A fascinating maze lies beneath Reims: underground caves hollowed out of chalk. In the Gallo-Roman period, these "crayères", or chalk pits, served as quarries for building purposes. In the 18th century, they assumed a new destiny: conservation of champagne. Their humidity, temperature and darkness provide the ideal backcloth in which to mature wine. These immaculate white galleries now host millions of bottles over thousands of kilometers, embodying the unique character of the Champagne terroir. Above them, the château of Domaine Les Crayères, which naturally borrowed their name, rears up majestically on the Colline Saint-Nicaise, part of UNESCO's World Heritage.

Designed by architect Charles Dauphin, this stone gem lies at the heart of the Designation Champagne, surrounded by its most prestigious properties such as Ruinart, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot and Pommery. Its gardens comprise the listed 17.3-acre park, designed in 1894 by Édouard André, the famous landscaper of Baron Haussmann. This illustrious residence was built in the early 20th century for Louise Pommery, Marquise de Polignac. The Gardinier family then gave it an even grander vocation: to be one of France's most sumptuous hotels. Member of Relais & Châteaux for 40 years, Domaine Les Crayères has become an institution in its own right. It embodies typical French elegance and refinement, finesse and discretion. Here, classicism reigns supreme, with period wood panelling and sophisticated ornamentation. Recalling expert French craftsmanship, Aubusson tapestries hang alongside Pierre Frey drapes. Interior architect Pierre-Yves Rochon has ensured the hotel's metamorphosis and constant evolution since it opened. His eye for detail is omnipresent, contributing to the unique atmosphere of Domaine Les Crayères.