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Winery · Reims, Grande Leste
Maison Pommery
Champagne house on the Saint-Nicaise hills, with 19th-century Elizabethan-style buildings and cellars set in ancient chalk quarries from the Gallo-Roman period. Guided tours by reservation.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Maison Pommery
The Pommery estate sits high on the Saint-Nicaise hills, southeast of Reims, and draws attention from the outside: the Elizabethan-style buildings, with towers and battlements, resemble an English castle. The ensemble was conceived and built in the 19th century by Madame Pommery, a widow who took over the family business and became a noted figure in the region's history.
The visit descends into the cellars. They occupy crayères, ancient chalk quarries dug since the Gallo-Roman era, linked by kilometers of underground galleries. Some of these cavities have a pyramid-like shape and reach tens of meters in height. Along the route, the guide explains how champagne is made: the second fermentation in the bottle, remuage (the turning of the bottles), and the long aging in the dark.
The cellars also often host contemporary art, displayed within the galleries. The visit usually ends with a small tasting.
The Saint-Nicaise hills, where Pommery is located, are part of the UNESCO property "Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars", a World Heritage Site since 2015. Opposite the estate is the Villa Demoiselle, an Art Nouveau and Art Deco mansion that can also be visited by reservation.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
The guided tour of the cellars lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the format chosen.
Best time
Book in advance, especially from May to October and on weekends. The cellars are cool year-round, so the visit also works well in winter or on rainy days.
How to get there
It is located on the Place du Général-Gouraud, in the southeast of Reims, about 2.5 km from the cathedral. The city center circular bus (Citybus) stops at the Pommery stop. On foot, it takes about 30 minutes from the center.
Tip
Bring a jacket and closed shoes: there are many steps to go down and up. Combine this visit with the Maison Taittinger and the Basilique Saint-Remi, which are on the same side of town.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Maison Pommery
Do I need to book the tour of Pommery's cellars?
Yes, it is recommended to reserve on the house's website before you go, choosing the time and language. In high season spots fill up quickly.
What are the crayères?
They are old chalk quarries, excavated since Gallo-Roman times. In Reims, several champagne houses use these cavities as cellars because of their stable temperature and humidity.
Is the visit suitable for people who don't drink alcohol?
Yes. The main thing is the tour through the cellars and the history. At the final tasting, non-drinkers can simply decline or ask if there is another option.
Where is the Villa Demoiselle?
In front of the domaine, on boulevard Henry-Vasnier. It is a mansion in art nouveau and art déco styles that is open to visits by reservation.