What is the best option for travel from Paris to Reims? Do you suggest only a day trip or an overnight stay? Are the rail prices worth it if we plan on not hiring a car?
Any and all feedback would be great! Thanks!
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Kelsey - Since you didn't specify time of year, Currently on the TGV-Europe web site Putting in a departure date of 3 March nad a return date of 4 March round trip to Reims is as little as 24 euro.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
14 posts
It will be around the last of February. Thanks!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
For a short trip like that, a car would be a pain. Take the train for an easy day trip. The cathedral is a short walk from the station.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
Take the TGV. You'll get there in 45 mins. It's an easy walk from the train station, and you can see most things on foot. The cathedral is (IMO) awsome. It's so much nicer to visit without the hordes at Notre Dame in Paris. The history of the cathedral is quite impressive also!
That being said, if you're planning to visit several of the champagne houses, it would be nice to see Reims one day and then rent a car for the next day to travel around visiting the great champagne houses (Epernay is where you will find Dom Perignon...yum!)
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The standard 2nd class fare each way for the TGV is €31. Booked online well in advance, you can get a PREM'S fare as low as €12.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
14 posts
Tim,
Is there a recommended website for purchasing the TGV ticket? I always get re-routed to RailEurope and they are charging me $100 for round trip tickets + shipping!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Kelsey,
If you can't handle the French on the SNCF site, go to www.tgv-europe.com. You can book up to 90 days in advance. To keep everything in English and to keep from being bumped to the Rail Europe site, choose Great Britain as both your country of residence and the country in which you will retrieve your tickets. Don't worry. If you get a PREM'S fare, you print the tickets yourself. If you get a standard fare, you can pick up your tickets at any SNCF station or boutique in France by showing the credit card used when booking and the confirmation number you'll be send by e-mail. PREM'S tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable so don't book them unless you can commit to a specific departure date and time.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
14 posts
Thanks Tim! I'll let you know how it goes!
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
14 posts
Tim,
YOU ROCK!!!
2 round trips for 54 Euro!!!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Congratulations, Kelsey!