My husband and I would like to take a day trip to Epernay from Paris. My question is once we get to Epernay, how easy is it to get from champagne house to champagne house? We will not have a car. Also, if Reims is a better choice, please let us know. Thank you!!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
If you start early it's probably not difficult to see the Reims cathedral - which is fantastic - plus a champagne cellar in each town. There are frequent trains between the two towns; the trip takes 30-35 minutes. We easily saw both towns plus the surrounding countryside in a day using a rental car. We did only the Moet et Chandon tour in Epernay, which we really enjoyed. We didn't have time for two tours because we spent a lot of time stopping along the way to take pictures, etc, and we also had a leisurely lunch. My guess is that a second champagne tour would have been pretty repetitious. The countryside in that part of France is really beautiful.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
Yes, Reims is certainly beautiful. And one big Champagne house is plenty. It's interesting to see one, but more would be repetitious. The really good Champagnes are not at the big houses in Reims and Epernay anyway, but then again you wouldn't get to see massive underground caves at those producers. So if you want to drink good Champagne, skip the big houses, but if you want the experience, go to Reims. And then stop at a cafe and have a glass of Champagne.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
If you have never done one, you should do one of the big houses just for the experience, they are entertaining and very instructive. you can always do some of the smaller houses for tastings afterward. And of course if you can get out into the country and do some of the small grower champagnes that is a another experience entirely