The Perfect Champagne Day Trip from Paris

The Champagne region is located in the northeastern corner of France, just 90km from Paris. Aside from being world-renowned for its sparkling wine that bears its name, this region boasts beautiful historical sites and heritage. Explore rolling vineyards, celebrated Champagne houses and stunning architecture on this Champagne day trip from Paris.

You can visit this varied region all year round, but the best time to visit is from May-September. This is when the vines are still full of grapes, and the smaller wineries are still offering tours and tastings.

The autumn paints the rolling hills in beautiful shades of deep orange and red but remember, this is the busy harvest season, so many of the winemakers pause their guided tours to gather in the grapes. 

How to Get from Paris to Champagne 

By Organised Tour

Taking an organised Champagne tour from Paris is an excellent way to discover the region. No additional planning is needed. These tours whisk you away across the French countryside to experience a fully comprehensive trip to Champagne.

This full-day tour takes you on a Reims day trip from Paris directly from your hotel, lets you try four different varieties of Champagne and enjoy a multi-course gourmet lunch.

If you’d rather visit Epernay then this full-day tour from Paris includes a walk along the Avenue de Champagne, an expert-led masterclass with a wine expert guide and lets you sample 8 different types of Champagne. 

You can also book a private tour if you’re travelling in a larger group.

By Train

Taking a self-guided Champagne tour from Paris is made simple by the efficient and affordable trains available throughout the day.

Direct, high-speed trains run from Paris Gare de l’Est train station to the gateway of the Champagne region, Gare de Reims station in Reims. Around 10 trains travel this route on the average weekday, and the journey itself takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the train service.

You can buy your tickets at the station on the day, but during the high season or national holidays, booking in advance is advisable to ensure you get your preferred train. You can view schedules and book here.

We end this day in Epernay, connected to Paris by another high-speed TGV train. This journey takes 1.5 hours, so try to grab a window seat to enjoy watching the golden sunset over the sprawling vineyards fly past as you return to Paris.

By Car

If you have decided to hire a car during your stay, you can reach Reims from Paris in just 1.5 hours. There are several route options available, so make sure you have a GPS divide or a trustworthy map-reading passenger along for the ride.

The traffic in Paris can get very heavy, so try to avoid rush hour. Leave early for your trip to Champagne from Paris before the rush, around 7 am or treat yourself to a lie-in and leave a little later at 10 am. 

France’s motorways tend to have tolls, so bear this in mind if you want to take the fast road. Of course, you can opt to avoid the tolls completely and follow the minor roads through the charming French villages, but this will add another hour to your journey. 

There are several car parks dotted around Reims and Epernay. The central locations cost around €1.50 per hour, but if you park further out of the city centre and walk in, you can often find free street parking. 

The downside to driving into the Champagne region is that the driver will not be able to participate in the Champagne tastings – similar to if you’re driving during our Loire Valley itinerary. So whether you have a hire car or not, consider taking the train or an organised tour if you want to get involved and sample the Champagne as part of the cellar tours. You can browse hire car options here.

Champagne Day Trip Itinerary

There is plenty to see and do in the Champagne region, from tasting houses to historical cathedrals.

We start in Reims, the capital of the region, and end in the charming town of Epernay, home to one of the most famous streets in the world, the Avenue de Champagne. You can easily explore the best of the region in just one day, making it the perfect day out from Paris. 

Notre Dame de Reims

Whether you are arriving by train or by car, Reims is the perfect place to start your day. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, this charming town is known for its cultural heritage, gothic architecture and, of course, its famous Champagne houses. 

The first stop on our Champagne region day trip is the Notre Dame de Reims cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the coronation site of the Kings of France.

This Gothic masterpiece is truly breathtaking, with stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings. Built in the 13th century, this cathedral is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the whole of France. You can organise a guided tour here.

Musée de la Reddition

If you are a history enthusiast, this one is for you. Reims is home to the Musée de la Reddition (Museum of Surrender). It is by no means a spectacular building but the historical significance placed on this one room makes it a must-visit destination in Reims.

Here, in the early hours of Monday, May 7, 1945, three senior officers from the German armed forces signed an unconditional surrender agreement, effectively ending World War II in Europe. The museum is home to documents, artefacts, press releases and the original war maps placed on the walls.

Although you may not find this museum in every guide to visiting Reims, it is a pivotal location for our world history and is well worth visiting. 

Champagne Tasting in Reims

Reims is the capital of the Champagne wine region, home to 155 miles of cellars under the city streets. Our next stop is, of course, a Champagne tasting.

There are several world-renowned Champagne houses offering cellar tours and tastings across the town. You may have a personal favourite you would like to visit, but here are our top 3. 

Tattinger – Taittinger is a family-owned Champagne house with over 280 hectares of vineyards in the region. You can tour the cellars and learn about the Champagne-making process, as well as taste some of their world-famous wines.

Veuve Clicquot – Veuve Clicquot is one of the most iconic Champagne houses in the world, known for its distinctive yellow label. You can take a tour of the cellars with a knowledgeable guide and learn about the history of the house, as well as sample some of their delicious Champagne.

Pommery – Pommery is another family-owned Champagne house with a rich history and a reputation for producing high-quality Champagne. The cellars at Pommery are particularly impressive, with a maze of underground tunnels that you can explore. The house also hosts art exhibitions throughout the year, making it a unique and exciting place to visit.

Lunch in Reims

After sampling some of the region’s finest Champagne, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Reims is home to some excellent cafes and restaurants offering classic French cuisine. 

If you are hoping to match the luxurious Champagne with top-end cuisine, Le Jardin Les Crayères is the restaurant for you. This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in a beautiful 19th-century mansion and offers an elegant and refined dining experience. The menu features classic French dishes with a modern twist, using local and seasonal ingredients.

For a more budget-friendly option, visit Brasserie du Boulingrin. This traditional brasserie is located in the heart of Reims and serves up classic French dishes in a lively and bustling atmosphere. The menu includes favourites like steak frites, escargot, and onion soup.

If you prefer to pack a picnic, you can enjoy your lunch in the Parc de la Patte d’Oie, a beautiful park that features a lake, walking paths, and picnic areas.

Explore Epernay

After lunch, it’s time to head on to our next stop, Epernay. A must-visit destination for Champagne lovers and history enthusiasts alike, this charming town is home to some of the world’s most famous Champagne producers, including Dom Perignon, Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Mercier.

The smaller town of the two, Epernay has a higher concentration of Champagne houses and a certain small-town charm.  

Getting from Reims to Epernay is quick and easy, thanks to the efficient local trains that run between the two towns. The trains run every hour or so from the Gare de Reims and take just 35 minutes.

Our first stop in Epernay is the Avenue de Champagne. A grand and elegant street located in the heart of Epernay, known for its beautiful mansions and prestigious Champagne houses.

Take a stroll down the tree-lined avenue to soak in the atmosphere. During the summer months, the trees blossom with beautiful white flowers, which add to the grandeur. 

Before heading into one of the Champagne houses to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, take a tour around the Musée du vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie régionale.

Housed in the breathtaking 19th century Château Perrier, once home to Champagne merchants, it makes the perfect location to learn more about the region’s wines and architecture.

The museum offers a fully immersive discovery of the ingredients that go into Champagne alongside the historical heritage. The gardens towards the rear are beautifully kept and provide a relaxing break.

Entry includes an audio tour and access to the gardens. You can also enter the gardens for free without entry to the museum if you want to just take a quick stroll away from the hustle and bustle.

Champagne Tasting in Epernay

As the afternoon sun beats down on the Champagne houses, it’s time to enjoy another round of sampling. Discover some of the 68 miles of cellars located below the streets of Epernay. 

Epernay is home to some of the world’s most famous Champagne houses. Each one offers cellar tours and tastings year-round. There are many incredible varieties of Champagne on offer, from the large, iconic houses to the smaller boutique family-run establishments. Whatever your taste, you may already have a favourite in mind, but here are our top 3.

Moët & Chandon – Moët & Chandon is perhaps one of the most famous Champagne houses in the world. They offer a fantastic cellar tour that takes you through their vast network of underground cellars. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the historic cellars where Napoleon Bonaparte stored his personal collection of Champagne.

Mercier – Mercier, one of the largest Champagne houses in the region, offers a truly unique and immersive cellar tour experience. You can even ride a small train through the vast network of underground cellars.

Perrier-Jouët – Perrier-Jouët is known for its elegant and delicate Champagnes. The tour includes a visit to the famous “Crayères” cellars, which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you would prefer to spend the afternoon outdoors, head out of town to discover the vineyards sprawled across the picturesque rolling hills. You can hire regular or electric bikes to cycle through the country lanes, stopping off at vineyards to sample a glass or purchase a bottle along the way.

There are also several short walks that rise up behind the town to the west. Navigate the narrow lanes and meandering footpaths between the vines whilst enjoying the far-reaching views across the town and beyond. This is simply one of the best things to do on a day trip to Champagne from Paris.

Where to Stay in Paris

La Planque Hotel – Boasting several different double rooms, this modern 3-star hotel is a great central base in Paris. There is a terrace for guests to enjoy and a fab breakfast on offer each morning, as well.

Hôtel Jardin de Cluny – A chic and opulent hotel located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, this is a great luxury option in the French capital. There are countless plush rooms to choose from, along with a fantastic breakfast and plenty of other amenities.

My Maison In Paris Montmartre – Offering several different flats, this aparthotel in Bohemian Montmartre is great for those looking for an entire apartment to stay in Paris. They have an excellent location and all flats come fully equipped.

The People Paris Marais – This centrally located hostel is a great budget option and perfect for backpackers. Offering standard dorms and private rooms, they have shared kitchen facilities and some good common areas along with breakfast available.

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The Champagne region more than lives up to its luxurious reputation. Visiting Reims and Epernay feels like a real treat and can be thoroughly enjoyed no matter your budget. Whether you want to spend the entire day sampling sparking wine or you would rather delve into the history and culture on offer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this Paris to Champagne day trip. 

Are you planning to visit the Champagne region? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!