In the winding paths of the bubbling Venice that is Châlons-en-Champagne, the rebellious spirit of Cabu still floats along the banks of the Marne and in its lively streets. Amid artistic surprises, champagne bubbles, cozy nights, and a joyfully mischievous atmosphere, the city offers its visitors a weekend as playful as this legendary cartoonist could have dreamed. From exploration to tasting, there are a thousand ways to immerse oneself in this Champagne jewel – and to continue the Cabu adventure, pencil in hand or glass in hand!
Want a quirky and sparkling weekend? Head to Châlons-en-Champagne, this gem of the Champagne plain that celebrates the spirit of Cabu, a local child and legendary caricaturist. Let yourself be drawn into a playful journey through surprising exhibitions, contemporary circus tradition, Champagne interludes, and nights in charming hotels. Get ready to mix culture, delicious treats, and unusual discoveries along the streets of the “bubbling Venice.” Follow the guide; the art of joyfully spinning around is waiting just for you!
A playful homage to Cabu: the free-spirited artist
It’s impossible to stroll in Châlons-en-Champagne without encountering the smiling shadow of Cabu. Born here in 1938, the cartoonist with effervescent notebooks left his sketches everywhere, from the 18th-century town hall that he captured without restraint to the streets of the historic center that he defended for preservation. The “Cabu” route through the city promises a thousand winks, notably in front of the Bayen high school where, as a teenager, he launched a fanzine that was quickly censored. To fully immerse yourself in this universe, the Duduchothèque – a place dedicated to his memory and named after his Grand Duduche – will reopen its doors in June to unveil a temporary exhibition that remains, for now, top secret.
In the meantime, treat yourself to a stroll, notebook in hand or not, following in Cabu’s footsteps by crossing the squares and passages he loved so much along the banks of the Marne. You will feel cheerful, pensive… and undoubtedly a bit moved by the irresistible playfulness that still lingers in the air of Châlons.
The magic of circus and street arts: between tents and enchanted alleys
In Châlons-en-Champagne, it’s impossible to mention creativity without referencing the tradition of contemporary circus. Here, the National Center for Circus Arts (Cnac), located in one of the last eight permanent circus tents in France, trains flamboyant artists from all over the world. A visit to its incredible spaces – whose reimagined volumes have earned their architects a silver square – plunges curious visitors into a world of acrobatics, tightrope walkers, and jugglers. Moreover, Montreal and its Cirque du Soleil have drawn inspiration from the local pedagogy… not too shabby!
Check out the beginning of June to experience the city in full swing during the Furies festival, an exuberant gathering of circus and street theater. Performances then take over the pavements for a memorable celebration, transforming the calm city into the European capital of extravagance. To extend the experience, note the upcoming opening of a circus museum that will complete this bridge between tradition and modernity.
Mini-cruise, big bubbles, and sunsets: the recipe for happiness
After so many artistic emotions, it’s time to relax… and rejoice! Start with a nighttime boat ride – the local specialty. The 68 kilometers of waterways in Châlons transform every summer evening during the Métamorph’eau’ses show, which combines sounds, lights, and magical reflections on the Mau and Nau rivers. Cradled by the poetry of the surroundings, you can discover the century-old trees of the Petit Jard or the historic theater from a completely new angle.
On the bubbles side, it’s impossible to resist the call of Maison Joseph Perrier, the last major Champagne house in Châlons, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Between Roman-era cellars at ground level and doors decorated by street artists, the tasting tour of this Champagne temple promises delightful anecdotes and fine flavors to toast… to Cabu’s health, of course!
Chic sleep and cozy nook: where to stay for sparkling dreams?
After happy hour, it’s time to settle down in one of the charming hotels in the city. The Pasteur, just steps from the center, charms with its discreet facade, half-timbered architecture, and warmly exotic ambiance. You climb via the 17th-century staircase or via an elevator, heading to a cozy room where travel books and unique objects beckon you to dream adventures.
For those wishing to combine refined décor and bistronomic cuisine, make your way to the Hôtel d’Angleterre: twenty comfortable rooms and a restaurant (Les Temps changent) that showcases local products and culinary creativity. Enough to fall asleep full, with a head full of joyful memories.
Rediscovery of local flavors and heritage: tastes and curiosities of the weekend
Take advantage of the trip to tantalize your taste buds. Just a few kilometers from Châlons, the gastronomic restaurant Aux Armes de Champagne offers inventive local cuisine facing the magnificent basilica of L’Épine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Closer to town, the restaurant Au Carillon Gourmand, famous for its refined French dishes, will delight gourmet palates with its original recipes and friendly ambiance.
For craftsmanship enthusiasts, be surprised by a workshop on artisanal leather goods with Jessica Lengelée and her Pixie Cuir workshop, where the scents of leather compete with the smiles of passionate creators.
Green excursion and bucolic interlude: the gardens of Haussimont
To conclude this weekend of discovery, head to Haussimont, about thirty kilometers from the city. There, an oasis of greenery emerges in the heart of cereal-growing Champagne: several themed parks have been created by enterprising volunteers in this typical hamlet, offering botanical walks, a maze of grape varieties, an educational wood, and a recently restored chalk church. The perfect opportunity to enjoy a big breath of fresh air… and admire Champagne’s diversity in all its splendor.
Learn more and prepare your getaway
To complete your getaway, feel free to check out:
the new travel agreements in Europe and for students,
tips on how to choose your suitcase well,
or light reading like island life lessons,
or practical tips on the cost of parking in France.
For a touch of current events on student travel, take a look at the Guardian’s perspective on mobility in Europe. Champagne has never been so accessible and surprising!
