Canard-Duchêne was founded in 1868 in Ludes, a premier cru village in the Montagne de Reims, and has remained there ever since. By 1890 Canard-Duchêne was a supplier to the Court of Tsar Nicholas II, hence the two headed eagle (the emblem of the Russian Imperial family) which has been present on the label ever since. This also explains the tradition of "Sabrage" which is intimately linked to the House of Canard Duchene - the stylish art of opening a bottle with a sword.

In 2003 Canard-Duchêne was acquired by Alain Thienot, and returned to independent family ownership. Traditionally Canard-Duchene has been an inexpensive champagne that emphasises fruit, vitality, and celansing acidity. More than ten million bottles are ageing in the 19th century chalk cellars of Canard-Duchêne. They extend over 6 kilometres and 4 levels, between 12 and 38m deep.

Canard-Duchêne is the only "Grand Marque" Champagne House to be situated in the middle of the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims.