Villa Elizabeth

This magnificent house was originally built by wine merchants, and it’s been renovated by Elizabeth into a charming B&B with romantic rooms that overlook the garden or the village church.

Elizabeth loves to chat with her guests, and seats them together by the fire in the gorgeous dining room or out on the terrace. Breakfast on baguette, homemade pastries, fruit and vegetable juices, omelette with seasonal herbs and mushrooms. There’s also a candlelit table d’hôte of traditional fare using produce from the garden, each dish accompanied by a different champagne.

Have a drink or read a book in peace in the garden, and stroll into Ay for shops and restaurants – Elizabeth recommends Brasserie Henri IV, a 10-minute walk away, and L’Atelier by Patrick Baillet for superb chocolate and pastries. The largest collection of well-known champagne houses outside of Reims and Epernay are found here, including Bollinger and Moët & Chandon.