A Champagne wine country getaway

If you are thinking of a getaway to France's Champagne wine region, then this article provides a few insights. First, when you book your flight to Paris I would recommend Charles de Gualle Airport (CDG). From CDG you can take a train to Champagne wine country, which is less than two hours away. In our case, given the long flight from San Francisco to Paris, we stayed at an airport hotel overnight before catching the train the next day. When we arrived in Reims we picked up our rental car near the train station.

Sideways Moments in Champagne © Spaswinefood

Assuming you do a car rental then the ideal number for a getaway is about 2-4 people because European cars tend to be smaller. While out and about we (an obsessed wine blogger and a friend) visited both large Champagne houses and small producers, and toured the region. 

Champagne Getaway © Spaswinefood

Ideally, at least one person, should know how to drive a manual shift. Automatic cars are available at a higher price tag. I would highly recommend renting a car with a GPS. The car we rented came with an excellent GPS, and backup camera system. Travel light because there will be limited luggage storage, moreover getting on and off trains, etc. is difficult with large suitcases.

Cramant Vineyards, Champagne-Ardenne © Spaswinefood

During our wine country travels we stayed in Reims and Epernay, the two commercial centers, of the Champagne wine region. We spent four nights in Reims and three in Epernay; however, this can be adjusted to meet your needs. I would recommend a minimum of five nights, if you want to explore nearby villages and vineyards. 


Wandering In/Beyond Reims

Taittinger Champagne House was a perfect place to begin our Champagne wine country travels. Champagne Taittinger, a showcase for one of the region’s most respected viticultural names, lived up to its reputation. Indeed, we had some of our most delightful Champagne moments at Taittinger. 

Tasting Champagne at Taittinger © Spaswinefood

While in Reims we checked out local wine bars and restaurants, and explored nearby villages. Reims wine bars are a must. From all reports Au Bon Manger wine bar tops the list. I would highly recommend making a reservation given its popularity.

Au Bon Manger, Reims © Spaswinefood

We did manage to get a table at Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage when we dropped by on a weekend evening.

Le Wine Bar, Reims © Spaswinefood

The historic Cafe de Palais was definitely a favorite local restaurant for us.

Cafe de Palais, Reims © Spaswinefood

Lunch, Cafe de Palais © Spaswinefood

Our countryside explorations near Reims allowed for us to discover nearby villages and vineyards along the way. 

Vrigny Vineyards, Champagne-Ardenne © Spaswinefood

We did tastings at local wineries, and ate lunches in the villages. One of those villages was Hautvillers.

Vineyards, Hautvillers © Spaswinefood

We toured this beautiful small town, stopping for a wine tasting at Champagne G. Tribaut, a family winery.

Champagne G. Tribaut, Hautvillers © Spaswinefood

That day we ate lunch at Cafe de Hautvillers.

Cafe de Hautvillers © Spaswinefood

Obviously, we were inspired to visit more vineyards and wineries. Another Champagne tasting took us to Louis Casters in Damery.

 Royal Moments, Champagne Louis Casters © Spaswinefood

Yes, we toasted the royal couple with Louis Casters Champagne. 

The Royal Couple © Spaswinefood

After a most delightful wine tasting at Louis Casters we traveled onto Boursault for lunch.

Le Petit Boursault © Spaswinefood

I would recommend spring or fall if you wish to avoid peak tourists times. Our spring visit was perfect timing to escape the crowds. After all this wine region is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

Champagne-Ardenne Wine Country Travels © Spaswinefood

Wanderings In/Beyond Epernay

While in Epernay we loved those strolls down Avenue de Champagne (Champagne Avenue) where you will pass by major Champagne houses. Travelers, who have only one day to visit the Champagne wine region from Paris, are most likely to visit Avenue de Champagne. Those with a longer stay will find Champagne wine country in/around Epernay exciting to explore.

Avenue de Champagne Moments © Spaswinefood

We were most fortunate to have three days to explore the Epernay area. During our stay we choose a small hotel located at the end of Avenue de Champagne. We loved exploring Epernay. It's small town charm is amazing. When we toured the region by car, we thoroughly enjoyed those Sideways moments. 

Champagne Country Travels © Spaswinefood

Our Champagne-Ardene travels near Epernay took us by vineyards enroute to the towns of Avize, Cramant, Mareuil-sur-Ay, and Vertus. Those drives through the nearby countryside were always most delightful. The vineyards of Champagne are quite stunning in the springtime. While I loved seeing the big names in the Champagne world,  it was perhaps the countryside vineyards that most captured my attention. 

Cramant Vineyards, Champagne-Ardenne © Spaswinefood

It was easy to fall in love with this amazing wine region. Interacting, one-on-one, with the people of Champagne, eating freshly prepared food at local bistros, picking up fruit at the local markets, and of course discovering the various Champagne styles, is what makes Champagne wine country travels so very special. Oh! while out and about in Champagne do not forget to ship some Champagne back home, especially those wines that you will not find back home.

Champagne-Ardene Country Travels © Spaswinefood

Mareuil-sur-Ay, Champagne-Ardenne © Spaswinefood

Returning to our hotel located at the end of Avenue de Champagne, after exploring nearby wine country, was always special. Above all, during your travels in the land of Champagne, have fun. Even though you might rent a car, do not forget to explore Reims and Epernay on foot. In both cases our hotels were not in city center.We particularly liked exploring in the car during the day, and walking out to dinner in the evenings. 

Travels in Champagne-Ardenne, France © Spaswinefood

After a wonderful week in Champagne off we went to the Mosel Valley, Germany for the 3rd Annual #Winelover Riesling Marathon. Later, we returned our car rental to Reims and took a bus to Paris. The trains happened to be on strike; so we decided on taking a bus to station near our Paris hotel. This article is part of a series on our travels in Champagne. I do not know why I waited so long to visit this wine region. I would especially like to thank my friend, Carol who is an awesome driver and a wonderful traveling companion. I invite you to join me in my travels in the Champagne Region, France and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

Reims, France

May 2018

© Spaswinefood

Remembering Sideways Moments in Champagne © Spaswinefood

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