How to Visit Reims and Épernay from Paris: A Friendly, Field-Tested Guide
Craving a sparkling escape from Paris? The Champagne capital of Reims and its elegant neighbor Épernay are closer than you think—easy to reach by train, car, or guided tour. This comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide shows you exactly how to plan a Champagne day trip (or a decadent weekend), including travel times, costs, best Champagne houses, and sample itineraries. Whether you’re drawn by UNESCO-listed cathedrals, historic chalk cellars, or the Avenue de Champagne, here’s how to visit Reims and Épernay from Paris—stress-free.
At a Glance: Your Champagne Day Trip from Paris
| Route | Typical Time (one-way) | Approx. Cost (one-way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris (Gare de l’Est) → Reims (Centre) | 45–55 minutes by TGV | €16–€45+ | Fastest access, cathedral + big houses |
| Paris (Gare de l’Est) → Épernay | 1h10–1h25 by TER | €12–€30 | Avenue de Champagne, Moët & Chandon |
| Reims ↔ Épernay (TER) | 30–40 minutes | €7–€12 | Combining both towns |
| Paris → Reims/Épernay (car via A4) | 1h30–2h (traffic-dependent) | Fuel + tolls ~€20–€35 each way | Vineyard villages, flexible schedule |
| Guided small-group tour from Paris | 10–12 hours door-to-door | €190–€350+ | Effortless tastings, designated driver |
How to Get to Reims and Épernay from Paris
By Train (Fast, Easy, Eco-Friendly)
The simplest way to visit Reims and Épernay from Paris is by rail from Paris Gare de l’Est.
- Paris → Reims (Centre): Direct high-speed TGV trains take about 45–55 minutes. Some TGVs serve Reims Centre; others stop at Champagne-Ardenne TGV (Bezannes), which connects to central Reims by tram in 10–20 minutes.
- Paris → Épernay: Direct TER regional trains take roughly 1h10–1h25. Épernay station is a 10–15 minute walk to the Avenue de Champagne.
- Reims ↔ Épernay: TER trains run in 30–40 minutes, making it very doable to visit both in one day.
Booking tips: Search on SNCF Connect or Trainline. TGVs require seat reservations; booking 1–4 weeks in advance usually yields the best fares. TERs are flexible (no seat reservations). Expect busy trains during harvest (mid-Sept to early Oct) and summer weekends.
By Car (Flexibility for Villages and Vineyards)
Driving from Paris to Champagne takes 1h30–2h via the A4 motorway.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility to reach villages like Hautvillers (Dom Pérignon’s resting place), Aÿ-Champagne, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Easier to hop between family growers.
- Cons: Tolls and parking, weekend traffic, and you’ll need a designated driver. Champagne tastings are generous; safety first.
- Parking: Reims has central car parks near the cathedral; Épernay has lots near the Avenue de Champagne. Allow a few euros per hour.
Guided Tours from Paris (Zero-Planning, Zero-Driving)
Small-group or private Champagne tours from Paris handle transport, cellar bookings, and lunch. You’ll typically visit one large house and one small grower, plus a winery walkthrough.
- Duration: 10–12 hours round-trip
- What’s included: Round-trip transport, tastings, sometimes lunch; check inclusions carefully.
- Good to know: Tours often include Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne and a scenic stop in Hautvillers.
Reims vs Épernay: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Reims | Épernay |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Historic city, grand architecture | Elegant town centered on Champagne |
| Icons | Notre-Dame de Reims (UNESCO), Palais du Tau | Avenue de Champagne, Moët & Chandon cellars |
| Champagne Houses | Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery, Ruinart, Mumm | Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger |
| Best For | Mix of culture + bubbles, cathedral lovers | Immersive Champagne focus, picture-perfect strolls |
| Without Car | Excellent: tram, walkable center | Excellent: compact, easy to walk |
Short on time? Pick one town. Have a full day? Start in Reims for the cathedral and a house tour, then hop to Épernay for the Avenue de Champagne before returning to Paris.
Suggested Itineraries: Day Trip and Weekend
1-Day Reims + Épernay (Train Only)
- 08:00–09:00: TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est to Reims Centre.
- 09:15–10:00: Notre-Dame de Reims (UNESCO). Quick stop at Palais du Tau courtyard.
- 10:30–12:00: Cellar tour in Reims (e.g., Taittinger or Pommery). Book ahead.
- 12:15–13:30: Lunch near the cathedral or at a brasserie.
- 13:45–14:25: TER to Épernay.
- 14:40–16:30: Avenue de Champagne walk + one tasting (Moët & Chandon, Mercier, or a boutique house).
- 16:45–17:30: Coffee, souvenir shopping (biscuit rose de Reims is a regional classic).
- 17:45–19:10: TER to Paris or TER back to Reims then TGV to Paris (pick whichever offers a better schedule).
1-Day Reims Only
- Cathedral and Saint-Remi Basilica in the morning; lunch.
- Afternoon tastings: choose one big name (Veuve Clicquot/Pommery/Taittinger) and one smaller grower if available.
- Wrap with a stroll on Place Drouet-d’Erlon.
1-Day Épernay Only
- Morning arrival; Avenue de Champagne visit and cellar tour (Moët & Chandon or Mercier).
- Lunch on the Avenue or in the town center.
- Optional: Ballon d’Épernay tethered balloon (seasonal, weather-permitting) for vineyard views.
- Late afternoon second tasting or visit Hautvillers by taxi.
2 Days in Champagne (No Car)
- Day 1: Reims culture + 1–2 tastings. Dinner at a classic brasserie or a Michelin-starred table (e.g., L’Assiette Champenoise or Le Parc des Crayères).
- Day 2: TER to Épernay, Avenue de Champagne, 2 tastings, return to Paris in the evening.
Top Things to Do in Reims and Épernay
Reims Highlights
- Notre-Dame de Reims: Where French kings were crowned—a Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass.
- Palais du Tau: Former archbishop’s palace, now a museum of coronation treasures.
- Basilique Saint-Remi: Romanesque-Gothic gem with a serene ambiance.
- Champagne Houses:
- Taittinger: Elegant chalk cellars (crayères) and balanced, Chardonnay-led cuvées.
- Pommery: 19th-century art nouveau flair; dramatic cellars.
- Ruinart: Oldest Champagne house (book far in advance).
- Veuve Clicquot and G.H. Mumm: Big brands with polished tours.
Épernay Highlights
- Avenue de Champagne: A parade of maisons with miles of cellars beneath your feet.
- Moët & Chandon: One of the most extensive cellars; classic tours with tastings.
- Mercier: Fun, accessible tour with a small train through the cellars—great for first-timers.
- Perrier-Jouët and Pol Roger: Refined houses; check for tour availability.
- Hautvillers (nearby): Charming village with Dom Pérignon lore and postcard views. Short taxi ride from Épernay.
Booking Tastings: What to Know
| House | Tour Length | Indicative Price | Good To Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taittinger (Reims) | 60–90 min | €28–€60+ | Historic crayères; steps involved |
| Pommery (Reims) | 60–75 min | €25–€55+ | Art-filled cellars; many stairs |
| Moët & Chandon (Épernay) | 60–90 min | €35–€75+ | Very popular; book weeks ahead |
| Mercier (Épernay) | 45–60 min | €20–€40+ | Cellar train; family-friendly feel |
| Small Grower (various) | 45–75 min | €15–€30+ | Intimate, often by appointment only |
General advice:
- Reserve ahead—especially Fri–Sun and during harvest (mid-Sept to early Oct). Many houses close on Sundays or Mondays off-season.
- Dress for 10–12°C cellars (50–54°F) and wear flat, closed shoes; there are often steep steps.
- Responsible tasting: Spitting is normal; most houses provide spittons on request. Plan a designated driver if you’re driving.
- Shipping: Many houses can ship internationally or provide packing for safe transport.
Costs and Budgeting
| Item | Shoestring | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris ↔ Champagne trains | €30–€50 | €50–€90 | €100+ |
| 2 tastings | €30–€50 | €60–€120 | €150+ |
| Lunch (per person) | €15–€25 | €25–€45 | €60–€120 |
| Guided day tour (optional) | — | €190–€250 | €300–€400+ |
Note: Prices fluctuate by season and availability. Booking trains early and choosing one premium tasting plus one grower visit is a great value mix.
Best Time to Visit Champagne
- April–June: Lush vineyards, milder crowds, stable weather.
- September–early October (harvest): Buzzing energy and golden vines, but tours and trains book fast—reserve early.
- Winter: Quiet and cozy, fewer tours, shorter hours; magical holiday season lights.
Practical Tips for a Seamless Trip
- Depart from Paris Gare de l’Est; arrive 15–20 minutes early.
- Navigo passes do not cover Champagne; purchase SNCF tickets.
- Local transit: Reims has a handy tram network; Épernay is very walkable.
- Accessibility: Many historic cellars have stairs; some (e.g., Mercier) offer more accessible options—email ahead.
- Food planning: Book lunch if you’re visiting on weekends or during harvest. Classic regional bites: jambon de Reims, chaource/chaource-style cheeses, and biscuit rose for dessert.
- Weather & wardrobe: Bring a light jacket year-round for cool cellars.
- Etiquette: It’s fine to spit, ask questions, and take notes; avoid heavy perfume.
- Souvenirs: Smaller cuvées and limited editions are often cellar-door only.
Getting Around Between Tastings (Without a Car)
- On foot: Reims center and the Avenue de Champagne are compact and pedestrian-friendly.
- Taxi/Rideshares: Useful for hopping to nearby villages like Hautvillers.
- Bikes/e-bikes: Seasonal rentals in both towns; scenic lanes thread through vineyards.
Sample “Perfect Day” Champagne Schedule (Train)
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Paris → Reims TGV | Book seats; coffee at Gare de l’Est |
| 09:15 | Reims Cathedral | 30–45 min visit |
| 10:30 | Cellar Tour (Reims) | Taittinger/Pommery; pre-book |
| 12:15 | Lunch | Reserve on weekends |
| 13:45 | TER to Épernay | Check timetable in advance |
| 14:40 | Avenue de Champagne stroll | Photo stops, boutiques |
| 15:30 | Cellar Tour (Épernay) | Moët or Mercier |
| 17:30 | Return to Paris | Direct TER or via Reims |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Champagne tastings can I do in one day?
Two is ideal—one late morning, one mid-afternoon—with time for lunch and sightseeing. Add a third only if you’re skipping major attractions or splitting tastings across two days.
Do I need to book Champagne house tours in advance?
Yes, especially on Fridays, weekends, summer, and harvest season. Many houses require online reservations and have limited English-language slots.
Is a day trip from Paris enough?
Yes, for a satisfying introduction—especially to Reims or to the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. If you want both towns and a village, consider an overnight stay.
What should I wear in Champagne cellars?
Comfortable closed shoes and a light jacket; cellars are cool (10–12°C) and often involve steps.
Can I visit smaller, family-run growers?
Absolutely. Many offer intimate tastings by appointment. Without a car, use taxis or bikes; with a car, plan a designated driver.
Benefits of Visiting Reims and Épernay from Paris
- World-class culture + wine: Pair UNESCO architecture with iconic Champagne houses.
- Close and convenient: Under an hour to Reims by TGV; easy day-trip logistics.
- Flexible styles: Big maisons for heritage and polish; small growers for authenticity and value.
- Memorable scenery: Rolling vineyards, chalk cliffs, and elegant boulevards.
A First-Hand Style “Case Study”
On a recent late-spring Saturday, we caught a 08:10 TGV to Reims and were standing under the cathedral’s soaring nave by 09:00. After a late-morning tour at Taittinger (bring that jacket!), we lingered over a light lunch and hopped on a 14:00 TER to Épernay. A sun-drenched walk down the Avenue of Champagne led to a Mercier tour—fun and unfussy. We wrapped the day with coffee on a terrace and boarded an early evening TER back to Paris, arms full of biscuit rose and a carefully packed bottle. Total travel time: minimal. Memories: maximal.
Responsible & Sustainable Champagne Travel
- Choose train travel when possible to cut emissions.
- Support grower-producers who practice sustainable viticulture (HVE, organic, biodynamic).
- Carry a reusable water bottle between tastings and hydrate.
- Never drink and drive—book taxis, tours, or appoint a designated driver.
Final Tips for a Flawless Champagne Escape
- Book trains and cellar tours early for best times and prices.
- Mix marquee houses with smaller growers for variety.
- Timebox your day with one cultural highlight (cathedral or balloon), one substantial tour, and one lighter tasting.
- Pack smart: light jacket, flat shoes, and a small tote for souvenirs.
Conclusion: Your Sparkling Game Plan
A Champagne day trip from Paris to Reims and Épernay is one of France’s great pleasures—fast to reach, easy to navigate, and rich with culture and bubbles. Take the TGV for efficiency, add a TER hop to combine both towns, or relax on a guided tour with door-to-door convenience. With reservations in hand, a sensible schedule, and a curiosity for both big maisons and boutique growers, you’ll sip more, stress less, and return to Paris with a glow that only Champagne can give.
Ready to plan? Start with train times from Paris Gare de l’Est, lock in a cellar tour on the Avenue de Champagne or in Reims’s chalk caves, and let the region’s sparkle do the rest. Santé!