Planning a day trip to Champagne from Paris? Great choice!
I highly recommend visiting the beautiful Champagne region, famous for its exquisite sparkling wines and charming countryside.
As someone who has lived in Paris for nearly five years and visited the Champagne region multiple times, I’m eager to share my experiences and recommendations with you. The rolling hills, picturesque villages, and designated UNESCO World Heritage vineyards make this adventure the perfect getaway.
During your trip, you’ll have the opportunity to visit renowned Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon, as well as smaller, family-run producers. Sampling champagne in its birthplace is truly a delightful experience for any wine enthusiast!
There are plenty of guided and private tours to choose from, each offering comfortable transportation and expert guidance to immerse you in the region’s unique history and legacy.
So why not grab a bottle of bubbly and let’s explore the best day trips to the Champagne region from Paris?
All About France’s Bubbly Region
The Champagne region, nestled in the northeast of France, is a place where history, culture, and viticulture intertwine in a fascinating tapestry.
Famous for producing the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine, Champagne, this region is not only a haven for wine enthusiasts but also for anyone looking to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes and rich history.
Champagne’s history dates back to the Romans, who first planted vineyards in the area. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that the region began to develop the sparkling wine to which it would lend its name, thanks to advancements in the méthode champenoise.
The area’s unique terroir, characterized by chalky soil and a cool climate, is crucial for producing the distinct taste and effervescence of Champagne wine.
The region is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, and Dom Pérignon.
These houses offer tours that delve into the intricate process of champagne production, from grape picking to bottling, providing an insightful experience into the craft behind the bubbles.
The Champagne region is also dotted with historical sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Reims Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture where French kings were once crowned. The region’s rolling hills, adorned with endless vineyards and punctuated by picturesque villages, offer stunning vistas that captivate visitors.
Visiting Champagne offers a multifaceted experience that goes beyond wine tasting. It’s a journey through history, a lesson in the art of viticulture, and an opportunity to witness the natural beauty of France.
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Where is the Champagne region of France?
The Champagne region, with Reims as a common entry point, is located approximately 89 miles from Paris.
The drive (by car) can take about 1 hour and 40 mins, making it a relatively short and convenient journey for those looking to explore the area’s vineyards, historic sites, and, of course, its world-famous champagne houses.
When’s the best time to visit the Champagne region?
So, when should you visit the Champagne region for that perfect day trip from Paris?
In my experience, the ideal window to visit Champagne is from late September to early October during the harvest season.
That’s when all the action happens – grapes are handpicked, pressed, and the magical champagne-making process unveils itself.
But a word of caution – book your tour in advance! I’ve found that during harvest time, champagne tours are in high demand and can sell out like hotcakes. So you’ll want to plan accordingly to make sure you secure a spot.
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Champagne Day Trips from Paris – Reims
Driving from Paris to Reims
Reims, located just 80 miles northeast of Paris, is about a two-hour drive away. You can conveniently rent a car in Paris for a day trip to Reims, where you can explore renowned champagne houses at your leisure.
For those who prefer not to rent a car, BlaBlaCar might be a great option! It’s a popular ridesharing app that connects people looking for rides with drivers heading the same way.
Just be careful to avoid scammers and remember that all payments should be made through the app.
Taking the Train from Paris to Reims
One of the best ways to travel from Paris to Reims is on a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de l’Est station. Direct trains are available every hour or two, taking around 1hr and 45mins and costing approximately €40 for a round trip.
Catching a Bus from Paris to Reims
Flixbus provides a cheap and convenient alternative from Paris to Reims. They operate about three or four direct buses daily from Bercy Seine station in Paris and take roughly two and a half hours.
The round-trip fare is an affordable €25, and buses conveniently drop you off in the center of Reims.
Guided Tours in Reims Champagne Houses
There are several ways to explore the champagne houses in Reims, including joining a small group tour or opting for a private tour led by an English-speaking guide.
One popular tour is the Reims & Champagne Region Full-Day Tour which takes you from Paris to Reims. In Reims, you have the chance to explore the beautiful city, including the historic Reims Cathedral, where French kings were once crowned.
The tour also includes visits to prestigious champagne houses such as Pommery, Taittinger, and Veuve Clicquot, where you can learn all about champagne’s history and how it’s made, topped off with some tastings!
⚡ Related read: How to Visit Palace of Versailles on a Day Trip from Paris
What to Do in Reims (Beyond Champagne)
Reims offers more than just its fantastic champagne.
It’s also a treasure trove of beautiful and historic architecture such as the Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral, breathtaking museums like the Palace of Tau, and lovely squares such as Place d’Erlon.
Besides, the food scene in Reims is stellar— don’t miss the chance to try their delicious oysters.
Where to Stay in Reims: Best Hotels
Though you can complete a day trip from Paris, it’s worth considering a longer stay in Reims to explore more of the Champagne region, like visiting the Moet & Chandon champagne caves in Epernay.
Reims offers various accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some highly recommended options include:
- Novotel Suites Reims Centre ($$)
- Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix ($$)
- La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa ($$$)
Champagne Day Trips from Paris: Exploring Epernay
Paris to Epernay by Car
Driving from Paris to Epernay is quite a breeze, taking only about 1.5 hours.
This makes a day trip incredibly convenient if you’re looking to visit multiple champagne regions in one go! You can rent a car or hire a chauffeur service for the day.
Remember to follow the speed limits in France, as they’re quite strict with their traffic laws. Also, if you happen to be coming from Reims, Epernay is just an hour’s drive away. If you don’t have a car, you can take the train for around €15 return.
Paris to Epernay by train
Taking the train proves to be an easy way to travel from Paris to Epernay without a car. The trip lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with direct trains departing every hour or two. Ticket prices start at just €25 for a round trip, making it an affordable option.
Similar to the route to Reims, you can easily combine visits to both cities in one day. The Epernay train station is a short 10-minute walk or taxi ride from the town center.
Find train tickets from Paris to Epernay on Omio here.
Guided Tours in Epernay
On this guided champagne day trip from Paris, you’ll first visit the beautiful village of Hautvillers, where Dom Perignon discovered the champagne-making process. As you wander around some of France’s most prestigious champagne houses, don’t forget to indulge in some tastings!
Next, you’ll explore Epernay, the heart of champagne production in France. Delight in more tastings and take a guided tour of a family-run winery.
The tour lasts around 11 hours and includes a delicious 3-course lunch and expert-led masterclass amongst Hautvillers’ vineyards.
Things to Do in Epernay
Epernay offers more than just champagne house visits. Shop along the atmospheric Avenue de Champagne, visit historical sites, or relax in the many parks and gardens. Nightlife enthusiasts will find bars and clubs to explore too!
Where to Stay in Epernay (Best Hotels)
Epernay is small enough to explore in a day, but if you’d like to stay overnight, there are plenty of cozy accommodation options. Choose from luxury hotels, budget-friendly options, and charming bed and breakfasts.
Here are some recommendations for hotels in Epernay:
- Kyriad Epernay (Budget)
- La Cave de l’Avenue de Champagne (Mid-range)
- Le 25bis by Leclerc Briant (Luxury)
Best champagne day trips from Paris (Guided tours)
As someone who has lived in Paris for almost 5 years and visited the Champagne region many times, I can confidently recommend taking a guided champagne day tour from Paris. Trust me, it’s a breeze – no stress and an unforgettable experience!
Here are some top picks when it comes to guided Champagne tours:
- Small-Group Champagne Day Trip: Enjoy this option with up to six tastings, an English-speaking guide, and a cozy minivan ride to Epernay and Reims.
- Champagne Day Trip with 8 Tastings & Lunch: Savor eight glasses of champagne and a delicious 3-course lunch while exploring the region and sipping champagnes at local cellars. Includes roundtrip transportation from Paris.
- Full-Day Champagne Tour from Paris: Experience a guided tour that covers all the essentials – from cellar tours to champagne masterclasses, and treat yourself to the region’s finest bubblies.
- Champagne Region Tour from Reims: This option includes tastings and an estate visit for a well-rounded experience of champagne history and flavors.
Whichever you choose, these guided tours offer convenient pickup options, so all you need to focus on is soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the picturesque Champagne region.
Raise a glass and say cheers to an unforgettable day trip!