2,237)

Vranken Pommery domain at 5 Place du Général Gouraud in Reims invites visitors to descend into expansive underground chalk cellars where contemporary art installations and colorful lighting transform the galleries into a subterranean exhibition space; guided or self‑guided-tours explain stops along the route (with printed guides available in multiple languages), and visits typically end with a champagne tasting—visitors praise the immersive atmosphere, the blend of art and cellar architecture, and the opportunity to sample cuvées, though some note that pre‑visit communication could be improved.

Shunichi Suzuki

a month ago

"【Quick Summary】An exploration of vast underground cellars where art and history intersect! Experience the dynamic world of a major Champagne house.【Purpose of Visit】Recommended for anyone from begi ers to advanced Champagne lovers who want to enjoy large-scale cellars and unique art exhibits. ✅ Experience (Tour & Tasting)nThe grounds, buildings, and the expansive underground cellars (caves) are incredibly vast, and the tour was highly engaging. A standout feature was that the tour wasn't merely a storage cellar visit; colorful lighting and contemporary art objects were placed throughout. It felt like walking through a subterranean art museum, allowing us to fully appreciate the unique and dynamic world of Veuve Pommery. We also found special cellar plates for places like Kyoto and the Hotel Okura in Tokyo on the cellar walls, which was a fun discovery and a reminder of the house's co ection to Japan. We visited without a prior reservation, and it was fortunate that we were able to join a tour at a good timing. A Champagne tasting followed the tour. Although the Champagne was delicious, since major houses' bottles are generally available at stable prices worldwide, we decided not to purchase souvenirs on this occasion. ✅ Environment (Atmosphere & Facilities)nThe stairs and tu els leading down to the cellars are illuminated with colorful lighting, creating a mysterious and fantastical atmosphere. The vast space features a unique blend of history and art, with carvings on the old stone walls and the display of a massive wooden cask. ✅ Final ThoughtsnThis is a distinctive house experience where the historical scale of the Champagne region's cellars merges with modern art. If you have the time, this is certainly a spot worth visiting...."

See More See Less

GoûteEnRoute

2 months ago

"Step beneath the city of Reims into the spellbinding Caves Pommery, where art and champagne meet beneath vaulted chalk tu els. The vast undergroundgalleries, once ancient quarries, now house thousands of resting bottles illuminated by soft golden light. Modern art installations blend seamlessly with centuries of heritage, creating a one-of-a-kind sensory journey. From the refined Brut Royal to the elegant Cuvée Louise, every tasting celebrates grace, craftsmanship, and history. A visit to Pommery is more than a tour — it’s an immersion into the soul of 🍾🍾🍾..."

See More See Less

Natalie Ostrowski

4 months ago

"Loved the experience. My mom does not speak English or French, however the self -guided tour was available in German. At the entrance you can collectpapers to explain the different stops of the tour. The art and installations bring you into a world, which goes beyond champagne. Definitely a must see! Only downside was that I contacted the service twice via e-mail and never got any response. So, customer service and communication upfront the visit could be improved...."

See More See Less

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This can work for families if your children are comfortable with underground spaces and you plan the visit with pacing in mind. The cellars feel dramatic and “adventurous,” but they also require quiet attention and careful walking, so it’s best for older kids or families who enjoy museum-like visits.

Consider making the goal the cellar experience rather than the tasting, then follow up with a park stroll or a relaxed lunch back in the centre so the day stays balanced.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Pommery is an easy highlight because it blends atmosphere, storytelling, and a celebratory finish. The descent into the crayères feels cinematic, and the tasting at the end can naturally flow into an afternoon of Champagne bars or a long dinner.

If you want the visit to feel more romantic and less “tour group,” aim for a quieter time slot and linger with the art installations rather than rushing through.

Budget Travelers

A Champagne house visit is usually one of the larger paid items in a Reims itinerary, so it's worth choosing one that feels truly distinctive. Pommery is a strong pick if you want the extra layer of art and spectacle alongside the cellar tour, making the ticket feel like good value.

To keep costs down, pair it with free highlights (cathedral, squares, walking routes) and choose just one paid cellar experience rather than multiple similar tours.

Nearby Attractions to the Champagne Pommery

Basilique Saint-Remi: A UNESCO basilica with a vast Romanesque nave and a serene atmosphere.
Musée Saint-Remi: The former royal abbey museum that explores Reims from Roman times to the Renaissance.
Chapelle Foujita: A small Romanesque-style chapel decorated with frescoes created by Léonard Foujita.
Reims Cathedral: The city's essential Gothic landmark and historic coronation church.
Palais du Tau: The archbishops' palace beside the cathedral, tied to coronation lodging and post-ceremony banquets.

The Champagne Pommery appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Reims!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!