The perfect pit stop in the Champagne region: Chateau de Sacy in Reims, France
Most searched for this summer? The perfect pit stop 'halfway' between our home country and the South of France Riviera. Tell me it isn't so. Correct. Of course we found one. In fact, we found a few... Also check for example La Maison de Mar en Monsieur Deux to name just two. And this one: Chateau de Sacy in Reims. Right, in the middle of the Champagne region. Please note: a night in the castle is not necessarily cheap (we spot an 'overnight stay' at 160 euros per night, but usually it is around 200 euros per night) but it is worth it if you ask us. And, otherwise you can always join us for dinner Chateau de Sacy. It's much cheaper and absolutely great.
If we had to describe Chateau de Sacy in Reims, France, briefly and concisely, it would boil down to this: a relaxing and romantic stay in a small chateau, blissfully surrounded by vineyards but only a few minutes by taxi from Champagne-Ardennes train station . Opulent theatricality is the common thread. All rooms are different, the headboards are towering and the draped beds are wonderfully extravagant.
Reims you say? Yup. The 'champagne region capital' is only a 45-minute train ride from Paris but if you stay outside the city centre, as is the case at Chateau de Sacy, then you really need a rental car or an (expensive) transfer - it's about 20 minutes drive from Reims. Soh you know. The small hotel is located in an archetypal Champagne setting in the middle of the vineyards. Silence. Occasionally a church bell. Sometimes a winegrower. That's it. .
The castle, which dates from 1850, has three floors and is very quirky. However, don't expect any creaky old 19th century stuff inside. No no: Chateau de Sacy was built from a ruin, which meant that many old elements were retained, but all new luxury could be added. There are miles of parquet and silk, velvet and muslin and with 12 rooms the hotel remains intimate (but not so small that you feel like you are visiting someone).
Highlight? An end afternoon in the hot tub 'behind' the hotel, of course. Vineyards as far as you can see and the result of those grapes in your hand. The dream.
Okay, okay. We can imagine that you do not want to pay an average price of 250 per night. No problem: you always have that Restaurant Les Vignes. That restaurant has three (!) different dining rooms around a cozy bar. Opulent and cheerful and relaxed. That's nice. A seasonal menu can be chosen à la carte, but we took the three-course menu that costs a very reasonable €38. On your bord French comfort food. No hassle, we enjoy it. And of course there is an extensive champagne list. Duh. Even by the glass! That's great because it means you can also taste something: go for the selection of lesser-known producers. Your sommelier knows what to do, really.
Breakfast? 10 points. Baskets with croissants and pain au chocolate, good cheese and charcuterie. We'll be back!
