Champagne Region: Day Trips and Tours from Paris
4.6The Champagne Region is primarily known for its world-class wines but offers various day trip activities. Drive through the breathtaking French countryside and learn about the process of making authentic champagne in the local vineyards.
Of course, a wine tasting is a must-do on your day trip to the Champagne Region from Paris, and an excursion here is ideal for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
The Champagne Region is primarily known for its world-class wines but offers various day trip activities. Drive through the breathtaking French countryside and learn about the process of making authentic champagne in the local vineyards.
Of course, a wine tasting is a must-do on your day trip to the Champagne Region from Paris, and an excursion here is ideal for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
(0/24) checking Musement...
The Champagne Region is primarily known for its world-class wines but offers various day trip activities. Drive through the breathtaking French countryside and learn about the process of making authentic champagne in the local vineyards.
Of course, a wine tasting is a must-do on your day trip to the Champagne Region from Paris, and an excursion here is ideal for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Here's your guide to the Champagne Region, one of the most famous places for day trips from Paris.
How to get to the Champagne Region from Paris?
The Champagne Region is located in north-eastern France, 150 kilometres east of Paris. It encompasses more than 34,000 hectares of vineyards which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
From Paris to the Champagne Region by car
The distance from Paris to the Champagne Region is approximately 150 kilometres, depending on where exactly you go in this large area. The drive takes just under two hours and is quite scenic, leading through rolling hills and colorful fields.
After leaving Paris behind, the highway A4 leads directly to Reims, the largest city in the Champagne Region. From there, smaller villages and wineries can be accessed.
From Paris to the Champagne Region by train/public transport
There is a direct train connection from Paris to Champagne-Ardenne, located outside of Reims. The service is operated by TGV, France’s high-speed rail service.
Get on the train at Gare l’Est station in Paris and enjoy the 40-minute non-stop journey to the Champagne Region. This is by far the fastest way to get to Reims from Paris.
Guided tour to the Champagne Region from Paris
A guided day tour from Paris to the Champagne Region is highly recommended. Since the area is quite large, it can be challenging to navigate as a tourist and having a car is essential. Therefore, you’ll have a more enjoyable day in the Champagne Region if you’re part of a day tour.
Are there entrance fees to the Champagne Region?
There is no general entrance fee to the Champagne Region. However, individual wineries sometimes charge tourists to visit their cellars or facilities. These prices will vary greatly depending on the chateau but tend to lie between €5 and €20, sometimes including a wine tasting.
What is the typical itinerary of Champagne Region tours from Paris?
Meet your tour group at 8 AM at a pickup location in the city center of Paris. The journey to the Champagne Region will be comfortable and quick in an air-conditioned minivan or bus.
Most day trips to the Champagne Region begin with a guided tour of a world-famous champagne house like Mumm or Moet & Chandon. Learn about the process of making champagne and how this region is different from others in France and around the world.
Of course, a champagne tasting is a must-do at this point.
Enjoy a local lunch either at a winery or in a nearby village before heading to the city of Reims. Here, you can marvel at the historic cathedral and enjoy some free time wandering through the narrow streets and alleys.
In the afternoon, you will have a chance to visit even more wineries, as well as the Reims Mountain Regional National Park. Finish off your day trip to the Champagne Region with yet another glass of wine before the journey back to Paris.
What kinds of day trips are available to go to the Champagne Region?
The region is home to thousands of wineries, and every day tour will visit different ones. There are various excursions from Paris to the Champagne Region, and you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your budget. Choose from exclusive private tours or fun group day trips.
Guided tours to the Champagne Region from Paris
The most common type of tour from Paris to the Champagne Region will be a guided day trip excursion. Meet your group at a pickup point in the city and enjoy transport in an air-conditioned bus.
You’ll spend the day with 20-30 other tourists and will visit several wineries. Lunch is usually not included.
Small group guided tours to the Champagne Region from Paris
For a more personalized experience, join a small group guided day trip from Paris to the Champagne Region. Transport will be provided in a minivan, and your group will only have eight people or fewer in total.
Private tour to the Champagne Region from Paris
A private tour of the Champagne Region will be the perfect jaunt for wine enthusiasts. Visit the most exclusive wineries and enjoy VIP treatment throughout the day. You’ll be picked up at your hotel in Paris and can decide on the itinerary with your private guide.
Day trip to the Champagne Region plus Reims from Paris
Reims is a part of the Champagne Region, but not all day tours will take you there. Stroll through the old town and shop for local specialities before heading to your wine tasting.
If you’re interested in visiting a historic city on your excursion to the Champagne Region, this type of tour is a great choice.
What are the prices of Champagne Region tours from Paris?
A full-day trip from Paris to the Champagne Region costs between €170 and €210 per person. This includes wine tastings at several locations in most cases.
If you’re interested in a tour with a smaller group, expect to pay upwards of €240 per person. A private wine tour of the Champagne Region starts at €300 and can even cost close to €2,000 with alcoholic drinks and a gourmet lunch included.
What will you see and do on a Champagne Region day trip?
A day trip excursion to the Champagne Region from Paris is all about visiting different wineries and trying the delicious champagne. Your expert tour guide will tell you all about the wine-making process, and you will visit the cellars of world-famous wineries.
Epernay is a popular stop on a day tour to the Champagne Region. This is the home of the Moet & Chandon Champagne House, and is home to one of the largest wine cellars in the world. It’s a unique and fascinating place to visit.
A short hike through the peaceful Reims Mountain Regional Nature Park is another common activity on a day trip to the Champagne Region. Take in the panoramic views and discover historic French villages.
Reims is a stunning city with several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Take a break from wine tastings and visit the world-famous cathedral before going window-shopping in the ancient streets.
When are wineries in the Champagne Region open?
Each winery will have its own specific opening hours. Most start welcoming visitors around 10 AM to 11 AM and stay open all day. Weekend hours are generally longer.
When is the best time to visit the Champagne Region?
Visiting the Champagne Region during the warm months, sometime between May and October, is highly recommended. In late September, the grape harvest begins, meaning most wineries will be very busy and tourism is at its peak.
Top tips before your visit
- Going on a guided day tour to the Champagne Region is highly recommended for convenience reasons. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to participate in wine tastings if you are driving.
- Lunch is generally not included in tours and restaurants can be pricey, so budget accordingly.
- Bring comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around a lot on dusty roads in the countryside.
- Let your tour guide know beforehand if you will not be participating in the wine tastings or if you do not drink alcohol. They might be able to provide an alternative.
- If you decide to take a Champagne Region excursion by yourself, you might struggle to find a local English-speaking guide at the wineries. If you want to learn about the wine-making process, you’ll benefit from a guided tour.