Day Trip to Champagne from Paris 

Whether you’re a wine expert or simply enjoy bubbly, a day trip to the Champagne region is a must-see when visiting Paris. Not only do you get to escape the bustling city, but you get to visit the only region in the world that produces real Champagne. With numerous cellars, vineyards, and wineries to explore and sample, there is no shortage of things to do on a champagne day trip from Paris.

Quick: All Tours for Champagne Region from Paris

Why Take a Day Trip to Champagne from Paris?

Discover the Champagne Region

Located just 90 minutes outside of Paris, the Champagne region is a picturesque area dotted with small villages, rolling hills, and of course, vineyards. It’s a chance to see a different side of France and escape the crowds of Paris. Perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers.

Sample the Best Champagne

Champagne is more than just a drink. It’s a cultural icon and possibly the most famous wine in the world. On your day trip to Champagne, you will have the opportunity to sample 8 tastings and more of the best champagne in the world. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just like a glass of bubbly, you’ll discover top-rated houses and small wineries that produce exceptional champagne varieties.

Enjoy a Unique Day Trip Experience

A day trip to Champagne is a unique experience and a fun way to spend a day. You’ll get to enjoy a French lunch, visit the Champagne countryside, and learn about the history of the region and the champagne making process from locals. It’s a perfect romantic getaway or chance to celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones.

What are the Best Champagne Tours from Paris?

Private Day Trip to Champagne from Paris

If you’re looking for something more exclusive, consider booking a private day trip to Champagne from Paris. You can personalize your itinerary and choose your preferred champagne houses and tasting options in the region. It is the best day trip to champagne from Paris suitable for couples or small groups of up to eight people.

Guided Champagne Tour from Paris

If you don’t want to worry about the details, booking a guided champagne tour from Paris is your best bet. It takes care of hotel pick-up and drop-off, provides an experienced guide, tasting experience, and much more. The day tour is suitable for larger groups of up to 25 guests.

Day Tour to Reims and Epernay

One of the most popular tours to Champagne from Paris is the Day Tour to Reims and Epernay. You will visit two of the most well-known champagne houses in these two towns: Veuve Clicquot in Reims and Moët & Chandon in Epernay. The tour includes a guided tour, tastings, and a French lunch.

How to reach Champagne Region on your Own?

To reach the Champagne region from Paris on your own, you have a few transportation options available. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the journey:

Choose your destination in the Champagne region: The Champagne region encompasses several towns and cities, including Reims, Épernay, and Châlons-en-Champagne. Decide which place you want to visit as your starting point.

Train from Paris to Reims

Train from Paris to Reims: If you plan to start your visit from Reims, the most convenient way to reach it is by train. Take a train from Paris to Reims, which is the major city in the Champagne region. Trains run regularly from Gare de l’Est in Paris to Reims, and the journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Bus from Paris to Reims

There are several bus companies that operate regular services between Paris and Reims. One popular bus provider is FlixBus, which offers direct routes from Paris to Reims. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific bus route. It’s advisable to check the schedules and book your tickets in advance.

Train from Paris to Épernay

Train from Paris to Épernay: If you prefer to begin your trip in Épernay, you can also take a train from Paris. Trains from Paris to Épernay depart from Gare de l’Est as well, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Bus from Paris to Épernay

Bus from Paris to Épernay: For travel from Paris to Épernay, there are limited direct bus options. However, you can consider taking a train from Paris to Reims and then switch to a local train or bus from Reims to Épernay. The train journey between Reims and Épernay is relatively short, lasting around 20-30 minutes.

Traveling with renting a car in Paris

Car rental: Another option to explore the Champagne region independently is by renting a car in Paris. This option provides more flexibility and allows you to visit various towns and vineyards at your own pace. Many car rental agencies operate in Paris, and you can pick up a vehicle from the city or at the airport.

Driving to the Champagne region: If you choose to rent a car, you can drive to the Champagne region from Paris. The drive to Reims takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic and your specific location in Paris. Épernay is approximately 30 minutes further southeast from Reims.

Transportation within the Champagne Region

Public transportation within the Champagne region: Once you arrive in the Champagne region, public transportation options such as trains and buses are available to explore the surrounding towns and vineyards. For example, there are local trains connecting Reims and Épernay, making it easy to visit neighboring areas.

What to Expect on a Champagne Day Trip from Paris?

Visit Famous Champagne Houses

No Champagne day trip is complete without visiting a world-famous champagne house. In Reims, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Reims Cathedral and visit Veuve Clicquot’s cellar, while Epernay boasts stunning Moët & Chandon’s vineyards and cellar, where one can learn the art of making champagne.

Learn About the Champagne Making Process

During your visit to Champagne, you will have a chance to learn about the champagne making process. You’ll see the different methods employed, from traditional, handpicked grapes to industrial fermentation vats. You’ll also discover the history of the region and how Champagne became one of the most prestigious drinks of all time.

Sample 8 Tastings and More in some of the trip

On your Champagne day tour, you will have the opportunity to sample 8 tastings and more of the best champagne in the region. You can try a range of different sparkling wines and learn about the nuances of each variety. You can also explore small, family-owned vineyards that produce unique blends.

Which Champagne Houses to Visit on a Day Trip from Paris?

Veuve Clicquot in Reims

Veuve Clicquot is a luxury Champagne brand in Reims, a city with a rich history and great architectural works. You’ll experience a guided tour of its cellars originally dug by the Romans, and you may learn about the revolutionary technique that Madame Clicquot herself developed to remove sediments from the bottles. The brand’s flagship Yellow Label Champagne and its Rosé are some of the most recognized around the world.

Moët & Chandon in Epernay

Moët & Chandon is a household name when it comes to Champagne. Located in the town of Epernay, the brand has been producing Champagne for over two centuries and is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. You’ll learn about its rich history, cellar, and how the brand produces some of the most popular Champagnes in the market.

Small, Family-Owned Wineries

For a more authentic and personal touch, visit small family-owned wineries and experience champagne at “the source.” You might find hidden gems and unique blends that seldom make it outside the region. They may offer a more intimate and personalized experience, and you will glimpse the passion and hard work that goes into making each bottle.

How to Book a Champagne Tour from Paris?

Choose Your Tour Type and Duration

There are several types of champagne tours to choose from, depending on your preferences and available time. Private and guided tours abound and offer their unique flavor and touch, while group tours and day trips are perfect for larger groups. You can book a half-day or a full-day tour depending on the itinerary and what you want to explore.

Select Your Champagne Houses and Tasting Options

The Champagne region has a wide range of Champagne houses to choose from; famous champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon can be paired with small wineries or grape growers that offer unique tastings. You can tailor your own itinerary, select the houses you want to visit and the tastings you want to experience, and pair them with lunch or shopping or an afternoon vineyard walk.

Book Online or Through a Tour Operator

Booking your Champagne day tour is easy and convenient. You can book directly from a tour operator or travel agent, choose your options and pay online. Your tour package will typically include hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation, and a guide. Booking through a tour operator saves you time and ensures that you get the most out of your day trip. Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore the Champagne region on your own, but a guide is highly recommended for a better understanding of the region and its culture.

A day trip from Paris to Champagne offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. You’ll discover the secrets of champagne production and sample the best of the region in the most beautiful setting. Whether you want to visit the famous Champagne houses or explore small family-owned wineries, you’ll find something to suit your preference and style.

FAQ : Day Trip to Champagne From Paris