Planning a day trip to Reims... which champagne house(s) should we visit? Should we plan to visit more than one?

Also, is it worthwhile to take a bus tour there or take the train and go it on our own? If we go on our own is it easy to get to the various champagne houses - by taxi??

Thinking about either Mumm, Pommeray, Taittinger, or Veuve Clicquot?

DH and I have been to all of em I would reco Pommery.

We did a Champagne region tour and went to Mumm and Moet and Chandon in Epernay. We booked the tour through Viator -- bus trip (comfy bus, knowledgeable tour guide). The tour also takes you to the cathedral in Reims, where almost all of the French kings were coronated. Lunch is not included, but you'll have time to grab a bite before getting back on the bus. I'd recommend grabbing some sandwiches at "Paul" (VERY reasonable sandwich drink and dessert combo) and sitting on the steps of the public building (city hall?) across the way. Don't go to the sit down restaurant next to Paul -- very slow service, expensive and food not so hot -- at least that's what the tour guide told us!) You'll be back in Paris (bus will drop you off at the tour company office -- I think it was in the 1st by 6-6:30 in time to enjoy the night in Paris.

We just did a tour of Mumm in Reims. Took the train from Paris, went to Notre Dame cathedral and walked to Mumm. The tour was quite interesting. We would have done one in addition but it was a rainy windy day and we decided that was enough.

P.S. It was the most espensive glass of champagne I've ever had

More info here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...e-tastings.cfm

Geeze, can't stand the typo...sounds like I've been drinking it!! expensive!!

One of the finest champagnes, generally known only to real wine buffs, is Salon de Mesnil. If you want a treat, visit this House and not the standard commercial pap.

Vientianeboy - the website indicates that this is open only to professionals by appt only. Did you visit this house? Is it in Reims? I could not tell from the website.

Does anyone else have any suggestions for smaller more intimate champagne houses in the Reims area that are welcoming to the general public?

It would be nice to do perhaps one of the "big" houses, and also a "smaller" one.

Here are links to most of the houses; you can e-mail and ask about visits:


http://www.champagnemagic.com/houses.htm

Yes it is in Reims and yes I did visit it. Very generous tastings.

Regarding the train from Paris to Reims...

1. Does it leave from Gare du Nord?
2. Do I need to book ahead, or can I just buy tickets that day?
3. Where can I find a train schedule in english? I don't think it would be the same site as the TGV, would it? We have a tour scheduled at V.C. at 10 a.m., guess we'll be drinking early!