Seriously, make this your first stop when visiting Champagne, and thank me later. I tried getting to Perching Bar on a previous visit, but ran out of time, so it was the very first thing I did when I arrived in Champagne last month.
In recap, Perching Bar is a treetop bar accessed by wooden suspension bridges 7m above the ground. It’s situated between Verzy and Verzenay, around 20km from Reims, almost 30km if you’re travelling from Epernay, depending on the route you take.
Located in the heart of the Regional National Park of the Montagne de Reims, on the highest point of the Marne. As mentioned, you reach the treehouse/bar along wooden suspension bridges. It rained on the day of my visit so I had to be careful of my footing, and I would imagine it would not be particularly suitable for people with mobility issues. You can also leave your Louboutin’s at home unless you want to lose a heel.
It’s quite a dense forest and as you walk along the bridges you will catch a glimpse of the valley between breaks in the trees. It is perfectly peaceful and quiet, you feel as if you’re a million miles away from everything.
It is cosy and comfortable and in keeping with its natural surroundings, it is powered entirely by solar panels. The interior is simplistic, yet gorgeous and the views while you sit in a swing and sip champagne are to die for. Did you hear me? Sit.In.A.Swing.And.Drink.Champagne!
I had a fabulous visit with Olivier who was just the most gracious host. As you can imagine being in a natural forest, he had to go through years of planning permissions and red tape to see this dream of his turn into reality. And he tells me he has a few other exciting projects up his sleeve.
There is a great variety on the champagne list and the by-the-glass selection is changed and rotated regularly. What I particularly like is specific attention to cuvées from the neighbouring villages and producers.
Perching Bar is open from around mid-April to mid-December, weather dependant. It is only open from Wednesdays to Sundays and certain operating hours apply. It cannot accommodate large numbers and children under 12 are not allowed. Booking 48 hours in advance is absolutely essential. Your booking includes a tasting glass of Champagne from the daily selection.
Check the weather before you head out, and reconfirm your reservation if you think it looks a bit iffy, as they have to cancel reservations for safety precautions because of weather.
You will find Perching Bar at Forêt de Brise Charrette, 51 380 Verzy. For bookings call + 33 6 07 67 94 42 or email info@perchingbar.eu.
Follow them on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date on news and happenings, you can even inbox them via their pages, they are quite responsive to messages.
Pop, Fizz, Clink
The Champagne Chick
xo
THE CHAMPAGNE CHICK 