We plan to go to the Champagne area in May and would like recommendation of boutique hotels or B & Bs in the area. Also anything that people really enjoyed in the area we would love to hear about. Thanks, Barbara (Chicago)
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
I would stay in Reims. There are several sights besides the caves and it's fairly large, so there's a good choice for restaurants. Take the train or bus to Epernay for a day. Reims is where the champagne makers began, and most of the historic caves, some still in use, and most of the tours are there. Epernay is the commercial hub now, so as you walk down Avenue de Champagne you will pass every brand you've heard of and a lot of new ones too. Spend a full day. The Mercier tour is there and it's the most fun. Take several tours in Reims also. I managed 2 in my single day there, Tattinger and Martel. The tours were quite different. The TI will give you a map and help you choose tours and make reservations.
Happy trails from an ex-Chicagoan (Go Bulls!).
Posted by
Atlanta
5196 posts
Two restaurants come to mind. Across from the cathedral (which is interesting because of the Chagall glass) is Au Bureau with outside tables and is good for lunch. The other is Le Gran Café on Place Drouet. Great food -- ate there twice!!
We went to the Martel champagne place and found it to be very interesting. It is easy to get to on the city bus from the area of the train station.
The Museum of the Surrender (?) where the peace treaty ending WWII was signed is also well worth a visit
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the info.
Do people think a car is necessary or walking and train just as good? We are big walkers.
Posted by
Atlanta
5196 posts
Very easy to get to Reims from Paris via train and the city itself is very walkable. At least some of the champagne producers are easy to get to using public transit. For that area I don't think you need a car. That might not be the case if your plans call for going farther out and about to some smaller places.