Nine realistic itineraries for one, two or three days.

09:30Notre-Dame CathedralSee the façade and stained glass before the city centre gets busy.

11:30Lunch in the city centreChoose a restaurant in the centre or around Boulingrin and book ahead.

14:00Visit aan een champagnekelder op Saint-NicaiseChoose one house, such as Ruinart, Taittinger, Pommery or Veuve Clicquot.

16:30Back to the centreEnd the day around Boulingrin or at a bar serving Champagne by the glass.

Day 1Avenue de ChampagneWalk the Avenue and visit one house. Afterwards, see Château Perrier or the town hall gardens.

EveningDinner in ÉpernayLeave the car parked and choose a restaurant in the centre.

Day 2Pressoria in AÿStart at the interactive museum, then schedule one tasting in the village.

AfternoonHautvillersWalk through the village, visit the abbey church and see the Marne Valley from a viewpoint.

FridayArrival in ReimsSee the cathedral and book a good restaurant for the evening.

SaturdayReims and the chalk cellarsBook one substantial house visit and keep the rest of the day free for the city.

SundayÉpernay and AÿWalk the Avenue, then choose one village or one additional house.

Extra dayCôte des BlancsArrange one or two grower appointments around Avize or Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in advance.

10:00Le Mesnil-sur-OgerStart with a pre-booked visit to a grower.

12:30LunchLeave enough time between the appointment and the restaurant.

15:00Avize of CramantVisit one more grower or take a walk near a viewpoint.

17:30Return to ÉpernayHave your driver return you to Épernay and eat in the town centre.

Day 1Historic TroyesSee the timber-framed streets and cathedral, then dine in the old centre.

Day 2Drive to Les RiceysDrive towards Les Riceys in the morning and take time for the villages along the way.

11:00Visit a growerBook ahead and ask whether you can also taste Rosé des Riceys.

AfternoonLunch and the return driveHave lunch in the region and, ideally, stay another night in the south.

10:00Extended cellar tourChoose Lanson, Ruinart or another house with a longer tour.

12:30Lunch nearbyBook close to your next stop and allow for traffic in the city.

15:00Pressoria of Château PerrierBoth museums offer a substantial indoor introduction to the region and Champagne.

18:00Champagne by the glassTaste a cuvée from a grower you have not visited that day at a Champagne bar.

09:30VerzenayStart at the viewpoint, then drive to your first appointment.

11:00First growerChoose a grower in Verzenay, Verzy or Ambonnay and book ahead.

13:00LunchAllow plenty of time and check which restaurants are open in advance.

15:30BouzyVisit one small grower in this Grand Cru village in the afternoon.

Before departureChoose the designated driverAgree beforehand who will not taste. A car gives you freedom, but drinking and driving never belong together.

10:00Avize and CramantBook one visit at Waris-Larmandier or Lancelot Fils, then take your time driving through the Chardonnay villages. Only visit Diebolt-Vallois after receiving confirmation.

12:30Lunch at Nelly VatelReserve at Auberge de Saint-Fergeux for a country lunch centred on duck and, for those who enjoy it, foie gras.

15:30Louvois and BouzyDrive past Château de Louvois — attractive from the outside but not regularly open to visitors — and finish in Bouzy at Barnaut or Rémi Henry.

Day 1Along the MarneLeave Épernay and choose one village for a walk or stop along the way.

AfternoonTasting with a growerArrange a visit with a grower who works extensively with Meunier.

EveningChâteau-ThierryStay overnight in town and walk beside the Marne before dinner.

Day 2Côte 204Visit the viewpoint and, if you wish, make one final appointment afterwards.