If you’re in the heart of France’s Champagne region, a day trip from Reims to Épernay is a must! This itinerary is perfect for those wanting to explore charming villages, taste exquisite Champagne, and soak up the region’s rich history. Here’s how to make the most of your day.
Morning: Begin Your Journey in Reims
Start your day bright and early in Reims, stop in at one of the delicious patisserie’s for a breakfast pastry – buttery croissant’s from are guaranteed to start the day off on a high note. Leaving at 10:15 AM. Drive to Rilly-la-Montagne, just a short 20-minute (18km) drive away.
Stop 1: Champagne Mailly Grand Cru Arrive at this renowned Champagne house by 11:00 AM. Take your time savouring their exceptional Grand Cru Champagnes, (top of the Champagne region range) surrounded by picturesque vineyards.
Our experience included 3 x tastings with generous pours from the Parcellaire range @ 30 Euro’s per person. This was the premium tasting of the day, in a lovely winery with very friendly and knowledgeable staff who shared the hir=story of the region and the winery. My favourite was the Extra Brut millésime.
Midday: Explore Verzenay
A quick 15-minute (11km) drive brings you to the quaint village of Verzenay.
Stop 2: Verzenay Lighthouse
While climbing the 101 steps of the lighthouse may not be on your agenda, the views from this historic landmark are worth a visit. We enjoyed a brief stop here to admire the scenery and take photos.
Lunch in Ay
Continue your journey to Ay, just 22 minutes (19km) from Verzenay.
Stop 3: Lunch at La Frigousse
Arrive by 1:00 PM and indulge in a delicious French meal at La Frigousse, a cozy spot with authentic Champagne region cuisine including delicious cheeses, terrines and pates. Mix up your flavours and indulge in the local wines from the region and try the Ratafia liquor only available in this region.
Finish up by 2:00 PM, leaving time for your next adventure.
Afternoon Part 1: Discover Hautvillers
Drive 15 minutes (9km) to the picturesque village of Hautvillers, known as the “Cradle of Champagne.”
Stop 4: Visit the Tomb of Dom Pérignon
Pay your respects to the legendary Dom Pérignon at his tomb at the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers. This quick stop, from 2:45 PM to 3:15 PM, is a great way to connect with the history of Champagne.
Afternoon Part 2: Arrive in Épernay
The final leg of your journey is a 10-minute (6km) drive to Épernay, home to the famous Avenue de Champagne.
Stop 5: Avenue de Champagne
Stroll along this iconic street, lined with prestigious Champagne houses. Don’t miss a visit to Champagne Comtesse Lafond and enjoy a champagne tasting in the beautiful grounds at 3:30 PM. This building is like stepping into a fairytale.
We did the 3 champagne tastings @ 25 Euro’s per person for 30 mins (you can spend as long as you like here really though). Othre premium options available including a sabrage experience with a guided cellar tour.
Evening: Finish in Style at Moet & Chandon
For your final stop, finish the day exploring one of the biggest Champagne houses at Moet & Chandon. Browse through the shop, head upstairs to the red bar to see Napoleon’s hat and take your photo opp with Dom Perignon’s statue outside. It’s a real bucketlist moment for many to finish the day.
Lastly take a quick trip around the corner to see the famous Epernay Balloon.
End Your Day in Épernay
End the day with a lovely dinner in Epernay or head back to Reims and enjoy some rest after a truly amazing day. From Reims to Épernay, you’ve experienced some of the best the region has to offer and got a true taste and love of Champagne.
If you are looking for other options beyond champagne tastings here are some other suggestions;
- For panoramic views of Epernay take a guided tour of the tower and museum at Castellane
- Visit the Pressoir Museum for a rich history of Champagne and the region
- Take a geological look at the champagne cellars at La cave aux coquillages
In addition to these, Épernay is home to numerous champagne houses offering enticing tours and tastings. Highly-rated options include Boizel, Alfred Gratien, Bosser, Ayala (sister to Bollinger), Gosset, and Nicolas Feuillatte.
Remember to check opening times, as some locations are closed on Sundays, and most tours can be conveniently booked through Champagne Booking.
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