Vineyards, historic cellars, and the promise of bubbly champagne delights…
Route Map & Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Champagne
Aim for May to October, though summer is a particularly good time to visit the Champagne region. The fall harvest begins in late September and that’s when the champagne houses are at their busiest.
Spring (March to May) allows you to witness the vineyards awaken with new life. Exploring the region during this time is ideal for touring and tasting, while avoiding the peak tourist crowds.
In winter (November to February), the vineyards rest under a blanket of snow. With fewer visitors around, you’ll find a quieter and more personal exploration of the wineries and towns. Vibrant Christmas markets spring to life, adorning the towns with magical displays and the festive joy of the holiday season.
Getting to Champagne
The high-speed TGV train connects Paris to major cities like Reims and Epernay, allowing for easy day trips. Tickets cost about 17 euros from Gare de l’Est and the trip takes about 45 minutes.
If you’re renting a car, the drive takes about two hours. If you’re aiming to truly travel like royalty, there are helicopter excursions that will whiz you from Paris to Reims for the day to enjoy lunch and tastings. Expect these to start at about 200 euros per person, with a minimum of four or five passengers per trip.
Once in the Champagne region, you can utilise the public transportation system, or Uber, which is readily available.
Where to Stay in Champagne
Stay in Reims for a blend of history and modernity, with a wealth of accommodations near the famous Reims Cathedral. Our recommendation is Loft Royal des Promenades, a roomy 2-bedroom ground floor apartment, a short stroll from both the train station and Reims city centre.
Boutique hotels and charming guesthouses spread across Epernay, known as the “Capital of Champagne”. Many of the options here boast delightful views of the Marne River or the town’s historic architecture.
For a more intimate and immersive experience, there are small villages, such as Hautvillers and Ay. Here, you’ll find charming bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses, often nestled within centuries-old buildings that have been lovingly restored.
Booking.comItinerary
We highly recommend booking any tour months in advance, as they often sell out.
Day 1: Reims
Kickstart your Champagne tour with a rendezvous with luxury and legacy at the Ruinart Tour. As the oldest Champagne house, Ruinart takes you deep into its cellars, where the magic of fermentation and aging unfolds. Without revealing too much, this tour easily felt like the most informative and educational of the four tours. The passion of the guides clearly came across and the portions of servings were well worth the cost. If you only have time for one tour, do Ruinart!
Continue your exploration at the Taittinger Tour, a family-owned Champagne house with a history as rich as its cuvées. There is a 10 minute video to start, and then the tour lasts for about an hour. English tours are less frequent and usually sell out, so be mindful of this.
After your tours, head back to the bustling heart of Reims, where the elegant Place Drouet d’Erlon awaits. This pedestrian zone is home to many bars, restaurants and cafes.
Continue your strolls toward the Reims Cathedral. This church has played a central role in the history of France for 800 years as the site of coronations of French monarchs. The cathedral hosted thirty-three sovereign coronations in just over 1000 years!
Nearby is the Palais du Tau, a former palace that once hosted royal coronation banquets. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is now a museum, displaying treasures from bygone eras. Look out for the 9th-century talisman of Charlemange and St Rémi’s golden, gem-encrusted chalice, which dates from the 12th century.
End your day at the Musée de la Reddition, where history took a decisive turn. Explore the room where the Nazi surrender was signed in 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. The museum’s exhibits paint a vivid picture of the times and the individuals who played a role in shaping history.
Day 2: Épernay
Begin your day with the Veuve Clicquot Tour. Unveil the legacy of Madame Clicquot, known as the Grande Dame of Champagne. At 27, her husband died (of suspicious causes), leaving her to take over their fledgling business. With her exceptional business acumen and innovative techniques, she introduced the riddling process and produced the first vintage champagne. Madame Clicquot’s legacy continues to shine as a symbol of female resilience and innovation in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Our Champagne journey continues at the Moët et Chandon Tour. Explore the cellars where Napoleon himself once tasted the bubbles that would become synonymous with celebration.
With all our tours wrapped up, venture into the heart of Épernay, where the famed Avenue de Champagne stretches. Indulge in the smaller, but still prestigious, Champagne houses which line the avenue, such as Pol Roger and Perrier-Jouët.
Venture deeper into Épernay’s downtown vibes. Roam through the streets, soaking up the café and shop vibes. Look out for the Mairie d’Épernay, or Town Hall, stands tall as an emblem of the town’s history.
Nightlife in Champagne
Champagne’s nightlife has a unique charm—it’s not exactly buzzing like big cities, but that’s the beauty. Here, you’re more likely to find yourself at a cozy café or bar, chatting away till midnight. It’s a different kind of vibe, where you can unwind and connect.
When researching for our trip, we came across a large club in Reims’ city center. It was supposedly a hotspot, but was notorious for its unfriendly door policy, not letting people in based on absurd reasons. Venture at your own risk, and leave a comment below to let us know how it went!
Food
The culinary scene in Champagne shares some similarities with Parisian cuisine, but there’s a distinct regional flavor too. Don’t miss the “Biscuit rose de Reims,” a dainty pink biscuit that pairs wonderfully with Champagne. Another standout is the “Andouillette,” a sausage blending pork, spices, and wine, showcasing the local culinary tradition.
For a delightful dining experience, La Grillade Gourmande fits the bill. This cozy spot serves up seasonal dishes and Champagne specialties. Being a Michelin Guide restaurant and a beloved local gem, snagging a reservation early is a wise move. Feeling adventurous? Give pigeon a try, if you dare!
The Chat
Kat: I don’t know if I should just start with this, but would you go back?
Sim: Yes! And with a lot more money. I feel like certain places you have to go back when you have money. You just do an initial visit to get a taster.
For instance, when I was writing the blog, I found out that you can do a helicopter ride from Paris to Champagne. I’d love to do that.
Kat: Oh! That would be so much fun.
Sim: And there are some truly beautiful 5-star hotels.
I do still think you could go on a budget and have a great time. I did! Stay in Reims or another city centre, where there is more of a range of accommodation. You can easily get around, see all the vineyards, drink all the champagne and do all the tours.
Kat: Hmm, it could be interesting to experience. I guess champagne is a big thing. People even tend to call all sparkling wines “champagne”. Which champagne house was your favourite?
Sim: Without a doubt, Madame Clicquot‘s. Six years into her marriage, her husband dies of very suspicious circumstances. She takes over the company and invents the riddling techniques which revolutionises the champagne industry. She was so influential that she’s also known as the Grand Dame of Champagne!
Kat: Sounds like she left her mark.
Sim: If you’re going to get a bottle as a gift/souvenir, I do feel like the Clicquot had the most iconic packaging as well.
Kat: Apart from the stories, were there other activities that made the tours worth it?
Sim: Well, if it comes down to which house had the best tour, Ruinart probably wins. The tour guides were so informative and there were bonuses like a light show and an exhibition on Ruinart’s sustainability strategy. We even got to peek into the workshop!
Honestly, I can say, that all 4 tours were worth it. I don’t regret a single one – even the Taittinger tour in French! The English tickets were sold out.
Kat: These are all top champagne houses as well.
Sim: Yes, exactly. Prices ranged from about 30 euros to 75 euros.
Kat: That’s actually not bad.
Sim: I truly do not have any complaints. What I do have to say though, is when you head down into the caves, just remember that the caves are renowned for their humidity. Expect to come out looking like a frizz ball. So maybe, get your cute pics before.
Kat: That’s a good tip for the ladies! Everyone reading this should be thanking you.
Sim: I went through it so you don’t have to..
Kat: You ended up doing two different towns, right? Were they more of charming villages or metropolitian towns?
Sim: Definitely more metropolitan. There are smaller wineries that you can go to to experience more picturesque village vineyards. You can do all the horse back riding, picnics and cycling through the vineyards.
Kat: Definitely need more money then. Last question; how generous were they were with the portions?
Sim: Very!
Kat: Did you get tipsy?
Sim: Very generous!
Kat: If I wasn’t convinced before, I’m convinced now.
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