Séjour: Spending the Night with Henri Giraud

The village of Aÿ in the heart of Champagne is a place steeped in winemaking tradition, home to many of the region’s great producers, Henri Giraud among them. While the area has long drawn Champagne enthusiasts, until recently it was difficult to find luxury accommodations within the village itself. That changed with the arrival of Manoir Henri Giraud, a beautifully restored property offering guests a sophisticated yet grounded experience in the birthplace of some of the world’s finest bubbles.

The Manoir is part of the Henri Giraud legacy, a family Champagne house with roots dating back over 12 generations. This intimate guesthouse merges historic character with modern design, creating a stay that feels both indulgent and connected to the land it rests on. For anyone passionate about wine, wellness or refined living, this is a place where those elements come together in harmony.

With only five suites on site, the Manoir keeps its atmosphere calm and personal. Each room is uniquely designed with a blend of clean lines and warm textures. The aesthetic is subtle—stone walls, light wood, soft linens—but the comfort level is high. My room overlooked the peaceful courtyard, where the morning sun filtered in through tall windows. It felt like a private retreat from the rest of the world.

The attention to detail was clear: a balance of French minimalism and home-like warmth. 

What makes a stay here truly exceptional is the immersion into Champagne’s culture—not just the drink, but the entire process and philosophy behind it. Guests are invited to explore the estate’s cellars, vineyards and winemaking methods, with guided tastings that reveal the diversity of the Henri Giraud range. 

We also took part in the “Table Experience,” a multi-course pairing dinner conceived by Canadian chef Elizabeth Cloutier (who switches between French and English with impressive ease) offering a sensorial journey with paired Henri Giraud cuvées that showcases that what grows together, goes together.

Below the Manoir lies a hidden spa carved into the region’s famous chalk stone. The setting itself is unique, with stone textures and soft lighting create a sense of calm. There’s a heated pool, steam room and even underwater cycling bikes, but the real highlight here is something you’re unlikely to find elsewhere: Craÿothérapie®, a treatment rooted in the same chalk that defines Champagne’s vineyards.

This signature experience draws on the local geology. Aÿ’s chalk-rich soil, formed over millions of years, is full of natural minerals. The treatment begins with a warm bath infused with finely powdered chalk and grape seed oil: both local, both deeply tied to the landscape. As I sank into the bath, the texture felt smooth and soothing. The oil added a luxurious, moisturising element, while the chalk gave the water a creamy softness.

The session continued with a full-body massage on a warm table. The therapist worked with warm oils, letting the body relax and absorb the mineral benefits of the treatment. By the end, I felt both physically restored and more attuned to the landscape around me. To finish, I was offered a glass of Blanc de Craie—Henri Giraud’s chalk-inspired cuvée. The sensory link between the treatment and the wine was subtle, yet striking.

Breakfast was an absolute treat, with a spread of fresh local produce: crusty bread, eggs, artisanal cheeses, seasonal fruit, cured meats, and, of course, champagne.

I loved this experience and can recommend a stay, whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a deep-dive into winemaking heritage or a relaxing wellness break. It is more than a luxurious place to sleep, but a rare opportunity to live and breathe the essence of Champagne Henri Giraud Champagne. From the mineral-rich chalk beneath your feet to the flute of bubbles in your hand, every element of your stay feels rooted in the land and crafted with care.

Merci beaucoup Manoir Henri Giraud for this luxurious and unforgettable experience in Aÿ!