I'm going on a solo trip to Paris and want to take a day trip (already planning on Versailles) and I think I've narrowed it to either Reims/Epernay with champagne tasting and the cathedral or going to Strasbourg and Colmar.

I've never been to either place. I feel like the cathedral and champagne tasting would be great, but I'd also love to see Alsace. I'm worried there may be less to do in Strasbourg....

The length of the train trip to Strasbourg doesn't bother me.

Does anyone have advice? Also, is Epernay picturesque? Beyond the champagne houses, is there anything to see or enjoy?

The cathedral at Reims was very nice, but the Basilica of St Remi was one of the most beautiful and breathtaking religious buidlings I've ever experienced. IMO, "better" than Reims Cathedral.

I'm sorry to say that I've never been to Strausborg.

I found plenty to see and do in Reims for a few days but Epernay didn't seem to have much other than champagne houses. Reims had a lot.

Strasbourg will keep you busy for a full day, no bother and no need to lengthen the trip to Colmar.

Been to both Reims and Strasbourg a couple of times and you can't go wrong. But if I had to pick, I would go with Strasbourg because there's plenty to do and see strolling around La Petite France and take a little boat tour. The cathedral there is lovely, as well. It would be a very full day, but worthwhile.

I would choose Strasbourg over Reims personally but that supposes that I do not want to taste champagne. That is to me the one real reason to visit Reims. My wife loves Reims, she loves champagne. I prefer Strasbourg, I don't like champagne. LOL

A vote for Champagne.
Both cities are pretty, but Champagne is nearer to Paris so you'll have more time to explore: the cathedral, the Basilica of St Remi, the champagne cave visit and tasting, the Museum of the Surrender (do you know that Reims is the place when the German first surrendered all forces to the Allies in WWII, not in Berlin later),... Plenty of things to do.

After Paris, Strasbourg is my favourite city in France. Although it is farther from Paris than Reims, the TGV will take you there in about 1hr45. For a day trip, I would concentrate on Strasbourg rather than trying to include Colmar as well. There is much to see besides the famous cathedral and you will have no trouble in filling a day with interesting sights to see. Although it doesn't have the champagne caves of Reims, there are countless winstubs where you can enjoy a variety of great Alsatian wines. The Alsatian cuisine is also worth sampling.

This is not to suggest that Reims is not worth visiting, especially for the cathedral and St. Remi, and of course, the champagne.

I think you have not read anything about either city if you don't know what all there is to see. Either is fine, and there is more than enough to do in either place for one day. I have zero interest in champagne, by the way, there are plenty of things to see in Reims that have nothing to do with champagne. It was the location of Eisenhower's headquarters during WWII, for example, there is a museum there. That is pretty important if you are interested in history. NOt to mention numerous art museums (Beaux Arts, Palace of Tau). I also am not crazy about Alsatian cuisine, so that wasn't a reason I went to Strasbourg. Strasbourg has the cathedral, of course, as well as severeal museums/palaces.

I don't see much reason to go to Epernay except the champagne interest, there is no other reason.

In any case if going to Strasbourg by train book well in advance for deep discounted tickets over full fare walk-up ones (but cheapest are non-changeable non-refundable) - check and book fares at www.voyages-sncf.com -for general info on trains check www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeturopetravel.com.

Reims too has some savings I believe by booking early but not as much over full fare- a lot closer to Paris train-wise.

Strasbourg or Paris boils down to me Champagne vs one of the nicest cities in Europe (Strasbourg) -but a large city that may be hard to get a fix on in one short day - Reims is a nice bustling regional city that is easier to plan a few hours in -great cathedral - WW2 Room Christina talks about- and several Champagne houses and caves with tastings.

Thank you for the suggestions! I ended up deciding on doing a day just in Reims, seeing the cathedral, basilica, museum, and two champagne tours. I'll save Strasbourg for another time!