Plan your Champagne trip
How to spend a weekend in Champagne without a car
You do not need a car for a good Champagne weekend. You do need to choose the right base. Reims is easiest for trains, city life and major houses; Épernay puts you closer to the vineyards and has several departures that include transport.
Arrive by train
Reims has direct high-speed connections from Paris and a compact centre. Épernay is reached by regional train and is easy to explore on foot once you arrive. Check which Reims station your train uses, because Champagne-Ardenne TGV is outside the historic centre.
Plan one city day
In Reims, combine a reserved house with the cathedral, Boulingrin and dinner. In Épernay, walk the Avenue de Champagne, choose one substantial visit and leave room for the museum or a relaxed lunch.
Let someone else drive in the vineyards
A small-group activity from Reims or Épernay is the sensible way to meet producers in the villages. The transfers and appointments are included, and nobody has to count glasses or search for a taxi after the last tasting.
What works well
- Choose accommodation within walking distance of the station
- Book village transport before the weekend
- Keep one half-day free for the city itself
Updated 30 September 2026