Overnight in Champagne at the Domaine Ployez-Jacquemart

The scent of champagne is in the air, everywhere, at Domaine Ployez-Jacquemart. It makes one want to toast a flute and celebrate something.  Domaine Ployez-Jacquemart is a family owned and operated champagne house in the small village of Ludes, located about 20 minutes south of Reims. The enterprise opened in 1930 and is now run and represented by the third generation of the family.

Besides producing champagne, the Domaine operates as a six bedroom chambres d’hôtes. The rooms are attractively decorated and spacious. Those in the back have windows facing the rolling hills covered with vineyards. The room I stayed in had a huge marble bathroom and a large window that offered a view of the stars while soaking in the spacious tub before bed.

Ludes, situated between Reims and Épernay, is convenient to many attractions in the area, but Ludes is a village devoted to champagne. Other than vineyard noises, it is quiet and away from traffic and tourism. While staying at the Domaine, an informative tour of the wine cellars, conveniently located below the Domaine, and the on-site production facilities across the garden, is offered.

It’s an intimate look at a well-run family business. The tour includes a tasting in the salon of the six types of champagne produced. In my opinion, all were delicious. Ployez-Jacquemart champagne can be purchased in the United States at various restaurants and wine stores. À votre santé !

Jo Anne Marquardt is the author of My Trip Around the Hexagon: Meandering in France and Falling in Love with France, both available at Amazon.com. Her first published book, Falling in Love with France, offers responses to the various questions friends and family have asked her over the years about why she visits France so often. The second book includes illustrations and descriptive notes from her travel journals.