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Champagne visit for wine lover

Posted by on

Bonjour,

This week I am going back to Paris (my 4th trip in 2.5 years). I would like to visit Champagne for the day and need advice on where to go and how I should get there.

I have been to Champagne once before on a small group tour with O Chateau. I am definitely a wine lover and relatively experienced with French wines, but less so with Champagnes (as I usually drink still reds). I would LOVE to visit one of the smaller houses where my friend and I might get a more personal experience, and I am looking for good values and lesser-known winemakers. We don't need the formulaic group tours and fancy big names . . . just wanting good wine and good people.

Also appreciated:

Recommendations for restaurants/cafes/other things to visit nearby whatever champagne houses you name
Advice on car and train travel from Paris (how easy is taking the train? I am staying in the 5th. Does the Navigo cover it? If we drive, what days/times are best?)
Any suggestions for wine lovers in Paris itself -- i.e. favorite wine shops and bars, etc

Thank you so very much.

Posted by
15597 posts

First of all, if you are planning to drink, don't drive!! The train is fine. Take the train from Paris to Reims. Visit the cathedral, the basilica and maybe the Musee de la Reddition (surrender WWII). There are many champagne houses to tour. Many of the big ones can be walk-in or booked the same day. The tours are usually in small to medium groups so you have the opportunity to ask questions. The big TI is at the cathedral and they'll help you choose and book. The small houses usually need to be booked in advance.

Posted by
12172 posts

To me the only day trip that works from Paris is the train to Reims. Reims requires a train change outside of town to the center (which is a little delay). Once in Reims, the station has a tourist information center. Stop in and have them book you a tour (you likely want English tours). I visited Mumm's because it's known as the best wine in town. It's about a mile walk from the station or you can catch a taxi. Afterward the Cathedral is one of the great ones (maybe another mile walk or tram/taxi) - the train station, Cathedral and Mumm's are roughly a triangle. In the center of those are some Roman ruins.

Extending out in front of the train station is a mostly pedestrian area with fountains and restaurants. That's probably the best place to look for something to eat.

There is more to see in Reims (and more champagne houses) but I think that's about as good as you can do as a daytrip.

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