Your perfect trip to Champagne starts here

Planning a Trip to Champagne? Let’s be honest, who hasn’t dreamt of jetting off to a gorgeous wine region with their best friends? While I might live and breathe Champagne now, even I find myself fantasizing about escaping to other vineyards for a little getaway! And as a busy mompreneur, those girls’ trip fantasies are extra strong! That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide to experiencing the very best of the Champagne region. This is perfect for a fun and accessible weekend with your friends, but trust me, these insider tips are invaluable for anyone hoping to discover the magic of Champagne.

And to make this trip even more special, I’m putting the spotlight on the amazing Women of Champagne. From the winemakers crafting exceptional bubbly to the passionate tour guides sharing their knowledge, women are the heart and soul of this region. So get ready to raise a glass to the inspiring women who make Champagne so extraordinary! 🥂

My Top Tips for the Best Trip to Champagne

I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it again: the key to an unforgettable Champagne experience is planning! You can read all about it in my dedicated article “Top Tips for Visiting Champagne Houses,” but here’s the short version: plan, plan, plan!

Book your visits in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season or have your heart set on specific Champagne Houses. Trust me, platforms like Winalist, Rue des Vignerons, and Viator are your best friends when it comes to securing those coveted reservations.

I always emphasize this to my guests – many of whom have dreamt of visiting Champagne their entire lives! Remember, there’s only one Champagne region in the entire world, so make the most of your time here. Don’t miss out on experiences because you didn’t book ahead. Champagne is bigger than you might realize, and those tastings and cellar tours can fill up your days – in the best way possible, of course!

Girl trip to Champagne from Paris

So, you and your besties are dreaming of Champagne but starting your journey in Paris? That’s the perfect pairing! You might be enjoying a few days exploring the City of Lights before heading to Champagne, or perhaps you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip.

While I always recommend spending a few days exploring all that the Champagne region offers, I understand that time can be precious when you’re on a whirlwind trip through France. If you’re short on time, check out my article dedicated entirely to planning the perfect Champagne day trip from Paris!

Now, let’s talk transportation. Here are a few popular options for getting from Paris to Champagne:

• Train: Train
  • The train is a convenient and scenic way to travel, with direct routes from Paris (Gare de l’Est) to both Reims and Epernay. For the easiest booking experience, I recommend using Trainline. You’ll find the most convenient schedules and best prices for your journey.
  • It takes approximately 45 minutes to Reims and 1 hour and 40 minutes to Epernay.
    
• Private Car Service
  • For a stress-free experience, consider booking a private car service. This option offers flexibility and door-to-door convenience, perfect for groups. My go-to is Elron VTC, they offer incredibly comfortable rides at a fair price.

• Rental Car: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. However, keep in mind that driving in France can be challenging for visitors, and parking in larger towns can be limited.

Reims or Epernay Champagne Tours: Which is Best? Women Sharing Their Passion

Ah, the age-old question: Reims or Epernay for your Champagne tour experience? Honestly, the answer depends entirely on your interests and what you hope to discover.

While some tour operators cram both cities into a single day, I personally think that’s way too rushed. You’ll spend more time stuck in traffic than sipping Champagne! Instead, I recommend choosing your base city (Reims or Epernay) based on the specific Champagne Houses and experiences you’re most excited about. After all, why waste precious holiday time commuting when you could be enjoying another tasting? 😉

➤ Find all the Champagne Houses in Epernay & Reims in this article.

To help you decide, I’ve broken down the best Champagne cellar tours in both cities. Plus, I’m highlighting some fantastic tours created by passionate local women – these ladies are sharing their love for Champagne with the world!

• Embrace vintage vibes with Maeva: Tour the vineyards in style in a beautifully restored vintage “Estafette” van with Maeva. She offers a range of tours, including vineyard visits and tastings, providing a unique and memorable way to experience the region.
• Enjoy the Sound of Silence with Isabelle: Explore the vineyards in peaceful tranquility with Isabelle and her electric vehicle. You’ll enjoy stunning scenery and learn about sustainable practices while sipping delicious Champagne.
• Explore Champagne in Portuguese with Thayane: For Portuguese speakers, Thayane offers engaging and informative Champagne tours, sharing her love for the region and its wines in your native language. Also available in English.

.

The Great Ladies of Champagne: Stories and Legacies

When it comes to the remarkable women who shaped Champagne’s history, two names immediately come to mind: Madame Pommery and Madame Clicquot Ponsardin, better known as Veuve Clicquot (“the Widow”). Both women, widowed at a young age, found themselves with an unexpected opportunity in a time when being a widow was the only legal way for a woman to run a business. In the early 1800s, these pioneers defied societal expectations, stepping confidently into the male-dominated world of Champagne and changing it forever. Their stories are as captivating and inspiring as the exquisite Champagnes they created!

Here’s a glimpse into my two favorite Champagne Houses in Reims, each with its own unique connection to these extraordinary women:

Champagne Veuve Clicquot: A Legacy Built on Courage

Imagine a world without rosé Champagne or the celebratory pop of a vintage bottle – it might never have existed without Madame Clicquot! Widowed at just 27, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (later known as Madame Clicquot) could have easily walked away from her late husband’s business. Instead, she took charge, transforming Veuve Clicquot into one of the most celebrated Champagne Houses in the world.

During her time at the helm, she didn’t just maintain the status quo – Madame Clicquot was an innovator. She pioneered the riddling table technique (still used today!), which dramatically improved the clarity and quality of Champagne.

Visiting the Veuve Clicquot Crayères (chalk cellars) is an experience like no other. You’ll journey through miles of underground cellars, each turn revealing another chapter in Madame Clicquot’s remarkable story.

• Prices: from €60 for an adult entry
• More info: 1 Rue Albert Thomas, 51100 Reims, France

Champagne Pommery: Where Art and Champagne perfectly match

In 1858, another extraordinary woman took the reins of a Champagne House: Madame Pommery. A visionary and a shrewd businesswoman, she had a bold vision for Pommery, transforming it into a global brand. It was Madame Pommery who recognized the growing demand for a drier style of Champagne, ultimately creating the brut Champagne we know and love today.

But her legacy extends beyond the bottle. At Pommery, you won’t just experience Champagne, you’ll encounter art. The estate boasts the stunning Villa Demoiselle, an architectural masterpiece of the Art Nouveau movement, and their vast network of chalk cellars doubles as an incredible art gallery, hosting rotating exhibitions throughout the year.

• Prices: from €48 for an adult ticket
• More info: 5 Place du Général Gouraud, 51100 Reims, France

Encounters with the Women of the Terroir

Today, many Champagne Houses are run by women, carrying on a legacy that dates back centuries. Here are a few of my favorite female winemakers who are crafting exceptional Champagnes and offering unforgettable experiences:

Champagne A. Margaine (Villers-Marmery)

For a truly personalized Champagne experience, visit Champagne A. Margaine in Villers-Marmery. Mathilde, the 5th-generation owner, leads engaging tours that delve into the unique terroir of the village, where Chardonnay takes center stage. Her passion for her family’s heritage and the art of Champagne making shines through, making this a must-visit for those seeking an intimate and insightful experience.
➤ Visit & Tasting options: €40 for a tour and tasting of 3 champagnes.

Want to discover even more incredible women making their mark on the Champagne region? I highly recommend checking out Cynthia Coutu’s Champagne tours. She specializes in showcasing the work of women in Champagne, from vineyard to bottle, and her website is a fantastic resource for finding female-run Champagne Houses and experiences. You’ll discover a whole new side of Champagne!

---

So, there you have it! Everything you need to plan the ultimate trip to the Champagne region, whether you’re looking for Champagne girls’ weekend getaway or an unforgettable adventure with friends and family.

From exploring the grand Champagne Houses of Reims to discovering hidden gems in the smaller villages, the Champagne region offers something for everyone. And don’t miss the opportunity to meet the passionate Women of Champagne who are shaping the future of this iconic beverage. So start planning your Champagne vineyard tour today, and get ready to pop open some unforgettable memories!