Smeagol

As it's a bank holiday weekend in August here in the UK, I thought we would make use of the extra day off and go to Reims for the weekend. Ideally I would like to visit a number of the famous ( and not so famous) Champagne houses.
Couple of questions, is Reims a good base for doing this and during August are many of the houses closed for visitors ( I know August is a big holiday time in Paris didn't know if it extends elsewhere)
Thanks
S

jamikins

I would check the websites for the houses you want to visit to see what their hours are etc...

Christina

August is a big holiday time in much of Europe, not just Paris.

Alec

From my memory, big commercial houses are always open with a paid-for tour and tastings. Some exclusive ones for which you have to make prior appointment may be closed.
I much prefer Epernay for champagne <i>caves</i>.

Patty

I believe most of the large houses are open but you should check directly as many of them require reservations. Ruinart will be closed but that is for renovations.

Smeagol

Thank you.
I did check some of the websites but they were not very clear and I figured if some were open ( I:e not everyone closed) we could still make a weekend of it.
I'll look into Epernay.

bilboburgler

1) the big houses will be open as this is the main tourist season in the area.
2) the small houses will be closed or on short hours for the same reason
3) Epernay is perfect for visits as the grand maisons are all (almost) lined up for you down one street, if you want to visit small ones you can hire a bike from tourist information and wizz off.
http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Champagne_Cellars.php

Smeagol

Fantastic thank you. I have checked the ones I am interested and it seems they are open. Hadn't thought about getting a bike, that's a brilliant idea, thank you
So far I have just looked into Reims and this seems doable ( but I will look at Epernay). How many do you think we should visit before we would get Champagne cellar fatigue?

bilboburgler

If you've seen one cellar you've seen them all and the repeated lectures about wire and cork and turn the bottle not the cork gets to you. In terms of tasting, I always spit so I can manage 40 wines in 3 hours, if you drink the stuff....

If you want to enjoy yourself, make sure the toothpaste is out of your mouth, do one before lunch, have lunch and one after.

Smeagol

Bilbo that's exactly what I thought. Have already booked the Veuve Clicquot one and intend to book 2 the following day ( separated by lunch) I shall most DEFINITLY be drinking .......