Next stop: Bubbleville!
Swap your morning brew for a flute of France’s finest as we chug along through Champagne’s legendary landscapes. No speed limits here – just roads that lead to pure carefree enjoyment. Each stop here is a new chance to clink, drink, and dive into the world behind your favorite celebratory sip.
Ready to uncork some fun? Let the good times roll – or should we say, rail!
Image Credit: Getty Images, southtownboy. Image Location: Reims, France
Planning your train trip to Champagne
Finding your base: Reims or Épernay?
Choosing between Reims and Épernay as your home base is like deciding between a vintage brut and a rosé – both are excellent but offer different vibes. Reims, the unofficial capital of France’s Champagne region, mixes medieval history with sparkling wine. Épernay, on the other hand, is smaller but stacked with miles of cellars under its streets – literally!
Getting to Champagne by train
To dive into the heart of bubbles, catch a high-speed train from Paris to Reims. The journey from Paris Gare de l'Est to Reims can be as quick as 46 minutes. From Reims, you can take a local train to Épernay in approximately an hour, depending on the schedule and connections. You can also reach Épernay directly from Paris Gare de l'Est in 1h 12m.
Image Credit: Getty Images, titoslack. Image Location: Épernay, Marne, France
Must-visit spots in Champagne by train
Épernay: the capital of Champagne
- Avenue de Champagne: Dubbed the most drinkable avenue in the world, this iconic stretch is lined with prestigious champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. Stroll (or stagger) past grand mansions and into cellars brimming with bubbly.
- Le Ballon d’Épernay: Elevate your spirits with a ride on this tethered balloon and soar above the vineyards for breathtaking views of the capital of Champagne and beyond.
Reims: the royal heart of the region
- Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims): A gothic masterpiece where kings were crowned.
- Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot: Tour these legendary houses for a taste of history.
- Basilica of Saint-Remi (Basilique Saint-Remi): Find some real sobering moments inside this stunning site.
Image Credit: Getty Images, CAHKT. Image Location: Châlons Cathedral, Châlons-en-Champagne, France
Châlons-en-Champagne: the hidden gem
- Châlons Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Châlons): A less crowded alternative to Reims’ gothic giants.
- The Jards: Three lush gardens — Le Grand Jard, Le Petit Jard, and Le Jard Anglais — perfect for a picnic, if you fancy sipping your champagne outdoors.
Aÿ-Champagne: a toast to tradition
- Bollinger, Deutz, Henri Giraud: This quaint village isn’t just big on charm; it’s huge on wine names too, you know.
- Pressoria: This sensory museum turns the art of champagne into a full-blown adventure for your senses. Here, you’ll sip, sniff, and discover the bubbly secrets behind the world’s most celebratory drink.
La Côte des Blancs: the six villages
- Grand Cru villages: La Côte des Blancs is home to six Grand Cru villages.
- Musée de la Vigne et du Vin: Make sure to visit this museum in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
See also: The Musée des Anciens Métiers du Champagne. Although not located in La Côte des Blancs, this museum is another must-visit to discover the history of champagne.
La Côte des Bar: for the wanderers
- La Côte des Bar: Perfect for a romantic stroll through the French countryside.
- Medieval stone huts: Walk from village to village and keep an eye out for these historical cadoles.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gary Yeowell. Image Location: Champagne, France
FAQs: traveling France’s Champagne region by train
Everything you wanted to know about exploring the sparkling heart of France by rail.
Where is the Champagne region in France?
The Champagne region is where France pops its most famous cork! Nestled in the northeastern part of the country, just a stone’s throw from Paris, this area is the only place in the world where true champagne is made – because let's face it, if it’s not from Champagne, it’s just sparkling wine.
How do I get around the Champagne region by train?
Trains in Champagne are frequent and scenic. Base yourself in either Reims or Épernay and use local trains and occasional buses to explore smaller towns like Aÿ and Châlons-en-Champagne.
What’s the best time to visit the Champagne region in France?
In Champagne, it’s always wine-o’clock. Spring is perfect for witnessing the vine-growing cycle begin anew, while autumn is all about peak ripeness, harvest, and the Festival Champagne et Vous. Summer is made for sipping in the sun, enjoying the best weather and stunning scenery. Winter may mark the end of the harvest season, but it still buzzes with Christmas markets and the Feast Day of St. Vincent celebrations.
Image Credit: Getty Images, barmalini. Image Location: near Cramant, France
What are the 4 villages of Champagne?
There are over 300 villages grouped into 17 areas of the Champagne region. Still, you need only remember four terroirs (a place with unique geographical conditions that impact the taste of the Champagne produced there):
- La Côte des Blancs
- La Montagne de Reims
- La Vallée de la Marne
- La Côte des Bar
If your bubbly doesn’t come from one of these places, it’s not the real deal, folks.
What is the most famous Champagne village?
Épernay in the Marne section is often called the capital of the Champagne region for its many famous Champagne houses. Champagne houses in Épernay include Moët et Chandon and Champagne Mercier. You can reach Épernay station from Reims-Maison-Blanche in as little as 27 minutes.
How do you get around Champagne without a car?
Good news: you can explore many villages on foot or by bike (though we don’t recommend cycling after a few glasses). Even better, taking the train around Champagne means fewer wobbly footsteps, and you can BYOC (Bring Your Own Champagne) to enjoy on many French trains. Just maybe save that bottle of Dom Pérignon for another time.
Are there any local tips for train travel in Champagne?
Yes! Always check the train schedules via the Trainline app in advance as weekend and holiday services can be sparse. And remember, the more you taste, the less you should be driving – another reason why trains are your best friends here.
Can I visit champagne houses without a reservation?
It’s possible at some, but for the major houses, booking a tour in advance is highly recommended to make sure you’re not left sipping solo outside.
Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Burgundy, France
More indulgent day trips from Paris
So, you’ve drunk your way through Champagne. You’re rosé-faced, giggly, and eager to sample more of France’s refined wine offerings. Enjoy these other delightful day trips from Paris:
- For Bourgogne and Crème de Cassis: Paris Gare de Lyon to Dijon Ville, from 1h 35m.
- For Bordeaux: Paris Austerlitz to Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, from 2h 3m.
- For Chartreuse: Paris Gare de Lyon to Grenoble, from 2h 59m.
- For Cognac: Paris Austerlitz to Cognac, from 2h 45m.
- For Armagnac: Paris Montparnasse to Mont-de-Marsan, from 3h 35m.
Whether you’re a bubbly aficionado or just looking for a different kind of French connection, Champagne is waiting to be uncorked by you!
Let us hook you up with a dreamy designated driver. Download the Trainline app to purchase train tickets. If you’re looking for more French wine regions to visit, check out our guide to the 9 best wine regions in France and traveling to Bordeaux for wine.
Editor's Note: This article was written by Lena Khokhlova with contributions from Nick Dauk.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, barmalini. Image Location: France
