Curator’s statement
On previous visits to Champagne, I had always made the long drive—imagining it was the only way to reach this celebrated region. So I was genuinely delighted to discover that it’s just a 45-minute train ride from Paris. What I once saw as a full-day journey suddenly became an effortless escape. This guide is a celebration of that revelation: a chance to slip away from the city and immerse yourself in vineyard vistas, historic cellars, and the quiet luxury of Champagne. If this is your first visit to Champagne, this guide will help you make the most of your time—highlighting iconic houses, cultural landmarks, and practical tips. Welcome to a getaway that begins in Paris and ends in a glass raised to discovery.
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Day 1: Arrival in Reims
7:30 am Depart Paris from Gare de l’Est via TGV. Arrive in Reims in just 45 minutes.
8:30 am: Stroll to a nearby café for breakfast. Try a buttery croissant and café crème at Café du Palais, a charming Art Deco spot.Late Morning – Reims Cathedral & City Walk
9:30 am: Visit the majestic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where French kings were crowned and where Joan of Arc stood beside Charles VII during his coronation in 1429.
10:15 am: Walk to Palais du Tau (adjacent to the cathedral) for a glimpse into royal coronation history.
11:00 am: Wander through Reims’ city center: admire Art Deco façades, browse boutiques, or pop into Halles du Boulingrin if open.
12 pm-midday: Champagne House Tour #1- A Grand Marques.
Begin your Champagne experience with a guided tour and tasting at one of Reims’ legendary maisons. Depending on your taste.
Veuve Clicquot: Bold, iconic, and rooted in the legacy of Madame Clicquot. Ideal for lovers of rich, structured champagnes and brand history.
Taittinger: Known for its elegant, floral style and Art Deco cellars. A refined experience in both taste and setting.
Vranken-Pommery: Perfect for those who enjoy grand spaces and creativity. Features dramatic chalk caves and rotating contemporary art installations.
Maison Ruinart: The oldest Champagne house, offering serene, minimalist luxury and stunning crayères. Great for art and architecture enthusiasts.
G.H. Mumm: Offers a vibrant, energetic tour with a focus on tradition and innovation. Includes the famed Foujita Chapel.
Louis Roederer: A top-tier, family-owned house producing biodynamic cuvées, including the famed Cristal. Reserved and elegant.
Chanoine Frères: Historic yet low-key, this is ideal for a classic tasting experience without the crowds.
1:30 pm: Enjoy lunch at Brasserie Excelsior or Anna-S. La Table Amoureuse, both offering elegant regional cuisine with Champagne pairings.
3 pm-Tour #2: Guided Grower Tasting at Trésors de Champagne-In the afternoon, dive deeper into the world of independent Champagne producers with a curated tasting at Trésors de Champagne – La Boutique, a refined tasting room located in the heart of Reims. This boutique represents the Club Trésors de Champagne, a collective of elite grower-producers dedicated to craftsmanship, terroir, and tradition.
Enjoy a guided flight of Champagnes selected by the knowledgeable staff. They will tailor the experience based on your preferences—whether you’re curious about Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs, or aged vintage cuvées. Each glass tells a unique story from vineyard to bottle.
8:00 PM – Dine at Le Millénaire (Michelin-starred). At Le Millénaire in Reims, the blind tasting menu isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey led by trust and anticipation. Guests select the number of courses—4, 5, 7, or 9—and then place themselves entirely in the hands of Chef Benjamin Andreux. There’s no menu, no hints—just a progression of artfully composed plates that reveal themselves one by one. With each course, the chef’s vision unfolds in flavors and textures that surprise and delight, like chapters in a beautifully choreographed story told through food.
Day 2: Final stroll in Reims
Reims Cathedral
8:30 am: Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely walk through Reims.
Take one last stroll before departing. Make one last visit to the cathedral or a stop at a local pâtisserie—before catching the train back to Paris.
Day 3: Champagne farewell
Linger in the dream that was Champagne—where every sip recalls quiet cellars, golden light, and the hush of something truly timeless.
Need to know
Reims is walkable, but for Champagne visits, use Uber or hire a private driver—it’s safer and more relaxing than renting a car after tastings.
Travel Advisor
Marisa Varga
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