topeater

Hello All,

I searched the forum for this information, but many threads were old and I didn't feel comfortable with the information.
We are in Paris now and have a reservation at Ruinart for a champagne tour on Thursday. Somehow, with all my planning, I neglected to check out transportation. We have to be there at 10:15am for the 10:30 tour. We are staying in Saint Germain. Can anyone suggest the best train to take? I found one, but it leaves too late and takes over an hour.

FuryFluffy

All trains from Paris to Reims are listed on https://www.voyages-sncf.com/

I did a quick search and it listed a train at
07h44, PARIS Gare de l'EST
which would arrive at Reims at 08h52. The next train is too late.

topeater

Thank you so much FuryFluffy. I'm booking now!

PalenQ

check for first-class fares as well as sometimes they may not be all that much more than 2nd class - sometimes even less - weird but possible - www.seat61.com has great advice on discount ticketing- many find the sncf site balky -but www.thetrainline.eu is easy they say. For general info on French trains check www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

Most Champagne houses in Reims are about 3 kms from the train station.

Bedar

Don't forget to visit the fabulous cathedral and perhaps some WWII sites.

PalenQ

Ditto to Bedar - WW2 site just behind the main train station - old schoolhouse where Allies plotted the final assault on Germany - placards still on decks and war maps still on walls. Just takes a few minutes.

And the old marketplace in city centre - some wrought-iron market stalls a la Les Halles in Paris once had.

kerouac

Be careful to get a train ticket to "Reims-Centre" and not "Champagne-Ardenne" 8km away from the city.

topeater

Thanks everyone. Will check out the WW2 site as we are getting there about 90 minutes before our appointment. Bought tickets today at Gare de l'Est as we couldn't seem to get it right on line.

For anyone planning a trip to Paris this week, it has gotten HOT! Pack light clothing.

PalenQ

If full fare tickets I think you must cancel them yourselves before boarding the train -"compostez - billets" machines you stick them in.

PalenQ

If a return ticket compost -cancel it going both ways.

Jean

I wouldn't miss the cathedral.

We enjoyed the Palais du Tau (museum) adjacent to the cathedral. It exhibits a bit of everything: historical displays about the royal coronations, tapestries, sculpture, treasury, beautifully restored rooms and chapel.

Also in the Palais du Tau is an exhibit of photographs of the Reims cathedral before, during and after WWI and several items taken from the ruins. Most striking were gargoyles (meant for draining water off the roof) that had a solidified flow of lead spewing from their mouths as a result of the intense fire from WWI bombs melting the roof and soldering from the stained glass windows.

https://stainedglassattitudes.files....4/p1780176.jpg