Champagne, France
Épernay, roughly 30 kilometers south, is the "Capital of Champagne." The grand Avenue de Champagne displays the headquarters of prestigious Champagne houses. Train travel from Reims Centre station reaches Épernay in about 30 minutes. Driving takes 30-40 minutes.
Just above Épernay, Hautvillers, known as the "cradle of Champagne," houses the Abbey of Saint-Pierre. Dom Pérignon refined Champagne-making here. The village charms with picturesque scenes and small, independent Champagne producers. A car or organized tour is the best way to reach Hautvillers.
The region around Reims has more to explore for history buffs and shoppers alike.
About 120 kilometers south, Troyes presents a medieval old town with half-timbered houses and stunning churches. Direct trains from Reims Centre station reach Troyes in about 1 hour. Driving also takes around 1.5 hours.
Verdun, about 100 kilometers east of Reims, holds major historical significance from World War I. Best reached by car, the drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Beyond the vineyards, the region around Reims showcases natural landscapes for outdoor lovers.
This forested plateau, immediately surrounding Reims, holds vineyards and charming villages. Find diverse landscapes of dense forests and rolling vineyards.
Approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Reims, this large artificial lake is a popular destination for nature and water activities. A car is needed for this location.
Within the Montagne de Reims park, an unique section displays twisted dwarf beech trees, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. A distinct natural wonder.
This park serves well for various outdoor activities.
This large lake provides varied activities for nature enthusiasts.
Reims' excellent connectivity makes it a good starting point or a logical stop on a longer French or European itinerary.
Add 1-2 days to deeply explore the Champagne region. This period allows more Champagne house visits (grand maisons and independent producers), exploration of several charming villages, or a full day of cycling through vineyards.
For history enthusiasts, a full day (or two) at the Verdun battlefields and other WWI sites (like the Chemin des Dames) offers an immersive historical experience. An overnight stay in Verdun can deepen this exploration.
A day trip to Troyes (see 10.1) naturally extends into an overnight stay. This setup allows more time to explore its medieval town and take advantage of its famous outlet shopping opportunities.
France's high-speed rail (TGV) network connects to these other regions efficiently. A rental car provides greater flexibility for rural exploration.
These multi-day extensions create a comprehensive French or European itinerary, building upon your experience in Reims.
Reims (Champagne) -> Dijon/Beaune (Burgundy) -> Lyon (Gastronomy).
Reims (Champagne) -> Nancy (Art Nouveau) -> Strasbourg (Alsace culture).
Reims (WWI context) -> Verdun (major WWI site) -> Luxembourg or Belgium.
