The Perfect Visit to Champagne, France

Getting to Champagne from Paris is very simple. The express train from Paris to Reims Station only takes about 40 minutes. This small town is rather walkable, but you may also want to rely on taxis to get around which are easy to hail from each Champagne House concierge.

Two tips I have: Make sure you have reservations ahead of time as most houses do not allow you to stop in without a reservation. Try to be dressed for the part, many people take a much more formal approach to dressing here, so leave your sneakers in Paris.

Ruinart is known as the first established House of Champagne. Not only do they
have a beautifully comprehensive explanation of how Champagne is made, they have stunning artwork throughout the House. Be sure to find the oldest painting known to contain a Champagne bottle. It was purchased from the Palace of Versailles! I appreciate that this tour is kept to just 12 participants so you get a very intimate tour.

Pommery is just behind Ruinart and is a little bit more commercialized but it's still a fun and easy stop for a quick by the glass pour. You can enjoy their large open tasting room and do a self-guided tour if you'd like. Pommery is known for inventing Brut Champagne (all Champagne used to be sweet)!

Veuve Cliquot is a great spot for lounging and spending time drinking their by-the-glass offerings as well as snacking on cheese and charcuterie in their beautiful outdoor courtyard. Enjoy some of their exclusive tastings that you can only enjoy at the House. Bring a book, enjoy the beautiful day and sip to your heart’s content.

Taittinger is a well known stop. You’ll experience a quick video explaining the history before heading into the cellars followed by a tasting. If you’ve been to Napa, you may be familiar with Domaine Carneros - this is the same producer. Very well known, and overall priced well compared to some of the top houses.

Lanson is known for being the only Grand Cru Clos in Reims city-centre. Enjoy a full tour of the rich history of the small but well-known producer. They have a beautiful tour taking you through the full process.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is famously larger and 700+ years older than Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral. You won't be able to miss it while walking through town.

Pop by Champagne Pol Couronne near the Cathedral for a lesson in Sabrage. You’ll saber your bottle before enjoying it on their outdoor sidewalk patio with views of the Cathedral. Bring some snacks and enjoy your time sipping on the street.

An amazing experience for either lunch or dinner is two-Michelin Starred, Le Parc Les Crayères. Located in the beautiful Domaine les Crayères hotel, you'll receive incredible service from the moment you walk in. The grounds are stunning and first belonged to Louise Pommery. Enjoy a drink in their gardens before heading in for your tasting menu. Their incredible Champagne list has over 900 different bottles on it so you'll have no trouble finding something you'll love.

Make sure you stop by Maison Fossier to try one of their famous pink biscuits. These famous biscuits were first enjoyed by being dipped in Champagne and have been served at countless Coronations and events since they first opened in 1756.

Le Square is a cute restaurant open for breakfast and lunch rather close to the Champagne houses mentioned above. You'll find traditional french cuisine that locals love. Know that they don't have an English menu but their staff is kind and will be willing to assist.

Harold Le Restaurant is a cute cafe with afternoon tea. If you need to stop somewhere to soak up some Champagne, this is a great spot in the afternoon for something sweet or a bite for breakfast.

La Petite Cantoche has a small menu that updates daily. Their service and reasonable prices keep people coming back for lunch or dinner!

Restaurant Gabrielle Toit Terrasse is a posh rooftop terrace in the heart of the town. It has views of the Cathedral and upscale French food.

Boulangerie Dufresne has some of the best baked goods I've ever had and the service is lovely. I love to pop in here and grab some treats between tours at Taittinger and Veuve Cliquot. The park nearby makes for the perfect stop to soak up your Champagne with some carbs!

While I can't vouch for the food, a hot spot in the city is the Place Drouet d'Erlon Plaza. The street is lined with dozens of restaurants and seating outside. On a nice day it's absolutely the place to be. Grab a drink and some fries and watch as people go by!