Itinerary ideas
Use these plans as a starting point and adjust the timings to your reservations. Each one allows for lunch, transport and enough time between visits.
1 day · no car
Notre-Dame CathedralSee the façade and stained glass before the city centre gets busy.
Lunch in the city centreChoose a restaurant in the centre or around Boulingrin and book ahead.
Cellar tour in Saint-NicaiseChoose one house, such as Ruinart, Taittinger, Pommery or Veuve Clicquot.
Back to the centreEnd the day around Boulingrin or at a bar serving Champagne by the glass.
2 days · car optional
Avenue de ChampagneWalk the Avenue and visit one house. Afterwards, see Château Perrier or the town hall gardens.
Dinner in ÉpernayLeave the car parked and choose a restaurant in the centre.
Pressoria in AÿStart at the interactive museum, then schedule one tasting in the village.
HautvillersWalk through the village, visit the abbey church and see the Marne Valley from a viewpoint.
3 days · first trip
Arrival in ReimsSee the cathedral and book a good restaurant for the evening.
Reims and the chalk cellarsBook one substantial house visit and keep the rest of the day free for the city.
Épernay and AÿWalk the Avenue, then choose one village or one additional house.
Côte des BlancsArrange one or two grower appointments around Avize or Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in advance.
1 day · with a driver
Le Mesnil-sur-OgerStart with a pre-booked visit to a grower.
LunchLeave enough time between the appointment and the restaurant.
Avize of CramantVisit one more grower or take a walk near a viewpoint.
Return to ÉpernayHave your driver return you to Épernay and eat in the town centre.
2 days · southern route
Historic TroyesSee the timber-framed streets and cathedral, then dine in the old centre.
Drive to Les RiceysDrive towards Les Riceys in the morning and take time for the villages along the way.
Visit a growerBook ahead and ask whether you can also taste Rosé des Riceys.
Lunch and the return driveHave lunch in the region and, ideally, stay another night in the south.
1 day · rainy weather
Extended cellar tourChoose Lanson, Ruinart or another house with a longer tour.
Lunch nearbyBook close to your next stop and allow for traffic in the city.
Pressoria of Château PerrierBoth museums offer a substantial indoor introduction to the region and Champagne.
Champagne by the glassTaste a cuvée from a grower you have not visited that day at a Champagne bar.
1 day · by car
VerzenayStart at the viewpoint, then drive to your first appointment.
First growerChoose a grower in Verzenay, Verzy or Ambonnay and book ahead.
LunchAllow plenty of time and check which restaurants are open in advance.
BouzyVisit one small grower in this Grand Cru village in the afternoon.
2 days · relaxed itinerary
Along the MarneLeave Épernay and choose one village for a walk or stop along the way.
Tasting with a growerArrange a visit with a grower who works extensively with Meunier.
Château-ThierryStay overnight in town and walk beside the Marne before dinner.
Côte 204Visit the viewpoint and, if you wish, make one final appointment afterwards.
