Add this address to your Champagne itinerary!

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. Together with her husband Eric, she runs this little épicerie in Reims.

If you are into excellent charcuterie, cheeses and salads while sipping top-notch grower champagnes, don’t hesitate! There is a risk you will fall in love.

Everyone who has been to Au Bon Manger 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 her laugh.

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 was making radio shows for France Musique. Eight years ago, they 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 to leave without rushing for the Paris-bound train, dragging a bag full of champagne purchases.

But let’s not talk only about bubbles as Au Bon Manger without eating is simply inconceivable. 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 a 15-minute walk from the train station. Natural wine lovers, alike, will love this épicerie.

A LITTLE HEAVEN & HOTSPOT FOR BUBBLEPHILES

Favoured by a few champagne makers, at Au Bon Manger you may catch a glimpse of them – or end up spending the evening together, just like I did with Jérôme Prévost. 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 solo with a glass of bubbles in hand. During Le Printemps des Champagnes week in April, the place is bustling with people. It’s great to mingle with champagne lovers from all around the world and toast for life together.

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. The photos were 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.

Another thing that I recommend? Collection Aline, unique batches of bio grower champagnes that artisan winemakers produce in collaboration with her. You won’t find these bubbles anywhere else. 

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 soon got talking while sharing cheese and charcuterie with some Ruppert-Leroy.

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

Every time I visit Champagne, small miracles happen here and there. 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.

L’Épicerie Au Bon Manger
7 Rue Courmeaux, Reims
Thu-Fri 12–14, 18:30–20 (+ for purchases 10–18)
Sat 12–14 (+ for purchases 10–19)
Arrival: 15 minutes by foot from Reims Centre station

 

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UPDATE (2024): Au Bon Manger – where I’ve spent countless days & evenings during these years – has a new name, Atome Maison, and a renewed concept. They only serve entire menus (80 €) for 10 people at a time, so you need to book your spot.