24 Hours in Champagne, France

Take the train from Paris to Reims Station. This small town is rather walkable but beyond that you'll want to rely on taxis to get around.

Start your day with a tour and tasting at the first established House of Champagne, Ruinart. Not only do they have a beautifully comprehensive explanation of how champagne is made, they have stunning artwork throughout the house. Be sure to find the oldest painting known to contain a champagne bottle. It was purchased from the Palace of Versailles! I appreciate that this tour is kept to just 12 participants so you get a very intimate tour.

Next, head to Veuve Cliquot for a tasting paired with cheese and charcuterie in their beautiful outdoor courtyard. This is a great spot for lounging and spending time drinking their by the glass offerings as well. Bring a book, enjoy the beautiful day and sip to your heart’s content.

In the afternoon, go to you last tour and tasting for the day at Taittinger. You’ll experience a quick video explaining the history before heading into the cellars followed by a tasting. If you’ve been to Napa, you may be familiar with Domaine Carneros and this is the same producer. Very well known, and overall well-priced compared to some of the top houses.

For dinner, head to two-Michelin Starred, Le Parc Les Crayères (located on 64 boulevard Henry-Vasnier, Reims, 51100, France.) Inside the beautiful Area Les Crayères hotel you’ll be greeted by the welcoming staff. Each course more thoughtfully put together than the last. You’ll have incredible food paired with an outstanding list of over 900 champagnes.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast before heading to your first tasting and tour of the day at Lanson. You’ll enjoy rich history of the small but well-known producer and be able to stand on the only Grand Cru Clos in Reims city-centre.

Spend the afternoon grabbing lunch downtown, explore Reims and see the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. It’s famously larger and 700+ years older than Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Finally, pop by Champagne Pol Couronne near the Cathedral for a lesson in sabrage. You’ll saber your bottle before enjoying it on their outdoor sidewalk patio with views of the Cathedral. Bring some snacks and enjoy your time before hoping back onto the train to Paris.