Paris to Champagne by Train: How to Get There, Champagne Houses to Visit, and Day Trip Tips
Ahh, Champagne – the word alone evokes a sense of celebration, elegance, and pure joy in my heart. Home to the original and most sought-after sparkling wine in the world, France’s region of Champagne is a must visit for wine lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike.
As a total wine nerd, champagne has a special place in my life because of its incredible history, unique terroir, and fascinating winemaking methods. I finally got to visit the region for the first time in 2024, and despite some struggles with overwhelming jetlag and not speaking a lick of French, I can easily say it’s one of my favorite wine regions I’ve visited to date.
I wanted to build this travel guide because although it’s located just outside the capital of France, Champagne is often overlooked by visitors to the big city – plus, it’s easier to travel there from Paris than one might think. A quick train ride and you can enjoy sweeping vineyard views, quaint towns, and quiet streets, all accompanied by a few glasses of the world’s best bubbly.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended weekend getaway, this travel guide to Champagne, France, will help you book the perfect itinerary.
Paris to Champagne by Train: How to Get There, Champagne Houses to Visit, and Day Trip Tips
The region of Champagne offers an incredible escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path journey or a bucket list adventure, this extraordinary wine country is it.
Keep reading for my complete guide to visiting the region of Champagne, France, including how to get there from Paris, wineries to visit, must try restaurants, what to do, where to stay, and more.
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how to get to champagne from paris
The region of Champagne can be easily reached from Paris by train. Take the direct line from the Paris train station to Reims, which only takes about 45-minutes. My suggestion is to book your roundtrip train ticket through Rail Europe in advance, so you don’t have to worry about it once you get to wine country.
Once you arrive in Reims, you can easily explore the town on foot and visit Champagne houses within walking distance.
If you plan to visit any houses outside of the city, I would recommend booking a taxi in advance to ensure a timely arrival to your destination. You can also ask the wineries you are visiting if they can help arrange your transportation to and from the city center or Reims.
Best Champagne Houses to Visit
While many Champagne houses (the common word used to refer to wineries in this region — maisons in French) offer tours and tastings to the public, most don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s important to book your reservations online in advance.
When visiting Champagne, be sure to book a tasting that includes a tour of the iconic caves – or crayères – that snake beneath the region. These caves date back to Roman times, around 80 BCE, when they were initially dug as quarries to extract chalk stone used for building.
Not only are these naturally cool, moist caves ideal for aging champagne, they share an incredible, dark history as the site of shelter for local growers during World War II. Today, they're protected by UNESCO and a must see for any wine traveler.
Touring the historic champagne caves, or crayères, at Laurent-Perrier
Here are some unforgettable wine tasting experiences and houses that offer the best winery tours in Champagne.
Veuve Clicquot
From underground cellar tours to gastronomic picnics, the iconic Veuve Clicquot offers an array of experiences that allow you to dive into their more than 250-year-old story through the glass. You can book a private tour of Veuve Clicquot including a guided visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame here.
Bonus: Veuve Clicquot is located just outside the city center of Reims.
Maison Ruinart
If you’re looking for a luxury Champagne experience, Ruinart hosts a variety of tasting experiences that rotate with the seasons. Be sure to book one that includes a visit to the cellars.
Bonus: Maison Ruinart is only a 7-minute drive from the center of Reims.
Champagne Taittinger
Another icon, Champagne Taittinger is open for tastings, cellar tours, and chef-developed food pairings to complement.
Bonus: Champagne Taittinger is located within walking distance of both Maison Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, so you could choose two and visit both in one day.
Domaine Vranken Pommery
Domaine Vranken Pommery boasts an impressive art collection and tours that detail their almost 200-year history and story of their matriarch. You can also enjoy a Champagne pairing lunch crafted by their in-house chef.
Bonus: Domaine Vranken Pommery is located within walking distance to the other houses listed above.
Riddling racks in the underground caves of Champagne Palmer
Champagne Lanson
One of the oldest Champagne houses in Reims, Champagne Lanson allows you to discover its unique history through a variety of tours and tastings.
G.H. Mumm
Since 1827, G.H. Mumm has been crafting quality champagnes in the heart of the region. You can visit the house and enjoy tastings, tours, and thoughtful cheese pairings.
Bonus: G.H. Mumm is located just a 15-minute walk from the Reims train station.
Perrier-Jouët
With a wine bar, restaurant, beautiful grounds, and cocktails, Perrier-Jouët is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Note: This house is located in Epernay, about a 30-minute drive from Reims, so just keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.
Pro tip: If you have a favorite grower champagne, reach out to the producer to see if they offer tastings. While typically less extravagant, but just as incredible, sometimes these smaller wineries will offer private tastings upon request.
Visit, tour, and tasting at Champagne Palmer in Reims
Tours from Paris to Champagne, France
If you prefer to leave it to the experts, check out these roundtrip Champagne tours from Paris, including tastings, transportation, and more.
What to do in champagne, france
The obvious answer here is to visit the iconic wineries that make the Champagne region so special. I’d recommend two visits with lunch in between for the perfect day trip. This will also allow you some time to explore the city of Reims, the beating heart of Champagne.
If you’d like to enrich your trip to Champagne with more than just wine tasting, there is plenty to do in the city center of Reims, a town filled with incredible history, character, and charm.
Visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims
Dating back to the 13-14th centuries, the Reims Cathedral is an impressive gothic church that serves as the main attraction in this small city. Famous for being the original location for the coronation of French kings, this cathedral is free to enter and a must visit. Book a private guided tour of this stunning cathedral here.
Pro tip: Grab a coffee or glass of champagne at a nearby cafe and spend the afternoon people watching with the towering cathedral as your backdrop.
Visit Basilique Saint-Remi
Another beautiful example of historic architecture, Basilique Saint-Remi is an 11th century Romanesque basilica and the oldest church in the city. Entry to the church is free, while a visit to the museum inside is offered at a small fee of €5. Book a private guided tour of this basilica here.
Shop for champagne at a local wine store
Located in the heart of Reims, Le Pressoir is a champagne shop with a variety of offerings from the surrounding wine country. Bring a few bottles back with you to enjoy in Paris, or see what the options are for shipping some home.
Another nearby wine store with excellent selections, Trésors de Champagne offers both tastings in-store and bottles to take as souvenirs.
Stroll the quaint streets of Reims
Reims is a small city full of personality, with charming streets, small shops, and inviting cafes. You can spend a whole day just exploring on foot or book a private walking tour here.
Where to eat in Champagne
Where there is good wine, there is good food – a motto I live by when traveling that always proves to be true. If you’re visiting Champagne on a day trip or weekend getaway, here are some of the best restaurants in Reims to enjoy excellent cuisine paired with a glass (or two) of bubbly.
The Glue Pot - This moody brasserie is a local hangout with plenty of champagne, cocktails, music, and comfort food.
Sacré Burger - I never thought I’d say one of the best burgers I’ve eaten in my life was in Reims, France, but trust me, you have to try it. Burgers are also excellent accompaniments to champagne, of which this casual joint has an extensive list. Great stop for a quick lunch between champagne house visits!
Au Bon Manger - A staple for charcuterie, smoked fish, cheese, small plates, and of course, plenty of champagne.
Le Jardin Brasserie - Located within the luxury hotel, Domaine Les Crayères, this upscale eatery serves plenty of French classics.
Racine - A two-Michelin Star establishment overlooking stunning Japanese gardens. Led by Japanese chef, Kazuyuki Tanaka, this restaurant will provide a luxury culinary experience with a list of 250 champagnes to complement.
La Grande Georgette - If the weather permits, snag a table on the patio for a prime view of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. This Michelin Guide restaurant is located within the La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa and highlights fresh ingredients with classic French techniques. Pro tip: The sister brasserie next door, Little Georgette, offers more casual eats and approachable prices.
Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage - This wine bar comes highly recommended from a champagne-enthusiast friend of mine, so you know it has to be good. This neighborhood joint is an ideal spot for exceptional wines and shareable bites.
Hotels in Champagne, France
If you’d prefer to spend more time than just one day in this stunning region (same), here are some hotels in Champagne to complete your wine country trip.
Radisson Hotel Reims ($) - Perfect for affordability and convenience, with a prime location in Reims (about a ten-minute walk to the city center).
Résidence Eisenhower ($$) - This bed-and-breakfast style hotel is located in the heart of Reims, walking distance to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims. A restored mansion complete with refined elegance, these gorgeous rooms will transport you to a different time.
La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa ($$) - Renowned for its central location in Reims, comfortable rooms, onsite restaurants, and views of the Cathedral Notre-Dame.
Domaine les Crayères ($$$) - This luxury Reims hotel has everything you’re looking for in a trip to Champagne – it’s a stunning chateau surrounded by lush gardens, complete with ornate rooms, onsite dining, and tailored hospitality.
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa ($$$) - This luxury stay is likely on every wine lover's bucket list. Located in the heart of wine country, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is a family-owned and operated boutique hotel immersed in the region’s serene landscape. With a Michelin-starred restaurant, delightful spa, and panoramic vineyard views, you’ll never want to leave.
visual guide to champagne, france
If you’re a visual learner, here’s a short vlog of my day trip to Champagne from Paris.
Note: Neither of the houses I visited are open to the public for tours, but you can get a good idea of what a day trip from Paris to Champagne can look like for you! And if you’re in the wine industry, I’d highly recommend reaching out to Champagne Laurent-Perrier and Champagne Palmer to see if you can secure a visit.
faq: champagne, france
How far is Champagne from Paris?
The region of Champagne is located about 80 miles or 127 kilometers outside of Paris.
How do I get from Champagne to Paris?
The region of Champagne can be reached from Paris via train or car. My suggestion is to take the train from Paris to Reims, which is located in the heart of the Champagne region. If you rent a car, you can arrive to Reims from Paris in about an hour and a half.
How long is the train from Champagne to Paris?
The train ride from Champagne to Paris and vice versa is about 45-minutes - perfect for a day trip!
How much does a train ticket from Paris to Champagne cost?
A roundtrip train ticket from Paris to Champagne will cost about $30-50. You can book your ticket online through Rail Europe.
What is the best time to visit Champagne?
Early spring and early fall are the perfect times to visit Champagne, with fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
How many days do you need in the Champagne region?
While you can easily discover Champagne from Paris with a one day trip, I’d recommend staying at least three days, especially if you’re a wine lover.
Is a day trip from Paris to Champagne worth it?
In my opinion, absolutely yes! If you’re a wine lover or just looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of Paris and explore more uncharted territory, a day trip from Paris to Champagne is absolutely worth it.
What to wear wine tasting
Follow me on LTK for tips and inspiration for what to wear wine tasting!
I hope this guide inspires you to book a trip to one of the most amazing wine regions in the world.
If you’re planning a trip to France, check out my complete food and wine guide to Paris, including a list of must visit wine bars and restaurants, plus a downloadable Google map for easy navigation.
And if you enjoy exploring new wines, learning about underrated regions, discovering incredible small producers, and tasting with the winemakers themselves, I'd love to see you at any of these upcoming virtual wine tasting events.
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