On our Champagne stop in Reims, we had the chance to dine at Le Parc, the two Michelin-starred restaurant at Domaine Les Crayères. Tucked inside a former château surrounded by manicured gardens, this place is the epitome of French refinement — a mix of spectacular architecture, history, and that unmistakable warmth that makes you feel both special and at ease.
Arriving for the lunch seating, we were the very first guests to walk into the dining room. For a little while, it felt like we had the entire château to ourselves. The setting is spectacular: high ceilings, chandeliers, elegant décor, and windows opening onto the estate’s manicured lawns.
The building itself carries history. Once part of the Pommery champagne family’s estate, the château has lived many lives — as a private residence, a wartime command center, and today, as part of Les Crayères Relais & Châteaux property. That sense of heritage lingers in every corner, and paired with the attentive staff, it made for a beginning that felt both humbling and thrilling.
The Food at Le Parc Restaurant
The menu at Le Parc is led by Chef Christophe Moret, whose cuisine combines classic French gastronomy with a modern, generous style. His philosophy is clear: technique is there to serve emotion, not overshadow it. Seasonal vegetables take center stage, delicate sauces elevate every bite, and global influences (like touches of Asia) find their way into the dishes without ever losing French identity.
For my main, I chose a John Dory fillet — paired with citrus, wild fennel, and shellfish in a marinière-style sauce. It was delicate yet flavorful, bright but satisfying. Others in our party went for the pigeon à la Montmorency, paired with Tokyo and Nancy violet turnips and finished with a glossy scarlet sauce. A beautiful expression of French tradition with a modern touch.
If you’re visiting for lunch, a tip: the Inspiration 4-course menu (€120) is excellent value compared to à la carte. It includes starter, main, cheese, and dessert — offering the full sweep of Le Parc’s craftsmanship.
The Champagne & Wine List at Le Parc Restaurant
If the food was a highlight, the wine list was a universe of its own. At Le Parc, the wine program is as legendary as the cuisine — boasting over 2,500 references from across France and more than 1,100 champagnes. The selection is so vast that the lists are presented in two separate tomes, beautifully bound and illustrated, more like art books than menus.
The champagne list alone spans 29 pages, covering vintages from the great houses — Krug, Dom Pérignon, Ruinart, Bollinger — to smaller growers, and across styles from blanc de blancs to prestige rosés. What impressed me most was the emphasis on mature vintages. Rather than offering only the latest releases, Le Parc invests heavily in young wines and cellars them until they are ready to drink — ensuring every bottle is at its peak when it reaches your table.
For true champagne lovers, they also offer special pairing menus where each course is matched with a different cuvée, showcasing just how versatile and gastronomic champagne can be. I went with a glass of Rothschild champagne, elegant and complex, which paired beautifully with the seafood notes in my dish.
Le Parc Cheese Trolley
One of the highlights for us was something we hadn’t expected to get: the legendary cheese trolley. Normally reserved for their seasonal six-course menu, we thought we’d miss out. But after mentioning our hopes, the staff made it happen — and with such enthusiasm.
When the time came, they wheeled out this glorious cart stacked with cheeses: the bold, pungent ones hidden below, the more familiar classics up top. It came with dried grapes, nuts, and their own Chardonnay marmalade — a pairing that made every bite unforgettable. Their genuine excitement in serving it made the moment even more special.
Dessert at Le Parc in Champagne
Like at most top Michelin restaurants, there were extra courses along the way — amuse-bouches before the starter, and petits fours after dessert. Each was beautifully presented and delicious, but the standout for me was the wild strawberry cheesecake. Light yet indulgent, it was the perfect way to finish.
Le Parc Michelin Stars & Recognition
Le Parc is no stranger to accolades. It has held two Michelin stars for years, making it one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Champagne. The Gault & Millau guide consistently awards it 17/20, and it ranks among the top 200 restaurants in the world according to La Liste 1000.
Michelin praises Le Parc for its balance of tradition and innovation, the precision of its cooking, and the way the restaurant embodies French art de vivre — elegance, refinement, and joy of life.
Even though rain poured outside, it only added to the atmosphere — cozy inside, with glasses clinking, courses flowing, and service that was polished yet full of personality. Every staff member seemed genuinely excited to share the experience with us, and that makes all the difference.
Le Parc is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of French living, where history, wine, and gastronomy come together in one unforgettable meal. If you’re ever in Reims — especially if you’re already exploring Champagne — this is an absolute must.
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