Champagne region mid September

[Itsmcb]

Planning to head down to the champagne region mid September. Tunnel booked 11th and we have two weeks away. I've just realised it's grape harvesting time when we plan to be there so I assume it's not the best time to visit? Anyone been during grape harvest time? Did it impact on your trip at all? Any comments gratefully received.

 

[Barryh]

Planning to head down to the champagne region mid September. Tunnel booked 11th and we have two weeks away. I've just realised it's grape harvesting time when we plan to be there so I assume it's not the best time to visit? Anyone been during grape harvest time? Did it impact on your trip at all? Any comments gratefully received.

It’s a good few years ago now, but we had our first non-campsite trip at that time of year using Passion France. We stopped at quite a few vineyards, which were busy with machinery and stuff, but all the vineyards took us in without question and tours could be done. One vineyard we were staying in the yard and they had an empty gite with a patio overlooking miles of vines. They kindly let us set up our table and chairs there and we had a magic sunset meal watching the pickers and machines about their business. I wish I could find the photo. Happy, happy memories.

 

[Itsmcb]

Fab, thanks for the reply. I carry on with the planning

 

[Hettie's Crew]

Planning to head down to the champagne region mid September. Tunnel booked 11th and we have two weeks away. I've just realised it's grape harvesting time when we plan to be there so I assume it's not the best time to visit? Anyone been during grape harvest time? Did it impact on your trip at all? Any comments gratefully received.

Absolutely the best time to visit, as we did in 2018. Visit Jaques Copin in Verneuil and stay over night (max 2 night) for free.
The region was alive with activity and we spent several nights at the municipal site in Epernay which is also well worth a visit.

 

[Phill D]

Just be aware that if you use any sites close to the vineyards they are likely to be crammed with pickers.

Had first hand experience of this. Some places it was absolutely fine in another it was quite intimidating and as an ex squaddie I am not bothered by most stuff like this.

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[Camdoon]

Aire at Rue Dom Perignon in Epernay which is 1k from the centre beside local boule area. Used to be a nearby toilet but has now gone. Lovely town to wander round; Cave tours and balloon that rises for an aerial view of the surrounding area.

 

[Landy Andy]

Visit Jaques Copin in Verneuil and stay over night

Only if the local mayor has stopped being a twat.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

Only if the local mayor has stopped being a twat.

I’d forgotten about that, I saw it on their FB page.

 

[Landy Andy]

Politics again.

 

[Itsmcb]

Only if the local mayor has stopped being a twat.

No, sadly their motorhome parking is still closed

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[deleted79651]

First ever trip to France in September 1976 to the Loire Valley, using a 2 man bivouac hired from Townsend Thoresen, and took £170 cash for camp fees, petrol, Chateaux entrance fees and food to supplement the tins of minced beef and onions packed under the rear seats! Managed to visit a couple of wine Co ops and were made most welcome. The start of a lifelong love affair with France and its people.

Steve

 

[HugoBNB]

We are off there for a few nights a week ans a bit after yourselves. If you have time to post some updates of your experiences that would be great.
Safe and happy travels.

 

[Itsmcb]

We are off there for a few nights a week ans a bit after yourselves. If you have time to post some updates of your experiences that would be great.
Safe and happy travels.

Will do . I'll just add them to this thread.

 

[Itsmcb]

Politics again.

More personal I think. The mayor's son has the property next door and has complained about the motorhomers allegedly looking on to his property.

 

[Landy Andy]

Yes. Someone abusing their power.

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[Itsmcb]

Aire at Rue Dom Perignon in Epernay which is 1k from the centre beside local boule area. Used to be a nearby toilet but has now gone. Lovely town to wander round; Cave tours and balloon that rises for an aerial view of the surrounding area.

That Aire/parking area is reportedly closed now but there is a brand new one a street over.

 

[Itsmcb]

Yes. Someone abusing their power.

Yes apparently so. I posted it about a couple of years ago when they had a petition running to try and keep the parking open.

 

[Landy Andy]

Yes apparently so. I posted it about a couple of years ago when they had a petition running to try and keep the parking open.

Real shame as it was a lovely setup, and great service. Will still pop for a visit next time we are near.

 

[Itsmcb]

Real shame as it was a lovely setup, and great service. Will still pop for a visit next time we are near.

We intend to call in there on our trip in September, it would have been great as a stopover, it's been on my radar for a couple of years.

 

[Camdoon]

That Aire/parking area is reportedly closed now but there is a brand new one a street over.
View attachment 529247View attachment 529248

Thanks. Even remembering the name of the street used to be easy

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