This August, cinema-goers are in for a treat with the release of the highly anticipated biopic Widow Clicquot. The film offers a fascinating look into the life of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the visionary widow who transformed her late husband’s modest wine business into the iconic Veuve Clicquot champagne brand. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and the male-dominated world of the 19th-century wine industry, Widow Clicquot is a tale of determination, innovation, and the lasting influence one woman had on the champagne world.
For those inspired by the story of Widow Clicquot, a visit to the Champagne region is a perfect way to delve deeper into the world she helped shape. The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is an essential stop for luxury travellers eager to explore this storied region.
Embracing the lush bounty of the wineries and the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is the region’s first contemporary luxury hotel, located in the middle of the vineyards that stripe the hills of Epernay, the capital of Champagne, and the historic city of Reims. Reimagining a wine-country retreat for all seasons, a local Reims-based architect designed the property in the style of a contemporary amphitheatre, incorporating the original 19th Century Post House where it is said that King Charles X of France stopped over before heading to Reims for his coronation. The hotel is rumoured to have been favoured by Napoleon Bonaparte and his entourage, with the design hotel including the spacious Josephine Suite paying homage to Napoleon’s great love and is aptly fit for royalty.
Visitors can enjoy exclusive access to private Champagne houses, as well as tasting and harvesting sessions with local wine and Champagne producers, personally curated by the in-house concierge team. Back at the hotel, there is no better spot to enjoy a glass of something chilled than on the property’s expansive and highly Instagrammable terrace – offering sensational views of the surrounding vineyards. Dining options include the one-Michelin star Le Royal, overseen by Chef Christophe Raoux and is located in the grand Royal Ballroom and set beneath a gold-leafed ceiling. For those wanting to make the most of their time in the comfort of their suite, foodies can indulge in a selection of diverse in-room dining menus, and for those seeking something a little stronger, the hotel offers a fabulous and highly exclusive 24-hour Champagne trolley service. Each of the 47 rooms and suites offers spectacular views of the Champagne Valley and state-of-the-art comforts. The property is also home to the region’s first world-class destination spa, spanning 16,000ft2, offering exclusive treatments set amongst a serene, bucolic landscape.
Indulge in the ultimate Champagne experience and walk in the footsteps of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, immersing yourself in the rich history and refined luxury that defines this extraordinary region.
Find out more: www.royalchampagne.com
