Champagne Region Day Trip from Paris: The Complete 2026 Guide

Dreaming of clinking glasses in the birthplace of bubbly? A Champagne region day trip from Paris is one of the most rewarding escapes you can make in a single day. With swift TGV trains, world-famous Champagne houses, UNESCO-listed chalk cellars, and vineyard views, you can experience the essence of Champagne—without renting a car or booking an overnight stay.

In this guide, you’ll find the best ways to get there, easy itineraries for Reims and Épernay, expert tasting tips, booking advice, budgets, and the must-visit Champagne houses for first-timers. Whether you’re planning a DIY day trip to Champagne from Paris or prefer a guided tour, here’s everything you need to sip smarter.

Why Take a Day Trip to Champagne?

• Close to Paris: Reims is just 45 minutes by TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est. Épernay takes about 1 hr 15 mins by TER.
• Iconic houses and hidden gems: Visit Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, or discover grower-producers pouring superb Grand Cru and Premier Cru cuvées.
• UNESCO heritage: Explore the Champagne Hillsides, Houses & Cellars, plus Reims Cathedral—where French kings were crowned.
• Scenic vineyard villages: Wander Hautvillers, linked to Dom Pérignon, and the rolling hills of the Montagne de Reims.

Quick Highlights

• Reims: Notre-Dame Cathedral, chalk “crayères” cellars (Taittinger, Pommery, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart), Mumm near the center.
• Épernay: Avenue de Champagne (Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Perrier-Jouët), easy access to Hautvillers and Aÿ-Champagne.
• Hautvillers: Charming village, abbey church with Dom Pérignon’s tomb, panoramic vineyard views.

How to Get from Paris to Champagne

By Train (Easiest & Fastest)

• Paris → Reims (Reims Centre): ~45 minutes by TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est. Frequent departures on SNCF.
• Paris → Champagne-Ardenne TGV: ~35–40 minutes; then 10–15 minutes by tram/TER to Reims Centre.
• Paris → Épernay: ~1 hr 15–30 minutes by TER from Paris Gare de l’Est (usually a direct regional train).
• Booking: Use the SNCF Connect app/website. Advance fares from ~€20–€45 each way; last-minute can be higher.

By Car (Flexibility for Small Villages)

• Driving time: ~1 hr 30–2 hrs via the A4 motorway.
• Tolls: Approximately €12–€16 each way.
• Parking: Reims and Épernay have paid lots near attractions; villages often have free street parking.
• Important: Designate a sober driver; France has strict alcohol limits.

By Guided Tour (Stress-Free)

• Small-group tours: Typically €130–€250 per person including transport, 1–2 cellar tours, tastings, and a vineyard stop.
• Private tours: From ~€500+, with custom itineraries (e.g., Reims + Épernay + Hautvillers).

Perfect Day Trip Itineraries

Itinerary 1: Reims in a Day (Culture + Cellars)

Morning: TGV to Reims Centre. Walk to Notre-Dame de Reims (UNESCO) and the Palais du Tau. Coffee at a café on Place Royale.

Late Morning: Cellar tour at Taittinger or Pommery in the Saint-Nicaise quarter—spectacular chalk pits (crayères) with Roman origins. Book ahead.

Lunch: Classic brasserie near the Halles du Boulingrin or a splurge at a Michelin-starred table like L’Assiette Champenoise (Tinqueux) or Le Parc, Les Crayères.

Afternoon: Second cellar tour at Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart (oldest Champagne house, advance booking essential), or Mumm closer to the center.

Late Afternoon: Stroll Rue de Vesle shops; TGV back to Paris.

Itinerary 2: Épernay & Hautvillers (Avenue & Views)

Morning: TER to Épernay. Walk the Avenue de Champagne past Moët & Chandon, Mercier, and Perrier-Jouët. Book a tour at Moët & Chandon or Mercier (famous barrel and underground train).

Lunch: Bistro in Épernay’s center or picnic with vineyard views.

Afternoon: Short taxi/ride-share to Hautvillers (Dom Pérignon’s village). Pop into a vigneron for a grower tasting; visit the abbey church. Optional stop at Pressoria (Aÿ-Champagne), a sensory museum about Champagne.

Evening: Return to Épernay for the TER back to Paris.

Best Champagne Houses for First-Time Visitors

Reserve in advance (especially weekends and summer). Below are popular houses with engaging tours and English-speaking guides.

Interested in grower Champagne (récoltant-manipulant)? Try appointments with producers in villages like Rilly-la-Montagne, Cumières, Dizy, Bouzy, Avize, or Ludes. Names such as Vilmart, Pierre Gimonnet, Gaston Chiquet, Paul Bara, or Bérêche are beloved by Champagne enthusiasts. Expect intimate tastings and excellent value.

What to Know Before You Book

• Reservations: Book cellar tours 1–3 weeks in advance; peak periods fill up quickly.
• Opening days: Many small producers close Sundays and during harvest; large houses may have reduced hours off-season.
• Harvest time: Early September (varies). Tours may be limited; the region is busy and magical.
• Cellar conditions: 10–12°C (50–54°F). Bring a light jacket and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
• Tasting fees: ~€20–€70 at major houses; €10–€25 at growers (sometimes deducted with purchase).
• Transport between sites: Taxi, ride-share, or short trams/buses in Reims; bicycles are great for the Montagne de Reims if weather permits.
• Don’t drink and drive: Use trains, tours, or a designated driver.

Champagne Basics to Elevate Your Tasting

• Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier.
• Styles: Blanc de Blancs (all Chardonnay), Blanc de Noirs (black grapes), Rosé, Non-Vintage (NV), Vintage (millésimé).
• Aging: NV minimum 15 months on lees; vintage minimum 36 months—often much longer at top houses.
• Sweetness (Dosage):

• Serving: 8–10°C for NV; 10–12°C for vintage. Use a tulip-shaped glass rather than a narrow flute for better aromas.
• Labels to know: RM (grower), NM (negociant/house), CM (cooperative). Grand Cru and Premier Cru refer to village vineyard rankings.
• Sabrage: Ceremonial opening with a saber—some tours offer demos; trained staff only.

Where and What to Eat

• Reims: Classic city bistros around Place Drouet-d’Erlon; Brasserie du Boulingrin is a local favorite. Pâtisseries for biscuits roses de Reims.
• Épernay: Casual bistros near the Avenue; picnic from local traiteurs and enjoy vineyard viewpoints.
• Michelin treats: L’Assiette Champenoise (3*), Le Parc (2*), and other starred options—book well ahead.
• Perfect pairings: Try Blanc de Blancs with oysters, Brut NV with rotisserie chicken, Rosé with charcuterie, and Demi-Sec with fruit tarts.

Costs at a Glance

Practical Tips for a Smooth Champagne Day

• Start early: Book the first train out to fit two cellar tours plus lunch.
• Group tours vs DIY: Tours save planning; DIY offers flexibility and lower cost.
• Pack smart: Light layer for cellars, water, and a small backpack for bottles.
• Shipping & carrying: Many houses ship internationally; carrying 1–2 bottles on the train is easy. Check your home country’s customs allowances before flying back.
• Language: English tours are common; a few French phrases go a long way.
• Seasonality: May–June and September–October offer great weather and vineyard scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Champagne region day trip from Paris really feasible?

Yes. With trains under an hour to Reims and ~1.25 hours to Épernay, you can tour two Champagne houses, enjoy lunch, and be back in Paris by evening.

Reims or Épernay— which is better for a first visit?

Reims for cathedral + iconic chalk cellars; Épernay for the Avenue de Champagne and easy access to Hautvillers. If you love architecture and history, pick Reims; for vineyard vibes, pick Épernay.

Do I need to book Champagne cellar tours in advance?

Yes, especially for major houses and weekends. Same-day walk-ins are increasingly rare in peak season.

How many tastings can I do in one day?

Two guided tours plus an additional tasting stop is comfortable. Pace yourself, hydrate, and plan transport safely.

What should I wear?

Smart casual with comfortable shoes. Cellars are cool (10–12°C), so bring a light jacket.

A Few Insider Touches

• Montagne de Reims Natural Park: If you have a car or guide, detour to the Verzenay lighthouse for sweeping vineyard panoramas.
• Label hunt on the Avenue: In Épernay, door plaques reveal miles of cellars beneath your feet—some houses age tens of millions of bottles underground.
• Grower discovery: Look for RM codes on labels to find small, family-made wines that overdeliver on character and terroir.

Conclusion: Your Sparkling Escape Awaits

A day trip to Champagne from Paris blends convenience with unforgettable flavor. In a single day you can stand under the soaring vaults of Reims Cathedral, wander UNESCO-listed chalk cellars carved by hand, and taste Champagne where it’s born—from legendary houses to passionate grower-producers. Book your trains, reserve your tours, bring a light jacket, and let the bubbles lead the way. Santé!