Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Châlons-en-Champagne, France

From its name, one can ascertain that this town is situated in the Champagne region. The Route du Champagne introduces a plethora of champagne producers, including the notable Joseph Perrier, which offers guided tours in its chalk caves alongside opportunities to sample and purchase its esteemed cuvées.

As the administrative center of the Marne department, Châlons boasts a diverse array of attractions, enriched by a significant religious heritage featuring two UNESCO-listed churches and a museum showcasing remarkable Romanesque sculptures. The town’s canals echo the charm of Venice, particularly enchanting when illuminated on summer evenings. Furthermore, the National Circus Centre provides a delightful contrast with special events held in June and December.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Châlons-en-Champagne:

1. Châlons Cathedral

The initial Romanesque cathedral, consecrated by Pope Eugene III, was destroyed by fire in 1230 and subsequently replaced by an impressive Gothic structure.

Remnants of the original church can be found in the crypt, on the intricately carved baptismal font, and within certain panels of the magnificent stained glass windows.

In the 17th century, Louis XIV hailed Châlons Cathedral as the “most beautiful church in the kingdom.” Its ethereal ambiance is enhanced by the triforium, a lengthy gallery of windows situated near the ceiling, which casts a gentle light upon the nave.

During your visit, take time to observe the old inscribed funerary slabs, many of which are recognized as historic monuments.

While the cathedral is filled with art to contemplate, one of the must-see pieces is the 15th-century painting depicting the consecration of the cathedral by the pope, which occurred three centuries earlier.

2. Collégiale Notre-Dame-en-Vaux

As part of Châlons-en-Champagne’s World Heritage Site, this exquisite Romanesque church, dating back to the 12th century, served as a pilgrimage destination on the route to Santiago de Compostela.

Visitors would embrace the opportunity to worship the Holy Umbilical Cord, a relic that was ultimately destroyed in the 18th century due to the superstitions it garnered.

The stained glass windows here are particularly remarkable, especially the 16th-century windows that depict the life of St. James, scenes from the Virgin’s life, and various Passion narratives.

3. Notre-Dame-en-Vaux Cloister Museum

Connected to the church is a small museum showcasing artifacts uncovered during excavations of the original Romanesque cloister in the 1960s.

These column statues and capitals exemplify the pinnacle of 12th-century craftsmanship, which had been lost after the cloister was dismantled in the 1760s.

Visitors will discover 55 columns adorned with sculptures depicting standing figures.

These columns hold significant value not only for their artistic skill but also because they were crafted during the transitional period between the Romanesque and Gothic styles, exhibiting attributes of both.

Additionally, more religious art is available for viewing, including the 16th-century polychrome Pietà (Mary holding Christ’s body).

4. Champagne Region

The 600-kilometre Champagne Trail is easily accessible within a short distance from the town.

This journey is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for enthusiasts, as the Champagne region boasts numerous small producers alongside its renowned houses.

While it is possible to tour the grand champagne estates with extensive networks of underground caves, interactions with smaller producers provide unique insights into rare champagnes that are not available in retail settings.

With over 15,000 growers, the selection of bistros (wine-focused eateries), bed and breakfasts, and wineries is impressively vast.

5. Caves Joseph Perrier

At Joseph Perrier, Châlons boasts its own historic champagne house, featuring three kilometres of underground caves situated on the left bank of the Marne.

The chalk tunnels, which date back over 2,000 years, are optimized for secondary fermentation, the process that imparts the characteristic sparkle to champagne; with a stable temperature of 11°C, these tunnels are well-ventilated and illuminated by skylights.

Moreover, the arboretum located on the premises functions as a natural regulator for climate and humidity.

Visit the tourist office for information regarding the next tour, which offers a chance to taste and purchase this prestigious champagne directly from its source.

6. Canal Cruise

In a town that proudly refers to itself as La Venise Pétillante (The Sparkling Venice), a boat ride along the serene canals is a must.

These waterways traverse the historical core of the town, gliding beneath landmarks such as Notre-Dame-en-Vaux Church, the Château du Marché, and the former Convent of Sainte-Marie, which now serves as the departmental government building.

The canals provide picturesque views of the Champagne architectural style, well-preserved stone embankments, lush greenery, and charming bridges.

If your French language skills are sufficient, your skipper will also offer expert commentary, sharing intriguing anecdotes and secrets about the town.

7. Les Jards

Châlons is also known as Ville Jardin (Garden Town) due to the extensive green spaces nestled in the town’s center.

This area consists of three parks: the Petit Jard, the Grand Jard, and the Jardin des Anglais.

All three parks are remnants of medieval times, though they were redesigned in the 18th and 19th centuries following the seizure of the bishop’s properties.

Commencing from the east, the Petit Jard is a landscaped park surrounding the Château du Marché, which features an arboretum.

The Grand Jard serves as a grand esplanade, adorned with chestnut-lined avenues and a waterfowl sanctuary along its edges.

The Jardin des Anglais offers winding paths, sweeping lawns, and a postcard-worthy view of the cathedral.

8. Whirlwind Tour of the Town

For those pressed for time, Châlons has erected informational boards outside of 19 of its most significant sights.

While this list includes several major landmarks, many other noteworthy sites warrant attention even if they are not accessible to the public.

Among these regal sites is the Porte Sainte-Croix triumphal arch, dedicated to Marie-Antoinette upon her arrival in France to marry Louis XVI in 1771. At the riverside, the Porte de Marne represents where the original town gates were replaced with arcades around the same period.

On Place Foch, the Hôtel de Ville stands as a bold Neoclassical structure from the 1770s, and several opulent historical buildings, such as the Vinetz convent and the 17th-century Hôtel Dubois de Crancé, now accommodate government offices.

9. Église Saint-Alpin

While one of the smaller churches in the area, Saint-Alpin is rich in historical significance.

Allocate sufficient time to explore the side chapels, which feature medieval funerary slabs, stunning 16th-century stained glass windows, and Renaissance paintings.

A wealth of sculptures lines the nave and adorns the façade, showcasing both saints and gargoyles.

Similar to other local churches, this structure primarily exhibits a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles; however, Saint-Alpin is distinctive as it has remained largely untouched since the 1500s.

10. Musée des Beaux-Arts et d’Archéologie

This fine arts museum, established in 1794, stands as one of the oldest museums in France.

The institution amassed art and artifacts from aristocratic emigrants during the Revolution, as well as pieces from the region’s abbeys and churches.

The permanent collection boasts significant treasures, including works attributed to Hieronymus Bosch, Courbet, and Delacroix, along with various sculptures by Auguste Rodin.

The medieval archaeology gallery is particularly impressive, containing exquisite Limoges enamels and a variety of precious religious sculptures and altarpieces.

11. Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Épine

The other UNESCO-listed church in the vicinity of Châlons is a Flamboyant Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

This structure was likely modeled after Toul Cathedral in Lorraine and features a façade adorned with intricate sculptures.

In fact, there are so many details that you may easily lose track of time trying to tally the gargoyles (a total of 123). The interior also boasts significant artwork, including two statues of the Virgin, the earliest of which dates back to the 1300s, as well as a wooden carving of St. James, which serves as a reminder of its historical role as a pilgrimage church.

12. Centre d’Interprétation Marne 14-18

Châlons is located in proximity to the Western Front during the First World War and was even occupied for several days in September 1914. At the Champagne front site in Spuippes, one can explore an informative museum dedicated to the history of the war in this region of France.

Marne 14-18 leverages testimonials from both local civilians and soldiers to present a compelling narrative about the experiences of warfare and daily life during that tumultuous period.

This narration is complemented by general information regarding the lead-up to the war, the principal offensives, and life in Champagne behind the lines.

Additionally, an audiovisual reconstruction immerses visitors in the experience of being situated within a trench during an assault.

13. “Metamorph’eau’ses”

Whether by boat or on foot, visitors can experience the town from a fresh perspective during evenings from spring through autumn.

Metamorph’eau’ses is a light and sound spectacle that began in 2015 in collaboration with the performing arts group Skertzò.

The structures along the waterfront are illuminated with animated projections that narrate the story of each building.

Every year, a different section of the waterside is selected for the performance: in 2015, the Château du Marché was featured, while last year, the Circus Centre, Petit Jard, and Pont des Mariniers took center stage.

14. Circus Performances

Châlons is often regarded as the French capital of circus, home to the Centre National des Arts du Cirque.

The center encompasses a modern facility located by the Marne, as well as a stunning 19th-century twelve-sided arena within the town.

This renowned institution focuses on research and training while also contributing to the local cultural calendar.

Each June, Châlons transforms into a vast marquee for the FURIES street arts festival.

In the first half of December, an annual showcase is presented by the centre’s students, directed by a prominent figure from the circus world.

15. Châlons-Plage

While not an actual beach, Châlons-Plage mimics one, transforming the Grand Jard into a small resort during the months of July and August.

Children and teenagers will enjoy a variety of activities such as touch rugby and football in the expansive sandpit, pony rides, or canoeing trips around the lateral canal of the Marne.

Adults can relax on sun loungers by the water, enjoying views of the cathedral or honing their chess skills at special workshops.