A Perfect Champagne Getaway: Reims and Épernay Itinerary

Travel tip:

While hopping on the train from Paris to Reims is super easy, we opted for a private driver due to our flight’s arrival time. It saved us from waiting around for two hours — definitely worth it!

Where to stay:

Check into your accommodations. We stayed at the fabulous La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa. This 5-star gem sits right in the heart of Reims, directly across from the stunning cathedral. With its chic design, outstanding service and prime location, it’s a traveler’s dream. Plus, if you’re traveling with Fora perks (I can help with that!), you can enjoy breakfast and VIP treatment — a perfect way to elevate your stay.

Getting to know Reims:

This charming little town is famous for its crayeres — underground chalk cellars that are UNESCO-protected treasures. Champagne houses abound here, including Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, both of which have exceptional crayeres tours that let you explore these historical sites while sipping world-class bubbly. Beyond the tastings, Reims offers plenty to explore. You can visit the awe-inspiring Reims Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the charming city center — or stop by the Palais du Tau to delve into the history of French coronations.

Start your day at Ruinart:

Ruinart set the bar high with its incredible tour. The crayeres were absolutely breathtaking, and we got to learn so much about the art of champagne-making, from vintages to production secrets. Be sure to check out their newly revamped visitor center. It’s got a stylish gift shop and a cozy cafe where you can enjoy a glass, even if you miss out on the tour.

Afternoon delights at Veuve Clicquot:

Veuve Clicquot was the stop I was most excited about — and it did not disappoint! Their interactive cellar tour, complete with videos and fun activities, made it such a memorable experience.

After the tour, we couldn’t resist lingering at *Cafe Cliquot*. We sipped on more champagne and indulged in a delightful selection. Don’t skip their adorable gift shop — it’s packed with charming souvenirs!

Insider Tip: Champagne tastings typically last about 1.5 hours, so stick to two or three tours a day. It’s the sweet spot for soaking it all in without feeling rushed. And trust me, book those tours in advance — even during low season, they fill up quickly!

Getting there:

From Reims, hop on a quick 30-minute train ride to Épernay. Trains run about once an hour, so it’s best to pre-book tickets if you have a tasting scheduled. On the way back, we opted for an Uber — super convenient, though a bit pricier.

Avenue de Champagne Magic:

This iconic street is lined with champagne houses, from the grand to the boutique. We started the day with a morning tasting at Moët & Chandon and wrapped up with a visit to Champagne Mercier in the afternoon.

Between tastings, we strolled leisurely along the avenue, soaking up the charm and popping into spots that caught our eye. Lunch plans at Pierre Jouët’s restaurant didn’t pan out (it was closed), but there are plenty of other delightful options to explore.

Moët & Chandon Tour:

What a treat! The Moët cellars are quite different from those in Reims, making for a fascinating comparison. Their champagne was exquisite, and we loved relaxing on their gorgeous terrace.

Champagne Mercier Tour:

While the novelty of the little train ride through the cellars was fun, the overall experience felt less personal than the other stops. Still, if you’re curious about their offerings, it’s worth a peek.