Ruinart’s iconic address at 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES unveils its stunning metamorphosis

Ruinart has been actively engaged with trends that have shaped Champagne and the world for generations. Now the House’s iconic address at 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES has transformed into a unique destination that transcends a rich legacy, opening an exciting new chapter in the art of hospitality_

Following three years of renovation, the historic address invites Champagne lovers and visitors avid for compelling experiences to immerse themselves in a world where culture, art de vivre and unrivalled winemaking expertise blend together. 

A timeless and contemporary space for conversations, 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES embodies the forward-thinking vision of founder Nicolas Ruinart. More than a simple tour, visitors discover a 360-degree immersion into the Ruinart universe. Honoring heritage while resolutely engaging with the future, the address reflects Ruinart’s art of cultivating the harmony between tradition and modernity.  

For this metamorphosis of its iconic address, the storied Champagne house called on Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, interior designer Gwenaël Nicolas and landscape artist Christophe Gautrand. Together, they have created a memorable experience that unfolds in a succession of interconnected tableaux, perspectives and landscapes. A resolutely contemporary pavilion in ashlar masonry and glass has emerged facing the 100-year old building. Surrounded by a free access sculpture garden – designed as a haven for local biodiversity – 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES proposes a sensorial immersion inspired by champagne. 

Visitors enter 4 RUE DES CRAYÈRES as if taking a hidden path that seems carved out of the limestone walls, initially encountering only the dazzling white of chalk, the blue sky and splashes of green from the tops of the trees. Initially hidden, the edifice and its sleek lines gradually comes into view. The curves of the new building contrast elegantly with the straight lines of the historic structure. For the Nicolas Ruinart pavilion, architect Sou Fujimoto has imagined a space inspired by the evanescence of champagne bubbles, sculpted by light as the glass panel of the fourth wall opens into the court of honor.  

The building’s main structure in ashlar masonry resonates with the facing 19th century walls. The asymmetric roof traces a curve, evoking the roundness of champagne bubbles. Once inside, visitors find themselves in front of an immense bay window that sets off the view of the courtyard of honor like a picture frame. The gradient of the glass from transparent to subtly opaque again imparts an impression of sparkling champagne, transforming the view of the historic site into a timeless image.  

The interior design by Gwenaël Nicolas is like a prolongation of the exterior vegetation. Visitors stroll on to discover the carrousel and a display of champagnes for sale, as well as the Bar by Ruinart, a perfect spot for contemplation with a terrace overlooking the gardens. The gardens have been designed as a sanctuary for local biodiversity, surrounded by a sculptural garden that landscape artist Christophe Gautrand has conceived as an experience in itself. The landscaped garden, designed to welcome works in the space, is open to the public at no charge.