Royal Champagne

Here at the edge of the town of Épernay, deep in the heart of the Champagne region, is one of northeastern France’s hidden gems: the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Back when travel by coach was a luxury fit for a king, this was a stop on the line between Paris and Reims. Today it’s a destination unto itself, a family-owned and -operated boutique hotel, whose renovation added a modernist wing to the classic 19th-century coaching inn. And it just so happens that it looks out over a valley planted with some pretty famous grapes. The rooms and suites are modern in style, but are thoroughly charming all the same; each is individually designed, but all share more or less the same expansive vineyard view. And while these days the guests are more likely to be on vineyard tours than royal errands, they’re rewarded with a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant for their trouble, as well as a spa and wellness center to rival many an urban luxury hotel.