Day trip to Epernay and Reims from Paris
Looking for a day trip from paris ?
Reims and Epernay are among the most visited destinations in Champagne and can easily be reached by train from the French capital. Located just 30 kilometres apart, they offer a great introduction to one of France’s most famous wine regions, combining historic landmarks, Champagne houses and vineyard landscapes.
Reims : history, architecture and Champagne houses
Reims is the largest city in Champagne and one of the most important historic cities in France. Known as the City of Coronations, it is home to Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned for centuries. The city is also famous for its prestigious Champagne houses, many of which welcome visitors throughout the year. Reims is often the first stop for travellers discovering Champagne for the first time.
Getting to Reims from Paris
Reims is the easiest Champagne destination to reach from Paris.
High-speed TGV trains leave regularly from Paris Gare de l’Est and arrive in Reims in around 45 minutes. The station is located close to the city centre, allowing visitors to explore on foot. By car, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
What to do in Reims in one day
Reims combines history, architecture and Champagne, making it an easy destination to explore in a single day. Most visitors spend their time between the historic centre and the city’s renowned Champagne houses.
Highlights include:
- Visiting Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, one of France’s most important Gothic monuments and the coronation site of 33 French kings.
- Exploring the historic centre, with its lively squares, shopping streets, cafés and remarkable architecture.
- Touring a Champagne house such as Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Taittinger or Ruinart and learning more about the history and production of Champagne.
- Discovering the underground chalk cellars, some of which date back several centuries and form part of the city’s unique heritage.
- Enjoying lunch in the city centre, where traditional brasseries, fine dining restaurants and Champagne bars offer plenty of options.
- Visiting one of the city’s museums, including the Palais du Tau, located next to the cathedral, or the Musée Saint-Remi, housed in a former abbey.
Visitors with additional time may also wish to explore the Saint-Remi Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or simply enjoy the city’s relaxed atmosphere before continuing their journey to Epernay.
Epernay: at the heart of the vineyards
Smaller than Reims, Epernay offers a different perspective on Champagne.
Often referred to as the “Capital of Champagne”, Epernay sits in the middle of the vineyard and is home to the famous Avenue de Champagne. Many of the region’s best-known producers are based here, including Moët & Chandon, Mercier and Perrier-Jouët.
Its location makes it a popular destination for visitors who want to spend time both in town and among the vineyards.
Visit Epernay
Getting to Epernay from Paris
Direct trains connect Paris Gare de l’Est and Epernay in around 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you are already in Reims, regional trains reach Epernay in approximately 30 minutes.
By car, the journey from Paris takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
The town centre is compact and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of the train station.
What to do in Epernay in one day
Epernay can easily fill a day, whether you are interested in Champagne, local heritage or vineyard landscapes. Most visits revolve around the Avenue de Champagne, but the town also provides easy access to some of the most iconic sites in the Champagne vineyard.
Highlights include:
- Walking along the Avenue de Champagne, home to prestigious Champagne houses, elegant mansions and historic buildings linked to the wine trade.
- Visiting a Champagne house such as Moët & Chandon, Mercier or Perrier-Jouët and taking part in a guided cellar tour and tasting.
- Exploring more than 110 kilometres of underground cellars, where millions of bottles of Champagne are stored and aged.
- Enjoying lunch or a tasting break at one of the Champagne bars, restaurants or terraces located throughout the town centre.
- Visiting Hautvillers, a charming vineyard village often associated with Dom Pérignon and located just a few minutes from Epernay.
- Admiring the vineyard landscapes from viewpoints overlooking the UNESCO-listed Coteaux, Maisons and Caves de Champagne
Visitors who have more time often combine Epernay with nearby wine-growing villages such as Aÿ-Champagne, Avize or Cramant, all located within a short distance of the town.
Can you visit Reims and Epernay in one day?
Yes, it is possible to visit both destinations in one day from Paris.
A typical itinerary might include an early train from Paris to Reims, a visit to the cathedral and a Champagne house in the morning, lunch in the city centre, then a short train journey to Epernay for an afternoon on the Avenue de Champagne before returning to Paris in the evening.
However, a single day only provides a brief introduction to both destinations.
Reims alone can easily fill a full day, with its cathedral, museums, restaurants and renowned Champagne houses. The same applies to Epernay, where visitors often combine cellar tours with time spent exploring the Avenue de Champagne, nearby vineyard villages and scenic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards.
For travellers with more flexibility, spending one day in Reims and one day in Epernay offers a more complete experience of Champagne.
If you only have one day available, choosing a single destination is often the best option. Reims is ideal for visitors interested in history, architecture and major Champagne houses. Epernay is better suited to those looking for a closer connection to the vineyards and the wine-growing landscape that has shaped Champagne for centuries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Champagne worth visiting from Paris ?
Yes. Champagne is one of the easiest wine destinations to reach from Paris and offers a very different experience from the capital. Visitors can explore historic cities, tour Champagne cellars, enjoy local gastronomy and spend time in vineyard landscapes, all within a short train journey.
How far is Epernay from Paris ?
Direct trains connect Paris Gare de l’Est and Epernay in around 1 hour and 20 minutes. By car, the journey usually takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
How far is Reims from Paris ?
Reims is located approximately 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed train (TGV). By car, the journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Can you visit Epernay in one day from Paris ?
Yes. Epernay is a popular day trip destination and can easily be visited in a single day. Visitors typically spend their time exploring the Avenue de Champagne, touring a Champagne house, enjoying lunch in the town centre and discovering nearby vineyard viewpoints.
Is Epernay better than Reims?
The two destinations offer different experiences. Reims is known for its cathedral, historic centre and internationally recognised Champagne houses. Epernay is smaller and sits at the heart of the vineyard, making it a good choice for visitors looking for a closer connection to the wine-growing landscape.
What is the best way to get to Champagne from Paris ?
For most travellers, the train is the easiest option. Regular services connect Paris with both Reims and Epernay, and stations are located close to the main attractions in each town.
Do I need to book Champagne tastings in advance ?
Yes. Most Champagne houses require advance booking for guided tours and tastings. Reservations are particularly important during weekends, public holidays and the summer season.
What is the best Champagne house to visit in Epernay ?
Epernay is home to several renowned Champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon, Mercier and Perrier-Jouët. The best choice depends on the type of experience you are looking for, from large historic houses to smaller family-run producers in the surrounding villages.
What is the best time of year to visit Epernay and Reims ?
Both destinations can be visited throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the vineyard landscapes, while autumn offers beautiful colours in the vines. The festive season is also popular, particularly in Reims, which hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets in France.
How many days should I spend in Champagne ?
One day is enough to discover either Reims or Epernay. Travellers wishing to explore both destinations, visit several Champagne houses and spend time in the vineyard villages should consider staying for two days or more.
