Reims or Epernay?
Oct 9th, 2011, 06:43 AM
#1
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Reims or Epernay?
We want to spend a few days in Champagne country and can't decide which area to stay in. We won't have a car so will depend on taking tours each day for tasting at the different Champagne houses.
Oct 9th, 2011, 07:22 AM
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Reims has the advantage of its cathedral as well as a slew of Champagne houses you've never heard of.
I stayed at the Hotel Porte Mars 10 years ago. It was centrally located, clean, comfortable, etc. It was memorable, though, for its cat, who served as meeter and greeter.
I stayed at the Hotel Porte Mars 10 years ago. It was centrally located, clean, comfortable, etc. It was memorable, though, for its cat, who served as meeter and greeter.
Oct 9th, 2011, 09:32 AM
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reims for sure and you can take a train from Reims to Epernay i believe for what are considered I believe the most prestigious Champagne House tours - same companies as in Reims but I think Epernay is more the chapagne center.
Oct 9th, 2011, 01:32 PM
#7
I'd stay in Reims as the place is a city though the better houses are generally in Epernay (nice train to connect). Good B&Bs in both, |I've datyed in both and even ridden a bike between.
No idea about tours. The Epernay tourist office (at the base of the Avenue de Champagne) will sort everything out for you (even rent you a bike if you like.)
http://www.ot-epernay.fr/spip.php?page=sommaire&lang=en
Reims TO is http://www.reims-tourisme.com/
Have a look at http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Champagne_Cellars.php which I've loaded up with my best advice
No idea about tours. The Epernay tourist office (at the base of the Avenue de Champagne) will sort everything out for you (even rent you a bike if you like.)
http://www.ot-epernay.fr/spip.php?page=sommaire&lang=en
Reims TO is http://www.reims-tourisme.com/
Have a look at http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Champagne_Cellars.php which I've loaded up with my best advice
Oct 9th, 2011, 08:52 PM
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Are you interested at all in WWII history? If so I highly recommend Reims! In addition to the lovely champagne houses to be found there, it's also where the Germans signed the armistice ending WWII in Europe. There's a very interesting museum in the building where the treaty was signed, in the building that housed Eisenhower's headquarters.
In addition to that, Reims cathedral is amazing, and the place where I believe 27 French kings and queens were crowned. I did Reims as a day trip from Paris and it was such a great day! I went in the winter and had the cathedral almost all to myself. I went to the Mumm champagne house without a reservation but they got me in and it was fabulous! The tour was wonderful and the staff there was so friendly. Also the town itself is a joy, I walked everywhere with no problem.
In addition to that, Reims cathedral is amazing, and the place where I believe 27 French kings and queens were crowned. I did Reims as a day trip from Paris and it was such a great day! I went in the winter and had the cathedral almost all to myself. I went to the Mumm champagne house without a reservation but they got me in and it was fabulous! The tour was wonderful and the staff there was so friendly. Also the town itself is a joy, I walked everywhere with no problem.
Oct 9th, 2011, 11:46 PM
#11
cornelius the following thoughts now I'm aware that you are a mature. The avenue d' champagne is dead flat (lined with marble and palaces) you can visit many of the houses along the avenue. Its a fair walk from the railway station I guess 800km but you could google it.
The whole thing about champagne is that the majority of the production takes place in the town so while you can go and visit independant producers and a few exceptional smaller houses in the countryside you will find all the grand marque down this own road
If you really want a comfortable stay right on the avenue I suggest Parva domus B&B it is a little odd (steep staircase above the first floor (2nd floor in US) and while all rooms are ensuite some only have curtains, the position, the hosts and the other customers make for a very pleasant stay all within stumbling distance of the champagne houses.
The whole thing about champagne is that the majority of the production takes place in the town so while you can go and visit independant producers and a few exceptional smaller houses in the countryside you will find all the grand marque down this own road
If you really want a comfortable stay right on the avenue I suggest Parva domus B&B it is a little odd (steep staircase above the first floor (2nd floor in US) and while all rooms are ensuite some only have curtains, the position, the hosts and the other customers make for a very pleasant stay all within stumbling distance of the champagne houses.
Oct 10th, 2011, 05:48 AM
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Thank you all so much for info, it was very helpful. will stop in at tourist office for best tours. we have already visited Moet but on a bus day trip from Paris so did not see much else or get to have lunch at one of the many restaurants.
Oct 10th, 2011, 06:01 AM
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Mumm's and Tattinger have always been amongst the most prestigious Champagne houses/cellars in both towns as well as Veueve Cliquot - I say you cannot go wrong but one difference is what you may see in the caves besides penicillan webs but some are veritable art galleries.
Oct 10th, 2011, 08:36 AM
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Champagne & cellars
www.ot-epernay.fr/-Champagne-wines- - Block all www.ot-epernay.fr results
Many wine growers, Champagne Houses, wine cooperative's and tasting spaces who are partners of the Tourist Office of Epernay will welcome you for cellars.
www.ot-epernay.fr/-Champagne-wines- - Block all www.ot-epernay.fr results
Many wine growers, Champagne Houses, wine cooperative's and tasting spaces who are partners of the Tourist Office of Epernay will welcome you for cellars.
Oct 10th, 2011, 05:01 PM
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We did a day trip to Reims from Paris last year and it was great - took a relatively early TGV, had time to see the cathedral and then do a tour/tasting at Veuve Clicquot in the late morning, and another at Taittinger mid-afternoon with a long lunch in between. It's very easy to get taxis from the square near the cathedral - the super-helpful staff at the tourist info office will call one for you. Then our restaurant called one for us to get to Taittinger. We reserved in advance for the tours at both houses via their websites. All really easy and a wonderful day. When we were there many of the streets in town were ripped up with tram construction - it definitely looked like a huge extensive project!
