Wine & War Part 1: The Battle for Champagne | A four-night tour | 7 March 2027
'Champagne! In victory one deserves it, in defeat one needs it.’ Napoleon.
The first in our new series of tours will focus on the compelling history and celebrated wines of Champagne. In the company of historian Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan and Spectator drinks editor Jonathan Ray, we will trace the region’s story from Roman and medieval times to the battlefields of the first and second world wars. From our base in Reims, we shall visit evocative memorials, museums and landscapes and its renowned Champagne houses. Throughout the tour, historical insight will be complemented by opportunities to discover the traditions and character of Champagne.
7 – 11 March 2027| £2,894 per person | Single Supplement £298
The Itinerary
Day 1 — London, Lille and Reims
We depart from London St Pancras by Eurostar to Lille, where our private minibus will be waiting. We then drive to Vimy Ridge for an introduction to the Battle of Arras and the fighting of 1917 and 1940. We visit the striking Canadian National Vimy Memorial, whose commanding position offers a vivid appreciation of the battlefield, together with the visitor centre and preserved First World War trenches. Afterwards, we continue to Reims and check in at the Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix. An introductory talk will set the scene for the days ahead.
Day 2 — The Chemin des Dames and Reims
This morning we travel to the Chemin des Dames, where the Western Front took shape in 1914 and which became the objective of the great French offensive of 1917. We visit the Caverne du Dragon, the remarkable network of chalk caverns occupied and contested by French and German troops throughout the war, before exploring the battlefield of the Aisne. We pause for lunch in or near Soissons, a city repeatedly caught in the path of invasion, then return towards Reims. In the afternoon we shall visit Pol Roger, one of the great Champagne houses and Winston Churchill’s favourite – he was reported to drink two bottles a day, good man!
Day 3 — Belleau Wood and the Marne
Today we explore the battlefields west of Reims, where the German Spring Offensive of 1918 was halted and driven back by French and American forces. At the beautifully maintained Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, on the edge of the Belleau Wood battlefield, we hope to have an introduction from the cemetery staff before walking through Belleau Wood itself. After lunch in Château-Thierry, we visit the imposing American Memorial above the Marne valley and return to Reims by way of the site near Coulonges associated with Quentin Roosevelt. We return to Reims with free time to explore the city and dinner will be taken independently.
Day 4 — Battlefields east of Reims
Our final full day is devoted to the battlefields east of Reims. We begin at the Russian Military Cemetery and chapel, where we consider the little-known story of Russian troops on the Western Front. We continue to the Marne 14–18 Interpretation Centre, which places military events within the experience of the local communities whose towns and villages became battlefields. Further visits include the Navarin Ossuary and the American monument at Sommepy, with its far-reaching view across the ground contested in 1918. On our return to Reims, we visit Fort de la Pompelle, a key strong point in the defence of the city. This evening, we have a tasting at Taittinger’s cellars in Reims which date back to the Roman Era. Afterwards, we head to their historic 18th century Chateau de la Marquetterie. Here in beautiful surroundings, we have a fabulous private dinner paired with Taittinger’s top cuvées.
Day 5 — Compiègne, Lille and London
After leaving Reims, we drive to the Armistice Clearing at Compiègne. Its museum recalls the two armistices signed here: the agreement of11 November 1918 that ended the fighting with Germany, and the armistice of June 1940 following the defeat of France. The collections include an historic railway carriage, exceptional First World War photographs and displays charting the interwar years. We then continue to Lille for lunch and, time permitting, a visit to the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle before returning by Eurostar to London St Pancras.
“Remember gentlemen, it is not just France weare fighting for, it is Champagne.” Winston Churchill.
Eurostar times
London St. Pancras - Lille, 11:04, 13:26
Lille - London St. Pancras, 19:30, 19:57
What’s included:
Return Plus (first class) Eurostar tickets
Four nights' accommodation with breakfast
Two dinners & two lunches
Champagne tastings and talks as described
The services of the Tour Lecturers, Hugh Macdonald-Buchananand Jonathan Ray
Please speak to Lucy Ayling at Kirker for more information on 0207 593 2284 or email lucy.ayling@kirkerholidays.com
