I will be traveling in France/Switzerland this June with my husband and another couple. After spending a couple days in Geneva, the men will be dropping off myself and my friend to spend 2 days in the Champagne region (before she and I return to Paris and fly home) on their way to the French Riviera. Can anyone please recommend a town that is not only conveniently located for this, but also one that my friend and I will be okay in without a car? We're hoping to be able to walk to winery tours from our hotel? Any recommendations are greatly appreciated - thanks in advance!

Krisparis
Chicago, IL

Reims or Epernay bubble over with Champagne tours - thru ornate Champagne houses and their caves - these towns have all the famous names as producers with tours. Epernay is more prestigious and several houses have facilities in both towns. tours end in the tasting room for samples but buying at factory prices is like buying gold - a universal price it seems with no break from the producer - same magnum may be cheaper in the local supermarket.
Reims has much more to do than Epernay besides Champagne - Reims world famous cathedral for one. Epernay is smaller and more manageable. Both have excellent train service.

Thanks PalQ! Do you know if either Reims has champagne houses within walking distance to hotels? That is one of my biggers concerns.

We spent a night in Reims and did a tour of the caves of Veuve Clicquot which, as I recall, was within walking distance of where we stayed.

Reims houses are clustered together on the southern edge of town - about 1.5 miles from town center, with good bus service if you don't call that walkable. Tours are usually closed between noon and 2pm i think. anyway they're right in town so easily reachable. You can easily do two - one after the other as they are mainly clustered together. Tours are all different - some caves have works of art in them for example.

If you're primarily interested in tasting you can do so in a Champagne shop on the edge of the cathedral square--for a fee, however. Each day there are several vintages available to sample, and it's a fine way to look at the cathedral's facade while resting your weary feet.

I suggest that you consider going Reims instead of Epernay since you have more choices of wineries to visit. I have visited Moet&Chandon in Epernay, and Veuve Cliquot and Pommery in Reims and Pommery was the best. Reims is a decent sized city so catch a taxi to get to the winery. After you are done, catch the train back to Paris. Lovely trip that takes about an hour and 45 minutes if I recall.

I've visited G.H. Mumm in Reims and walked from my hotels. They offer a wonderful, informative tour.

Krisparis
You won't regret doing a Champagne tour. We have gone underground at both Mercier and Mumm and loved every moment. The sipping is divine. Local transport will not be a problem. Lots of travellers have trodden this path before you. Enjoy the bubbles!