I have done Champagne twice and took 2 distinctly different approaches to the trips: the private car route while trying to pack in all we could into a day (visiting Moët et Chandon and Tattinger) and the train route (one maison, Ruinart). I am a much bigger fan of the more affordable train and cab route.

I would love to hear about your experiences. I share mine here: (http://bit.ly/1CQp2Fm). I would like to visit Krug, Pol Roger & Veuve next and would love to hear any suggestions you might have.

Thank you!

After two trips - perhaps try something different from Champagne......

Dijon/Burgundy....


Stu Dudley

I'd do the train every time. I'd also do Epernay rather than Reims. I've visited both towns a number of times and Epernay is just a nicer small town.

We took the train from Pairs and went to Moet in Epernay We never rented a car, just walked from the train station, toured the house and had lunch and visited several churches and then back on the train to Paris. Did the same in Reims. Love the train route

We took the train from Pairs and went to Moet in Epernay We never rented a car, just walked from the train station, toured the house and had lunch and visited several churches and then back on the train to Paris. Did the same in Reims. Love the train route

Did exactly the same as denmal above, but for Reims. It was very easy, fun, relaxing and the perfect day trip from Paris. I also spent a week in Reims for a different (yet related) purpose on another occasion and found lots to see and do in the area. Lunch, browsing, church visits and champagne tasting are all easily doable with the train-and-walk option in either Reims or Epernay.

In Reims, I visited Mumm, Roderer and Krug champagne houses, but not all on the same day. Check their schedules for available dates and times.

Mathieu, we want to visit Roderer and Krug but their websites say they are not open to the general public (Krug) or just doesn't say anything about visits(Roderer). How did you get your visit/tours with them? Thanks for your help.

A car is only needed if you are going to visit the small producers in the countryside villages and is pointless if you are just visiting the major, well known houses in Reims or Epernay. The following website has excellent info about the Champagne region, whether visiting the major houses in Reims and Epernay or seeking out the small artisan producers in the countryside villages: http://champagnediscovery.com/

If you have been to several of the big wineries, you might be ready to leave the beaten path.

What about a small, family-operated winery which makes excellent champagne for half the price of the big maisons? And who operate a lovely Champagne Museum within their caves?

Visit Champagne Launois - museum, caves, tasting, buying: http://www.champagne-launois.fr/

And if you want to stay overnight, what about sleeping in a nearby castle that has been turned into a lovely hotel with an excellent restaurant?
http://www.etoges.com/