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Tasting champagne where it is made, in the chalk cellars under Reims, is one of the best day trips from Paris. The Champagne region is only about 90 miles (145 km) east of the capital, but the houses, the vineyards and Épernay are spread out, and nobody wants to drive after a tasting. This guide explains how to plan a Champagne day trip from Paris with a private driver, with the sights to choose and a realistic itinerary.
This guide is part of our Best Day Trips from Paris guide.
Key Takeaways
- Paris to Reims: about 1 h 45 by car each way, door to door.
- Tastings without worries: your chauffeur drives, everyone in the group can enjoy the champagne.
- Book ahead: most champagne houses require a reservation for cellar tours.
- Comfort: Mercedes V-Class for groups, S-Class or Maybach for couples and special occasions.
Why Visit Champagne with a Private Driver?
- No drinking and driving: French limits are strict, and with a chauffeur everyone can taste.
- Door to door: from your Paris hotel to the cellars, no train station or taxi transfers.
- Reims, the vineyards and Épernay in one day: the train only takes you to Reims city center.
- Your own pace: stay longer at the house you love, stop for photos in the vineyards.
Private Driver vs Train vs Group Tour
| Option | Time each way | Flexibility | Vineyards and Épernay | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private driver (FR Transfer) | About 1 h 45, door to door | Your own schedule | Yes, easy | Couples, families, groups of friends |
| TGV to Reims | About 45 min + transfers | Fixed train times | Difficult without a car | Independent travelers visiting Reims only |
| Group tour from Paris | About 2 h | Fixed program | Selected stops only | Budget travelers |
What to See on a Champagne Day Trip
1. Reims Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Reims, where the kings of France were crowned, is a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of Gothic architecture, right in the city center.
2. Champagne house cellar tours in Reims
Reims is home to famous houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Ruinart, Pommery and Mumm, many with miles of chalk cellars. Tours and tastings usually need to be booked in advance.
3. The vineyards of the Montagne de Reims
Rolling vineyards and wine villages between Reims and Épernay, perfect for a photo stop or a tasting at a small family producer.
4. Épernay and the Avenue de Champagne
About 30 minutes from Reims, Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne is lined with prestigious houses and their elegant mansions.
Book your Champagne day trip
Tell us your date and the houses you would like to visit. We plan the route between Reims, the vineyards and Épernay.
Recommended One-Day Itinerary from Paris
- 8:30 AM Pickup at your Paris hotel.
- 10:15 AM Reims Cathedral visit.
- 11:15 AM First champagne house cellar tour and tasting.
- 1:00 PM Lunch in Reims.
- 2:30 PM Drive through the vineyards with a tasting at a family producer.
- 4:00 PM Épernay and the Avenue de Champagne.
- 5:30 PM Departure for Paris.
- 7:30 PM Drop-off at your hotel.
Which Car for Your Champagne Tour?
| Vehicle | Passengers | Suitcases | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes V-Class (luxury van) | Up to 7 | Up to 7 | Groups of friends and families of up to 7 |
| Mercedes S-Class (luxury sedan) | Up to 3 | Up to 2 | Couples, anniversaries and business guests |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS (ultra-luxury SUV) | Up to 4 | Up to 4 | Special celebrations and VIP tastings |
| Cadillac Escalade (full-size SUV) | Up to 6 | Up to 5 | Groups of up to 6 who want a big SUV |
Champagne in Winter and at Christmas
A Champagne day trip works all year round. The vineyards rest from November to March, but the chalk cellars stay at about 50 to 54°F (10 to 12°C) in every season, so a tasting feels the same in January as in July. Winter also means fewer visitors, easier reservations and a cozy atmosphere in the champagne houses.
- Reims Christmas market: from late November to late December around the cathedral, one of the largest in France.
- Shorter days: it gets dark around 5 PM in December, so we start earlier and keep the vineyard drive for the middle of the day.
- Opening days: some houses close on certain days or over the holidays in winter, so book your tours ahead and we plan the route around them.
- Holiday bottles: buy your champagne for Christmas and New Year’s Eve at the source, there is room in the trunk.
Visiting in December? Combine the Christmas market, the cathedral lit up at dusk and a cellar tasting in a single day.
Tips for Your Champagne Day
- Book champagne house tours a few weeks ahead, especially from spring to fall.
- Two or three tastings in one day is plenty to enjoy them fully.
- Cellars are cool all year round: bring a light jacket, even in summer.
- Want to bring bottles home? There is room for your purchases in the trunk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Paris to Reims?
About 1 hour 45 minutes each way by car, depending on traffic leaving Paris.
Can I visit Reims and Épernay in one day?
Yes. With a private driver you can see Reims Cathedral, one or two champagne houses, the vineyards and Épernay in a single day.
Do I need to book champagne house tours in advance?
Yes, most houses require a reservation for cellar tours and tastings. We can suggest houses that suit your group.
Can everyone in the group drink during the tastings?
Yes, that is the main advantage of a private driver: your chauffeur drives, so nobody has to stay sober.
How many people fit in the car?
Up to 7 in a Mercedes V-Class, 6 in a Cadillac Escalade, 4 in a Mercedes-Maybach GLS and 3 in a Mercedes S-Class.
Ready for a day in Champagne?
Private driver from your Paris hotel, English-speaking chauffeur, fixed price for the whole day.