Reims or Épernay: where to stay in Champagne?
The essentials
- No car and a first visit: pick Reims.
- Growers and wine villages: pick Épernay.
- The TER train links the two towns in 20 to 30 minutes.
- With two nights, sleep one night in each.
The comparison in one table
| Criterion | Reims | Épernay |
|---|---|---|
| From Paris-Est | TGV, about 45 minutes | Direct TER, about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Size | A city | A small town |
| UNESCO heritage | Cathedral, Palace of Tau, Basilica of Saint-Remi (1991), Saint-Nicaise hill chalk cellars (2015) | Avenue de Champagne (2015) |
| Big houses on foot | Yes, around the Saint-Nicaise hill | Yes, on the Avenue de Champagne, near the station |
| Access to the vines | Montagne de Reims by car or tour | Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs closer |
| Restaurants and evenings | The widest choice | Quieter |
Pick Reims if you…
- arrive by train from Paris and have no car;
- visit the region for the first time and want to see the cathedral;
- want more hotels and restaurants within walking distance.
Pick Épernay if you…
- want to meet growers and explore the Côte des Blancs;
- prefer sleeping in a calm small town;
- have a car or book a tour of the villages.
The two-night answer
Sleep the first night in Reims, then take the TER to Épernay the next morning. You see the cathedral and a Reims house on day one, then the Avenue de Champagne and a wine village on day two. You never repack in the middle of your visits.
Check before you book
Not every Paris to Épernay train runs direct. Check the exact timetable on SNCF Connect before you fix your visits.
Frequently asked questions
Which is closer to Paris, Reims or Épernay?
Reims: the TGV from Paris-Est takes about 45 minutes. The direct TER to Épernay takes about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Can you visit Épernay from Reims as a day trip?
Yes. The TER links the two towns in 20 to 30 minutes, and the Avenue de Champagne sits a few minutes’ walk from Épernay station.
Sources
Plan your trip
The concierge builds an itinerary from your starting point, transport and wishes.
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Champagne in 2 days from Paris
Reims on day one, the Montagne de Reims and Épernay on day two: the most efficient itinerary by train or car.
Reims in one day
Cathedral, chalk cellars and the Basilica of Saint-Remi: a full day on foot, no car needed.
Big house or grower: which Champagne visit to choose?
A big house shows you its cellars and its history, a grower shows you the vines. The differences, and how to read the code on the label.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation. L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération.