Reims, lodging, eats & champagne house visits

Don't skip the basilica, which I enjoyed more than the cathedral. I went on two tours that were close to each other and the basilica - Taittinger and Martel. I enjoyed both, they were quite different. On the next day, I took the train to Epernay and enjoyed the city hall, walking the Avenue du Champagne past all the famous champagne houses, passed up on tastings along the way, and ended at Mercier where I took their tour - definitely the most fun. Remember to dress warmly for all the tours. I also went to the excellent Musee de la Reddition in Reims.

The tourist office can help you choose and reserve tours.

Thanks Chani.

Chani, we'll be there in a few wks and trying to decide which two champagne houses to tour... can you explain why Mercier was the most fun? Thanks!

If you arrive late afternoon and spend two nights, you will only have one full day unless you leave for Paris late in the afternoon of your departure day. Just a thought. You should also visit the museum where the papers ending WWII were signed. We found it very interesting. You can walk to it by taking a pedestrian tunnel under the train station. There is a restaurant across from Grand Hotel Continental (might have the same name but there is no connection) that has excellent food -- ate there twice for the mussels. Au Bureau on the square by the Cathedral is good for a quick lunch.

Thanks TC mussels are a favourite of mine!

I did consider 3 nights. If I stay only 2 nights I would depart to Paris mid to late afternoon to make best use of my time.

Susan Have you taken the Korbel tour? The Reims tours are similar in that they talk mainly about the history of the region and the family.

Mercier is in Epernay. If you have limited time in Reims, I wouldn't go that far just for the tour. The tour is kind of like a Disney ride, with a fun elevator ride down and then touring the cave in a "train." There is a lot of information during the tour. The main building is also a museum about the founder and how it all got started. All three tours I took focused mainly on the history of the family. Mercier was also my favorite bubbly (much less Chardonnay than any of the others and I'm an ABC drinker). Taittinger poured the least for the money, but to be fair, they pour their best. Martel was the most generous with tastings of the 3 I took.

One of our highlights was eating at the restaurant, Le Jardin des Crayeres, at Les Crayeres, near Pommery Champagne House. I have also seen it referred to as Brasserie Le Jardin. Delightful restaurant in their beautiful garden. I also second a visit to the Basilique Saint Remi.

Chani, thanks so much for all your great info, it's very helpful.