Day Trips from Epernay. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance

Reims: Approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Epernay. Reims is the largest city in the Champagne region and holds historical significance.

Hautvillers: Located just 6 kilometers (4 miles) north of Epernay. This picturesque village is often referred to as the "Cradle of Champagne".

Transportation Options

Reims: Easily accessible by frequent regional trains (approx. 20 minutes).
Hautvillers/Ay-Champagne: Best reached by car, taxi, or bicycle.
Châlons-en-Champagne: Regional trains connect directly.
Cycling to Hautvillers is a popular and scenic choice.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Planning your trip offers choices in how you explore.

Organized Tour

Many tour operators feature full-day excursions from Epernay (or Paris) covering multiple Champagne sites, often including Reims and Champagne houses.

Benefits

Convenience in transport and logistics.
Pre-booked tastings often included.
Good option for first-time visitors or without a car.

Independent Travel

Planning your own day trip offers greater freedom.

Freedom

Maximum flexibility for pacing.
More time at favored attractions.
Personalized experience.

Time Required and Suggested Itineraries

Reims

Dedicate a full day (6-8 hours).
Morning: Reims Cathedral and Palais du Tau.
Afternoon: Tour a grand Champagne house.
Explore city shopping streets.

Hautvillers/Ay-Champagne

Half-day trip (3-4 hours).
Explore village streets, Abbey of Saint-Pierre.
A full day covers a comprehensive Champagne Route drive.

Considerations for Your Journey

Reims accessible by train.20 mins
Hautvillers and Ay by car/bike.Flexible
Organized tours handle details.Convenience
Independent trips offer pace.Freedom

Hotels often book tours.Ask Front Desk
Local taxis are available.Pre-book
Cycle paths are well-marked.Scenic
Enjoy vineyard picnics.Idyllic

Travel Tip

For day trips, consider what kind of experience you want. A structured tour or self-guided exploration each brings its own benefits. Find Day Trips on GetYourGuide

Natural Escapes

The Champagne region features beautiful natural landscapes beyond the vineyards, inviting relaxation and exploration.

Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park

This protected natural area, north of Epernay towards Reims, features forests, vineyards, and small villages. It offers hiking, cycling, and nature immersion.

UNESCO World Heritage Landscapes

The Champagne region is an UNESCO World Heritage site for its "Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars."

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

The Vendanges (grape harvest) in late September/early October is a period of intense activity and an unique natural event.

Activities in Montagne de Reims Park

The park preserves biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Exploration

Hiking trails through forests.
Cycling through picturesque vineyards.
Immersing in diverse nature.

Scenic Routes

Driving, cycling, or walking through the rolling vineyards is spectacular scenery.

Views

Designated "Champagne Tourist Routes."
Rolling vineyards with charming views.
Picturesque landscapes year-round.

Vendanges Grape Harvest Details

Vines bustling with workers.Late Sept/Early Oct

Air filled with grape scent.Sensory Experience

Truly unique natural phenomenon.Witness History

Witness the start of Champagne production.Core Activity

Some smaller producers invite participation.Hands-on

Peak season for vineyard activity.High Energy

Nature's Call

The Montagne de Reims offers a serene escape, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the cellars.
Rolling hills and vast vineyards create stunning backdrops.
Peaceful retreats away from urban environments.
Observe local flora and fauna.
The landscape provides tranquility.

Cultural Excursions

Deepen your understanding of Champagne's history and culture through excursions to significant sites.

Historical Sites Nearby

Explore masterpieces of architecture and significant historical landmarks.

Reims Cathedral & Palais du Tau

UNESCO World Heritage Gothic architecture.
Coronation site of French kings.
Museum with royal regalia.

Hautvillers & Grand Cru Villages

Discover the "Cradle of Champagne" and premier vineyard villages.

Village Charm & Production

Abbey of Saint-Pierre (Dom Pérignon's burial).
Artisan shops and charming streets.
Small producers offer intimate tastings.

Rural Villages and Agricultural Areas

Hautvillers, considered the "Cradle of Champagne," is a significant village to explore.

Vineyard Exploration

Drive or cycle through Grand Cru villages.
Visit small independent growers (vignerons).
Explore villages like Cramant, Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.

Pilgrimage Sites

Notre-Dame de l'Épine Basilica is a local masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture.

Spiritual Significance

UNESCO World Heritage site.
Significant pilgrimage site.
Stunning example of religious art and design.

Cultural Highlights

These sites reveal the region's diverse heritage.

Reims Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, coronation place of 33 French kings.

Palais du Tau

Former archiepiscopal palace, museum with royal tapestries.

Fort de la Pompelle

Restored WWI fort near Reims, museum and memorial.

Cultural Immersion

The region's rich history extends far beyond Champagne production, with historical sites awaiting discovery.

Multi-Day Extensions

Epernay can serve as a springboard for longer regional or national travels, connecting easily to other major destinations.

Recommendations for Adding 1-3 Days

1

Reims Depth

Dedicate a full additional day to Reims to explore its Champagne houses, history, and culinary scene.

2

Vineyard Hopping

Spend an extra day or two immersed in a specific Champagne sub-region, staying overnight in a village B&B.

3

WWI Battlefields

For history buffs, a somber but important visit to Verdun battlefields (approx. 1.5-2 hours drive).

Logical Next Destinations

Paris: An obvious and easy next destination with excellent high-speed train connections.
Strasbourg/Colmar (Alsace): Another major French wine region accessible by train, with different culture and wine style.
Brussels/Bruges (Belgium): Accessible by train, offering historic centers, chocolate, and beer.
Lyon: Known for gastronomy, accessible by train from Paris.
Bordeaux: Another famous wine region, requires longer travel.
London: Via Eurostar from Paris, for an international extension.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Champagne & Alsace Wine Route: Combine Epernay/Reims with Strasbourg/Colmar for a comprehensive wine and culture tour.
Paris & Champagne: A classic combination experiencing urban sophistication and rural charm.
Normandy & Champagne: History and gastronomy.
Burgundy & Champagne: Two premier wine regions.
Loire Valley & Champagne: Castles and wine.
South of France & Champagne: For a broader French experience.

Transportation Connections

High-Speed Trains

Excellent train connections from Reims or Epernay link you to major French cities.

International Connections

Access international destinations conveniently via Paris train connections.

Seamless Travel

Onward travel throughout France and Europe is convenient and efficient.

Extend Your Journey

Epernay serves as an ideal starting point for discovering other regions of France or Europe.

Day Trips from Epernay