Villa Demoiselle

Tucked away in the hills of the famous Champagne province lies a true architectural gem, a symbol of the transition between eras. Villa Demoiselle is an outstanding early 20th-century masterpiece located in the city of Reims. It represents a rare and harmonious blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, embodying the luxury and prestige for which France is renowned.

Villa Demoiselle. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building was constructed in 1909 by architect Louis Sorel, commissioned by Henry Vasnier, director of the Pommery champagne house. The villa occupies an extensive estate with a magnificent garden and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building's construction was unique for its time, using a metal frame and concrete, which provided exceptional strength and allowed the elegant facade to be preserved to this day.

The villa's interiors are breathtaking in their craftsmanship: here you can see unique stained-glass windows, carved fireplaces, and authentic furniture from the finest masters of the last century. Today, Villa Demoiselle serves as the headquarters of the Vranken-Pommery company and is open to tourists as a museum, offering an immersion into the atmosphere of sophisticated French hospitality.

For more information about visiting, booking tastings, or contacting the administration, you can use the following contact details:

The main reason to visit the villa is for the captivating guided tours that lead visitors through a suite of luxurious halls. You can climb the famous grand staircase, admire the original double doors, and spot the recurring dragonfly motif in the décor, which has become the symbol of this place. Special attention should be paid to the stained-glass windows by Auguste Labouret and the Art Nouveau furniture, creating a sense of history come to life.

Connoisseurs of fine spirits are invited to a tasting of Vranken-Pommery champagnes. The tasting takes place in an exquisite setting among works of art, allowing you to feel the connection between gastronomy and high aesthetics. After touring the interior, be sure to take a walk through the Edouard Redont garden, which offers one of the best views of the majestic Reims Cathedral.

The villa is located on the picturesque Saint-Nicaise hill, at 56 Bd Henry Vasnier. Reaching it from the city center is quite simple: a leisurely walk from the famous cathedral takes about 15–20 minutes. If you prefer public transport, take a bus or tram to the nearest stops, heading toward the Champagne house district.

For those traveling by car, parking spaces are available near the site. Travelers from Paris will find it most convenient to take the TGV high-speed train — the journey to the city station takes only 45 minutes, after which the villa can be quickly reached by taxi. The building is situated on an elevation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding city area.

The history of this magnificent building began in the late 19th century when Henry Vasnier, director of the Pommery house and a renowned patron of the arts, set out to build a venue for lavish receptions. Architect Louis Sorel brought the project to life between 1904 and 1908, drawing on the principles of the Nancy School. Originally named "Cochet," the villa's design follows the concept of “art in everything,” where the architecture and interior décor form a single, unified whole.

Thanks to its then-innovative construction of a metal frame and concrete, the building proved to be incredibly durable. This allowed it to withstand periods of historical upheaval and even emerge virtually unscathed from the devastating storm of 1999. In 1980, when the villa was threatened with demolition, public intervention and its recognition as a national treasure saved this architectural masterpiece.

A new chapter began in 2004 when the Vranken family acquired the villa. A five-year restoration restored the building to its former glory, uncovering original paintings and supplementing the interiors with furniture from the turn of the century. Today, the villa is named after the dragonfly (demoiselle) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

To fully appreciate the refined interiors and stroll through the garden, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. This is enough time for a standard guided tour, during which the guide will share the history of the house and the details of its architectural style.

If your plans include not only touring the rooms but also a tasting of premium champagnes in the villa's grand setting, you should allow a bit more time in your schedule to enjoy the moment without rushing.

Please note that the villa's visiting schedule has some specific features: the attraction is closed to visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On other days, it is open with a break in the middle of the day.

Current opening hours:

• Mon, Thu, Sun: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Fri, Sat: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Tue, Wed: Closed

Exploring the surroundings of the villa will allow you to get a deeper sense of Champagne’s rich culture and history. The combination of historical monuments and modern entertainment centers makes this area ideal for a full day of sightseeing.