I would love to visit Reims to see a few of the champagne houses while in France. Any insights? Thanks!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
There are two train stations in Reims and the TGV trains from Paris run to the Gare-Champagne-Ardenne, 3 miles from the center of Reims. To get to Reims-Centre station, take the frequent navette shuttle trains. From there you can reach the cathedral by foot in 15 minutes or you can take the time-saving bus. And back at the Centre station, there are about 12 trains per day that make the 30 minute trip to Epernay, where Moet et Chandon offers tours and Dom Perignon discovered the bubbly! You'll love it.
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
Jenny -
If train is not your liking - you can also drive. The A4 leaves from the east side of Paris straight to Reims.
Avis has a rental location at Gare d'Austerlitz and the A4 is accessible within 3 minutes from there.
This is a great website that lists a good deal of information about visiting Champagne - where the vineyards are etc.
http://www.champagne.com/en_indx.html
Just a side note - champagne in France is a great deal more expensive than you are used to in the US. Trivia btw - the US is the only other country in the world allowed to call champagne "champagne" outside of the region. Gotta love trade treaties -
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
More expensive? If you are refering to Dom Per vs. Cheap American Crud then maybe. But if you are talking about the same brand for the same brand, then champagne like most french Wine is cheaper in France.
btw. Trade treaties (mostly)have nothing to do with it. The "champange" clause is left over from WWI and the treaty of Versailles. The french were desperate to control German wine production there so they declared the AOC. US never ratified the treaty, so never recognized the laws contained therein. Today it can only appear on bottles that state clearly where the wine was made. However most quality producers don't use it as american "champagne" is seen as lower quality. Whereas several artisan wine makers are getting recognized in their own right for their sparkling wine.
P.S. If you go you CANNOT miss the automated ride in the wine barrel that goes around the caves. Disney meets wine, so funny.