Mini Guides: Greedy Gourmet’s Champagne Tour in Reims

France is rightly famous for its vineyards and wine-making culture, from the rich reds of Burgundy to the sparkling magic of Champagne, and it’s all right on the doorstop of the UK. That’s why we decided to send blogger Michelle from Greedy Gourmet on an adventure in Reims.

The Channel crossing

Taking this trip was something of an exercise in facing fears for Michelle, as she was nervous about driving her right-hand-drive car on the right side of the road in France, as well as getting up the ramp onto the ferry in the first place. When it came to it, Michelle discovered that it’s actually “very hard to miss the ramp on the ferry”, quickly dispelling a worry in the process. Onboard she enjoyed the spacious Premium Lounge during a peaceful crossing, arriving in Calais 90 minutes later.

Travel tip: Don’t forget to buy a Driving in France kit, and watch some videos on how to apply the headlight adapters before you leave.

Michelle’s itinerary

Reims

• The unofficial capital of the Champagne region
• 2.5-hour drive from Calais

Reims Cathedral

• A stunning Gothic cathedral that saw the coronation of many French monarchs. Toady it attracts around a million visitors every year and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Palais du Tau – Nestled next to the cathedral is this T-shaped (hence the name) palace that was once home to the Archbishop of Reims, and hosted many coronation banquets. The site was once a Roman villa

Champagne Tour

• Champagne Discovery Afternoon with Vine Escape
• Seeing the beautiful vineyards, and learning about the winemaking process, including taste-testing different champagnes

Travel tip: Take things slowly and give yourself time to adjust to driving on the other side of the road. Also remember that France has many toll roads and you’ll have to nip around with your wallet unless you have a passenger in the front seat!

What else to see

Reims and the surrounding Champagne region offer lots great places to visit, allowing you to soak in the picturesque landscapes and historic towns associated with France’s most famous export. Here are some more essentials for your itinerary:

• Avenue de Champagne, Epernay – This elegant street is home to the headquarters of many of the world’s most famous names in champagne, including Moet et Chandon, Perrier-Jouet, and Pol Roger. Many offer tours showing their history and their vast wine cellars.
• Parc Naturel regional de la Montagne de Reims – Located between Reims and Epernay, the slopes of Montagne de Reims sprawl with vineyards, with picturesque winegrowers’ villages in between. There are also several outdoor adventure parks within the forested plateau.
• Villa Demoiselle – This stunning building looks like it might have dropped straight out of Disneyland, with its turn of the century art deco and art nouveau styling. Fully restored to its original glory, this hotel is the perfect place to drop in for afternoon tea or just to admire the décor.