- Publish Date: Jan 5, 2010
Paris is a quick jaunt from the East Coast – one hop across the ocean and you’re in the land of baguettes and Bordeaux. But an easy side trip once you’re there, whether you’re in The City of Light for a long weekend or a week, is to the town of Reims for a visit to your favorite Champagne houses and cellars. And it can be done in one day!
A quick 45-minute train ride and about 60 Euros (round-trip) from Gare de l’Est in Paris will get you into Reims in the morning. From there, taxis are as abundant as the bubbles and you can even walk from one winery to the next.
Many, like Taittinger, have very deep cellars dug from the chalk quarries by the Romans where much of the Champagne is still bottled using traditional methods. Reservations are recommended at all of the houses and many include a taste of Champagne in the price of admission.
Some stops to consider:
Taittinger
Champagne Roederer (maker of the luxury bubbly Cristal)
Veuve Cliquot
Pommery
Piper Heidsieck
Krug
Like any good wine trip, food is très important. Just a short uphill walk from Pommery is an exquisite dining experience at the Michelin-rated Chateau Les Crayeres. Another treat at the restaurant is the ability to try champagne like Dom Perignon by the glass.
Reims has a magnificent cathedral worthy of a visit and many wonderful shops and hotels if you plan to stay for more than one day. Visit reims-tourism.com for more information.
Kick off your New Year the right way by planning a trip to Champagne. Salut!
