Paris to Reims Day Trip: 7 Juicy Tips for the Ideal Day 

Yes, you can do this day trip on your own via a 45-minute high-speed train ride. You do not need an “official tour” unless you prefer that option (more on that later).

If you don’t speak French, Trainline is a lifesaver! It’s super user-friendly.

Here’s how to book your train ticket from Paris to Reims:

→     Type in Paris Gare de l’Est as your “from” location.

→     Type in Reims Ville station as your “to” location (this location puts you in the city center).

→     Pick “TGV INOUI” DIRECT, which is the high-speed train.

→     Select the “Standard” ticket. There’s also an option for “First Class.”

→     Click “Pick by Card” and you’re done! Your e-ticket is ready to go! Easy breezy.

In addition to using Trainline to go from Paris to Reims, we also used it in Burgundy to get around when we did a self-guided bike tour through the vineyards.

Trainline also gave us live updates and guidance on which train platform to use.

Reserve tickets in advance.

There are two main hubs in the Champagne region to base yourself: Reims and Epernay.

So, how do you choose?

Reims is the more popular option for a day trip. It’s a larger city than Épernay but still very walkable, with more to see, shop, and eat.

It’s also home to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, where French kings were once crowned. And if you’re hoping to tour the big-name Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Pommery, and Taittinger, Reims is where you’ll find them.

Epernay is very charming but smaller and more concentrated.

It has the Avenue de Champagne, the famous street lined with Champagne houses such as Moët De Chandon and Mercier. Some suggest it could potentially rank as the world’s priciest street due to the abundance of stored Champagne bottles.

Epernay is about 1 hr 15 min from Paris, so a little farther than Reims.

Given the choice between Reims and Epernay to visit as a day trip, I would advise Reims. However, if you are spending multiple days in the Champagne region, stay in Epernay.

We enjoyed several days of Champagne tasting and used the adorable boutique hotel, Le 25Bis, in Epernay as our base. It’s owned by Leclerc Briant Champagne House, which means exceptional Champagne every day for breakfast. Yes, please!

Need more help deciding between the two?

Don’t miss my full comparison post on Reims vs. Epernay. It breaks down everything you need to know.

In some wine regions like Napa, you can just walk in for a tasting. Not so in the Champagne region. You’ll need to book your visits in advance, and for the more popular houses, that can mean planning several months ahead.

Visiting at least one major Champagne house is a must while in Reims. There are plenty to choose from (see the full list), but let me save you the time and decision fatigue.

Go with Maison Ruinart (here’s my full review of the wine experience!).

It’s widely considered one of the best Champagne tours in the region. We booked ours two months ahead, and it did sell out. So don’t wait too long!

The tour includes a visit to the historic chalk cellars, which are a UNESCO world heritage site, and two exceptional Champagne tastings.

If Ruinart is booked, I have heard Taittinger also provides an incredible wine tour & tasting experience too.

There is a stunning, elegant hotel called Domaine Les Crayères in Reims that is decorated in the classical French style. It is particularly known for its 2-star Michelin restaurant Le Parc Les Crayères thanks to Meilleur Ouvrier de France chef Philippe Mille.

Did you know though that Domaine Les Crayères also has a little sister restaurant, Le Jardin Les Crayères?

Led by the same chef, we enjoyed a delicious 3-course tasting menu on a charming terrace for a fraction of the cost (42 €!). The wine list was outstanding.

Booking ahead is a must if you want to enjoy a lunch like this. It fills up fast.

The restaurant is about a 45-minute walk or just an 8-minute taxi ride from the Reims train station.

I almost hesitated to share #5. When you stumble on a true gem, part of you wants to keep it secret.

If you’re into Champagne, you may have heard of “grower Champagne.” Bottles made by the same people who grow the grapes. It’s the opposite of the big houses that blend grapes from multiple vineyards. Eater explains it beautifully.

In Reims, there’s a wine shop called Trésors de Champagne Boutique that focuses entirely on these independent producers.

And it’s so good, it’s worth a day trip to Reims all on its own!

Inside, the boutique is warm and welcoming, with portraits of winemakers lining the walls and illuminated bottles of Champagne hanging from the ceiling.

It’s as much a visual experience as a tasting one.

We popped in and did a spontaneous tasting, guided by their super friendly staff.

I’ve since noticed they now offer a “Book a Tasting” option on their website, so it’s a good idea to check ahead in case an appointment is required.

The best part? You can have your favorite bottles shipped home, and the shipping rates are surprisingly reasonable.

How do you construct the perfect day trip to Reims?

→     8:27 am: Direct train to Reims. Arrive at 9:14 am. Good option if you want to walk around Reims first before lunch. Take the 10:27 am direct train and arrive at 11:14 am if you are planning to go straight to lunch.

→     11 am: Walk by the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and some of the bigger Champagne houses like Veuve Cliquot and Taittinger.

→     12 pm: Lunch at Le Jardin Les Crayères * It was a beautiful day so we made the casual 45-minute walk from the Reims train station to Le Jardin Les Crayères. If it’s raining or hot, then take an 8-minute taxi from the train station.

→     2:30 – 4:30 pm: Champagne tour at Ruinart

→     5 – 6:30 pm: Wine Tasting at Trésors de Champagne Boutique. 10-minute walk from the shop back to the train station.

→     7:15 pm: Direct train back to Paris. Arrive in Paris at 8:05 pm.

My husband and I usually prefer to explore on our own, but I know that some travelers would rather skip the logistics and just enjoy the experience stress-free.

If that sounds like you, check out My Winedays.

They’ll pick you up from your hotel in Paris, take you to a mix of top-notch small and large Champagne producers, and drop you off at the end of the day. No planning required.

Their stellar reviews speak for themselves!

Some places just have that pull. We call them “repeaters” because we already know we’ll be back. If you’re into outstanding wine, amazing food, and that perfect mix of charm and elegance, the Champagne region checks every box.

A day trip to Reims offers a great introduction, but don’t be surprised if it leaves you wanting more … and planning a longer stay next time! 🥂

REACH OUT, FOLLOW, OR SHARE THIS POST WITH A FRIEND!

Questions about planning a Paris to Reims Day Trip?

Let me know in the comments below!