Reims or Epernay?
 

My husband and I are planning to spend two nights in either Reims or Epernay over Easter weekend. We will not have a car and would like to spend the time visiting champagne houses, walking in the surrounding area and having at least one good meal. We would also like to stay in a charming B&B or hotel, but one that is also reasonably priced. We can't decide whether to base ourselves in Reims or Epernay - can anyone help us determine which city is most suitable? Thanks in advance!

Reims is a much bigger city with a lot more things to see and do besides Champagne houses, which both towns have in quanitity - Epernay i think has the more prestigious Champagne 'factories' those both towns pretty much have the same companies.
Epernay is a lot smaller and not much there besides Champagne houses and a pleasant regional town.
You could see both as trains run between them in a few minutes.
Reims - great cathedral, other old churches and the War Room where Allies plotted the final attacks of WWII - in an old school and left as was - maps still on the wall, etc.
Reims is sure to offer much more variety of hotels and restaurants but if looking for smaller town Epernay is it.

try Boyer Les Crayeres, or just Les Crayeres as it is now known, in Reims, very reasonable IF you do not eat there also. Lot's of places for casual bistro food, and the vinyards nearby.

I'd go for Rheims, too. Nice museum next to the cathedral. More to do and lots of champagne houses.

You can't go to Reims and not visit the magnificent Cathedral with its "smiling angel".

If you do choose Epernay instead, one of the best dining experiences we had in France (and fine Champagne selection) was at Les Cépages. 16 r. Fauvette. My husband chose the All Lobster Menu (each course from appetizer on was Lobster prepared in various ways) and I had the "Surprise" Menu--just what it says they ask you if there is anything you don't eat and surprise you each course. Everything was delicious. Dinner for 2 including apératifs, 1/2 bottle of Chablis, bottle of Vittel and 2 cafés came to 164 euros...and well worth every centime!