Vranken Pommery domain
Vranken Pommery: A Champagne Legacy
Maison Ruinart: The First Champagne House
Discover the legacy of Maison Ruinart, the first Champagne house, and explore its historic chalk cellars in Reims.
Founded in 1729, Maison Ruinart stands as the oldest established Champagne house, renowned for its elegant Blanc de Blancs and rosé cuvées. Visitors can explore its historic chalk cellars ('crayères'), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover the rich history and craftsmanship behind its exceptional champagnes.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Maison Ruinart
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
9 am-8 pm
Tuesday
9 am-8 pm
Wednesday
9 am-8 pm
Thursday
9 am-10 pm
Friday
9 am-10 pm
Saturday
9 am-10 pm
Sunday
9 am-10 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Reims Centre train station, take the bus or tram towards the city center. Check the Grand Reims Mobilités website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the city center, Maison Ruinart is approximately a 20-30 minute walk or a short taxi ride. A single bus/tram fare is around €2. Alternatively, the CityBus shuttle connects the Gare Centre with various champagne houses.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Reims, and ride-hailing apps like Uber also operate in the city. A taxi ride from Reims Centre train station to Maison Ruinart is approximately 10-15 minutes, costing around €12-€15 during the day. Fares may be higher during nighttime. There is parking available at Maison Ruinart, but spaces are limited.
Walking
From the Reims city center, Maison Ruinart is a pleasant 20-30 minute walk. Head south-west from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, following the Rue des Crayères. Note that there are roadworks on Rue des Crayères, access to Maison Ruinart may take up to 10 minutes longer.
Local tips
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Book your tour in advance, as visits are by reservation only and slots fill up quickly.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves navigating a significant number of steps in the cellars.
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Consider visiting during the warmer months to enjoy the vibrant weekend brunch menus on the terrace.
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Check for special events, such as immersive multi-course dinners with artistic wine pairings.
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Allow extra time for your visit due to roadworks on Rue des Crayères, which may cause delays.
Discover more about Maison Ruinart
Maison Ruinart, the first Champagne house, was established in 1729 in Reims by Nicolas Ruinart, inspired by his uncle Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk who foresaw the potential of sparkling wine. Maison Ruinart has a long-standing relationship with the arts, collaborating with many artists over the years.
The house is known for its Blanc de Blancs, crafted from Chardonnay grapes primarily from the Côte des Blancs. Ruinart acquired its ancient crayères in the mid-18th century to store its bottles. These chalk cellars, essential to Champagne's terroir, provide ideal conditions for aging. The Ruinart family ran the house for over two centuries.
A visit to Maison Ruinart offers a journey through champagne history and savoir-faire. Explore the chalk-walled cellars and discover the Maison's rich history.
A brief summary to Maison Ruinart
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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More about Reims
Discover Reims, a city where history meets luxury, and where the world’s finest champagnes are born. Explore Gothic cathedrals, royal palaces, and taste the essence of France.
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