Revived: August 24, 2026 (Published: November 18, 2016)

When I think about the people and places I love most in Champagne, one name comes first: Aline Serva, the heart of Au Bon Manger. She runs this épicerie in Reims together with her husband Eric. Add this address to your Champagne itinerary!

If you are into excellent charcuterie, delicious cheeses and hefty salads while sipping top-notch grower champagnes, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to Au Bon Manger. There is a risk you will fall in love.

Everyone who’s been to Au Bon Manger (now ATOME) knows Aline’s laughter. Contagious, sincere laughter that comes from a place where goodwill and joie de vivre embrace. After long days of visiting champagne-makers, I am immediately at home when I open the blue door and hear it.

A PLACE YOU DON’T WANT TO LEAVE

Originally from Paris, Aline and Eric had different jobs before establishing their gastronomic business. Aline worked for a Japanese fashion designer while Eric did radio shows for France Musique. In 2008, they moved to Reims and opened Au Bon Manger.

In my opinion, Au Bon Manger is the best place in Reims to sample and savour grower champagnes. The selection is carefully curated, and you always find something exciting on the shelves. In fact, so exciting that you simply lose track of time.

Happens to me every single time! Despite my best intentions, I haven’t managed yet to leave without rushing for the Paris-bound train, dragging a bag full of champagne purchases from Aline.

But let’s not talk only about bubbles because Au Bon Manger without eating is just half an experience. Charcuterie and patés are top-notch, salads are generous and tasty. If you are short of time, they will wrap you a baguette to take away. From the counter, you’ll also find gourmet treats to take home.

If you spend just a day in Reims, Au Bon Manger is just a 15-minute walk from the train station. And if you are not that much into champagne, natural wine lovers will also love this épicerie.

HEAVEN & HOTSPOT FOR BUBBLEPHILES

Several champagne makers, too, seem to favour Au Bon Manger. You may catch a glimpse of them – or end up spending the evening together, just like I did with Jérôme Prévost and his wife. Also, dancing ex tempore with champagne maker Charles Dufour is among my funniest memories.

When Au Bon Manger gets crowded, you never feel awkward standing there with a glass of bubbles in hand. During Le Printemps des Champagnes week in April, the place is bustling, and you get to mingle with champagne lovers from all around the world.

But to be honest, I love even more peaceful morning moments when Aline and Eric are just about to open the doors of this Epicurean heaven.

The walls are decorated with portraits of vignerons champenois such as Vincent Laval, Olivier Horiot and Emmanuel Brochet. These photos are taken by Danish wine writer Thomas Iversen, whose blog was the first must-read for a grower champagne fan like me – before I met him and started to follow him.

A BIRTHDAY I’LL NEVER FORGET

My most recent visit to Au Bon Manger was brief yet one of the most memorable. I arrived early to chat with Aline before heading to Selosse for my birthday.

She seated me at the table with a stylish Frenchman. We got talking while sharing cheese, charcuterie and biodynamic bubbles from Ruppert-Leroy.

When this gentleman heard it was my birthday, he insisted on buying me the champagne bottles I had reserved from Aline. What an incredibly sweet gesture from a stranger!

But small miracles like this happen here and there every time I visit Champagne. There is something magical in this wonderful region, and if I can explore it for the rest of my life, I will die a happy woman.

Meanwhile, I hope there are still many evenings to come at Au Bon Manger.

ATOME (formerly Au Bon Manger)
7 Rue Courmeaux, Reims
Thu-Fri 12–14, 18:30–20 (+ for shopping 10–18)
Sat 12–14 (+ for shopping 10–19)

 

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UPDATE (2024): L’Épicerie Au Bon Manger, where I’ve spent countless days & evenings during 2014–2024, has a new name: ATOME + a renewed concept. They only serve entire menus (80 € per person) for max. 10 people at a time, so you need to book your spot. The wines are not included in the menu price.