Bubble and Spark in Champagne (France)🌟

Spots are available, but everyone will initially be placed on a waiting list until participation is confirmed.

Hey friends,

Get ready for a long, bubbly weekend that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and, of course, the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine! We're heading to the heart of the Champagne region in France for an authentic experience with a small group of like-minded adventurers (12 people only). Please see the itinerary below and don’t forget to complete this questionnaire.

Day 1 - Friday, Oct 24: Reims & Arrival
Our journey begins bright and early as we set off by 3 cars from Amsterdam, around 5 hours of drive + breaks (drivers and passengers will be formed together with the group based on the questionnaire’s info). Our first stop is the majestic city of Reims. Known as the "Coronation City," Reims is a treasure trove of Gothic architecture, home to the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral, where French kings were crowned for over a thousand years. We’ll explore the city, do some essential grocery shopping for the weekend, and cap off the day with a delicious French dinner that will be a highlight in itself. From there, we'll head to our charming village of Châlons-en-Champagne, where a cozy house awaits us, complete with a jacuzzi, games, and a sauna, perfect for unwinding after our trip.

Day 2 - Saturday, Oct 25: Épernay & Montagne de Reims
After breakfast at the house, we’ll prepare sandwiches together and head out to Épernay, famous for its Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand Champagne houses and endless cellars beneath our feet. From there we’ll hop on bikes (e-bike €35 / regular €25) and ride through the Montagne de Reims National Park, surrounded by vineyards, forests, and charming villages like Hautvillers, home of Dom Pérignon. The landscape offers panoramic views and even magical twisted beech trees found almost nowhere else. Because some of us are drivers, there won’t be group tastings during the ride, but if you’re confident you can stop for a quick individual one.
While a day of cycling might work up a thirst, we’ve arranged something truly special for the evening! We'll head to an incredible local winery near our house for a private tour and tasting. This family-run house has been producing premium Champagne since 1825 and is now led by its 6th generation, a true authentic experience you can't find anywhere else (33 euros). Later, back at the house, we can continue the tasting, prepare a group dinner, and have a cozy barbecue.

Day 3 – Sunday, Oct 26: Charming Stop & Return
On Sunday, after a final breakfast and house cleanup, we’ll head back towards Amsterdam, but not before a stop in the enchanting town of Laon. With its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and a spectacular cathedral, Laon offers a final dose of French charm. We’ll have a quick lunch here, savoring some local specialties before our journey home, bonded and inspired by our incredible weekend together.

Accommodation
We’ll be staying in a cosy house in Châlons-en-Champagne with sauna, jacuzzi, games, and plenty of space to cook and relax together (please see the photos below). The house has 3 double rooms and 3 twin rooms, which will be allocated once the group is confirmed.

Costs (per person)
€120 → 2 nights accommodation + organizer’s fee (planning, group curation, logistics, hosting)
Car rental & fuel → shared post-trip
Friday dinner → €20–30
Shared groceries (2 breakfasts, 1 picnic, 1 BBQ dinner) → budget-friendly
Bike rental → €25 (classic) / €35 (e-bike)
Champagne tour & tasting → €33
Extras (champagne bottles, souvenirs, snacks) → personal choice
Sunday lunch → pay-as-you-go

How to join
This is a carefully curated trip for a small group (12 people max). To keep the vibe easy-going, curious, and fun, we ask everyone to fill in a short questionnaire. This helps us balance drivers/passengers, room allocations, and ensure the warm community feeling that makes Campfires unique.

Prepare to bubble and spark in Champagne together! 🌟