If you’re in Paris and looking for a day that combines great drinks, amazing history, and a bit of road-trip adventure, Champagne is the move. This world-famous wine region is packed with legendary houses, local producers, and enough fizz to keep your spirits high.
Here’s how to plan a day trip that hits all the right notes — no fluff, just bubbles, stories, and a solid game plan.
How to Get from Paris to Champagne
Reims and Épernay are the two big names for Champagne tasting. Getting there is easy:
- By Train: Take the TGV from Gare de l’Est to Reims (45 minutes) or Épernay (about 1h15). Trains are frequent and reliable.
- By Car: Around 90 minutes from Paris. This gives you more freedom to explore small villages and family producers.
- By Guided Tour: Check GetYourGuide Champagne tours or Viator for driver-included options.
If you’re planning to taste a lot, trust me — book a driver.
Champagne House Highlights
You’ll never see them all in one day, so pick a couple of the best:
- Moët & Chandon (Épernay): The king of big-brand bubbles, with a tour worth the hype
- Veuve Clicquot (Reims): Amazing chalk cellars and a killer history of female entrepreneurship
- Taittinger (Reims): Family-run, classic style, solid tasting lineup
- Champagne Mercier (Épernay): Fun and a bit more casual
If you want a smaller, local vibe, check out the many family growers around Hautvillers — fewer crowds, better stories.
What to Expect on Tour
A Champagne house tour usually includes:
- A guided walk through underground cellars
- Insight into the traditional bottle-fermentation method
- A glass (or two) of their best stuff
- Optional food pairings or extra tastings
Reserve in advance, especially from April to October. These spots book up fast.
Where to Eat in Champagne
No trip here is complete without a good meal to go with all those bubbles:
- Café du Palais (Reims): Old-school brasserie with solid local dishes
- Le Millénaire (Reims): Modern fine dining, Michelin-starred
- Picnic at Hautvillers: Grab bread, cheese, and charcuterie from a market and set up near the vineyards — unbeatable.
When to Go
Spring and fall are the sweet spots: fewer tourists, more comfortable weather. July–August gets busy and pricey, but it’s also festival season.
Avoid Sundays if possible — many Champagne houses close or have reduced hours.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like seeing where real Champagne is made — and tasting it straight from the source. With a simple plan, you can squeeze a lot of flavor and adventure into a single day.
So pack your sense of curiosity (and maybe a corkscrew for souvenirs) and let Paris to Champagne be one for the memory books.
