Reims or Epernay

Hi Melanie, Welcome to the forum! I’ve been to both and I preferred Epernay to Reims. Epernay is much smaller and quieter than big-city Reims, which has close to ten times the population of Epernay. You can stay in Epernay and just take the 30-minute train into Reims to see the cathedral. Epernay has plenty of Houses of Champagne to visit.

I've been to both and have no preference. Reims is great if you want to also take in the magnificent cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the traditional coronation spot for French kings as well as a significant work of gothic architecture. In Reims you can can Taittinger's UNESCO World Heritage caves which are pretty cool, IMO. Epernay is great because a walk down Avenue de Champagne takes you past many lovely champagne houses and you can more easily do multiple tastings. I found that in Epernay, it was much more about tastings in lovely parlor type settings. I enjoyed both places but I'd say go to Reims if you want more than champagne and got to Epernay if you are really into strolling along and popping in for tastings.

I would strongly recommend Reims, as it's a city with much more than wines to recommend it; look especially for some beautiful Art Deco architecture and the sunken square south of the Hotel de Ville, which features live music in summer. But be sure also to visit Epernay, and if you take the train, also visit Rilly-la-Montagne to see some small grower Champagne houses.

I love the Champagne region, but Epernay isn't my favorite town there. It's a bit too full of itself.

Another vote for Reims! In addition to what has already been mentioned, the WWII Museum of the Surrender is very interesting and I also highly recommend the Basilica of Saint-Remi, which is stunning. We spent one evening at the lovely Tresors de Champagne, which is beautifully decorated and allows for tastings from several small, local champagne houses for a set fee. We also greatly enjoyed our tour and tasting at G.H. Martel & Co.

I vote to stay in Reims, for the reasons mentioned by others. Also nearby is Hautvillers, where in the abbey there you will find the tomb of Dom Perignon, the "discoverer" of champagne. The setting and garden is small but lovely, and the views of the countryside from nearby are terrific. But do find your way to Epernay for at least an afternoon. If you won't have a car there, there should be some tours available for vineyards and tastings., leaving from Reims. Probably better not to drive if you imbibe, as the authorities are very strict about enforcement of driving impaired laws. The blood alcohol limit is lower than in the US. (Unless it has changed recently.)

Hi Melanie! Another vote for Épernay. I like both Reims and Épernay but, for me, the charm, beauty and tranquility of Épernay win out. And, as another poster mentioned, Reims is an easy 25-30 min train ride. Enjoy your trip!

I usually just drive through the region, spending more time in the villages along the Champagne Trail. I like shopping in Epernay, there's an excellent local co-op on the outskirts of the town that's great for regional stuff; Grand Frais Pierry. It's the closest thing to Trader Joe's I've found in Europe.

I have stayed overnight in Reims, mainly to walk some of the historic area. The Cathedral is a historic location, and for multiple reasons. But it's a rebuild. After WWI there was nothing left but craters in the area; over 200 large caliber shells had landed on it. I have a Michelin Guide from 1919 showing the spot, and you'd never know the church had been there. There's a very interesting French Car Museum in Reims, and along with the champagne you can find places to taste the local distilled beverages also.