Hostellerie La Briqueterie has been a long-standing favourite of mine but its new look has made it even more special. Just a couple of miles south of the Champagne city of Epernay, this five-star Relais et Chateaux property has relaunched itself as a contemporary yet stylish destination but still a very French class.
Small in size but big in detail, Hostellerie La Briqueterie is three hours from Calais, 30 minutes from Reims and 90 minutes from Paris. It sits in a manicured four-hectare garden overlooking the vineyards. With just 40 bedrooms, the service and facilities are nevertheless “big-time” with classic French cuisine, a lounge with fireplace, indoor heated pool, spa and six bedroom categories. Iit’s the perfect choice for a “holiday with golf” in one of the most classic regions of France..,Champagne.
Having lived in Champagne (physically and sometimes literally too!) during Covid, I explored the region intensely as the lockdown in France was “relaxed” and business was quiet. The countryside, cooking, wines, the history and the smart shops made life a whole lot easier. Reims is a (pardon the pun) sparkling and wealthy city with its stunning cathedral a worthy focal point. Epernay was a wonderful surprise as it had been several years since my last visit there and the place was rejuvenated – far smarter than before with the Avenue du Champagne and its surrounds the very best of places where you could roam from Champagne House to Champagne House enjoying a tour and tasting for about €10. There’s always a buzz about the place with plenty of town squares with cafes and brasseries.
Golf
Golf in the region is pleasant without being fantastic. The two best golf courses are Golf de Reims and Golf de l’Ailette…Both very easy on the eye and with some super holes. There’s also the course of Val Secret near Chateau Thierry but that is a fairly cramped design that can be harsh on your game.
Summary
To add to the memories, I can arrange guided tours (chauffeured of course!) of the vineyards with lunch and drinks among the vines. It really is a destination where you can dip in and out of the bubbles, fairways and history and, in a area with delightful hotels, Hostellerie La Briqueterie is leading the way for style and location.