Reims vs Epernay: Where Should You Visit in Champagne?

If you are planning a trip to France's Champagne region, there is a good chance you will find yourself choosing between Reims vs Epernay, especially if you are short on time. Both cities offer an excellent introduction to the Champagne region and plenty of opportunities to fill a day, or two, with tastings, cellar tours, great food, and time spent exploring the picturesque region.

At first glance, Reims and Epernay can seem fairly similar. Both are easily reached from Paris by train, both are home to world-famous champagne houses, and both can work well for a day trip or a longer stay. Once you arrive, however, the experiences are notably different. Reims is the larger city, with more restaurants, hotels, museums, and historic attractions alongside some of the region's most famous champagne houses. Epernay, on the other hand, is smaller and much more centered around the bubbly beverage itself, with the best-known champagne houses in Epernay clustered along the Avenue de Champagne and within easy walking distance of one another. 

In this guide, we will compare Reims vs Epernay, from champagne tastings and transportation to restaurants, things to do, and where to stay, to help you decide which city is the better fit for your trip. You can also explore our Reims Travel Guide and guide to the best things to do in Epernay as you plan your visit.

 

Table of Contents:

1. Reims vs Epernay: What's the Difference? 
2. Why Visit Reims?
3. Why Visit Epernay?
4. Reims vs Epernay: Which Is Better For...
5. Reims vs Epernay: Where Should You Stay? 
6. Reims vs Epernay FAQs
7. Reims vs Epernay: Our Verdict 

Reims vs Epernay: What's the Difference? 

If your main reason for visiting Champagne, is well, champagne, Reims and Epernay offer many of the same experiences. Both are home to famous champagne houses where you can tour historic cellars, learn about the production process, and, of course, enjoy a tasting (or two)! However, that is largely where the similarities between Reims and Epernay end.

Reims is the largest city in Champagne and it feels like a destination in its own right. In addition to world-famous champagne houses, Reims has a beautiful and historic city center, multiple museums (including The Museum of the Surrender), a gourmet food scene, plenty of cafés and shops, and one of the most significant Gothic cathedrals in France (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims). There is enough to see and do in Reims that you can easily fill a couple of days, particularly if you want your trip to include more than just champagne tastings and cellar tours.

Epernay, by comparison, is much smaller. Although it is the second-largest city in Champagne after Reims, it feels more like a small town. Thanks to is small geographical size, Epernay is extremely easy to explore on foot. The majority of its champagne houses are concentrated along the Avenue de Champagne, so you can walk between champagne tastings, the train station, and the city center without having to venture very far.

The compact size of Epernay is one of the city's biggest advantages, particularly if you are looking to visit Epernay as a day trip from Paris. However, there simply is not as much to see or do in Epernay outside of drinking champagne. 

If you are deciding between Reims vs Epernay, the choice largely comes down to what kind of trip you want: Reims is a more well-rounded destination, while Epernay offers a more champagne-focused experience. 

Why Visit Reims? 

Reims is our pick if you have more than a day to spend in Champagne. While champagne is certainly a major part of the experience, Reims has enough history, culture, food, and sightseeing to keep you busy between tastings. 

History & Culture in Reims

There is a lot to see in Reims that has absolutely nothing to do with the bubbly beverage. The centerpiece is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, or Reims Cathedral for short, one of the most historically significant cathedrals in all of France and the historic coronation site of French kings. Dating back to the 13th century, 25 French monarchs were crowned in Reims Cathedral over the course of nearly 700 years!

The cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a worthwhile stop on any trip to Reims. Aside from its royal ties, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. While the cathedral was heavily damaged during World War I, it was extensively restored in the decades that followed. Today, the cathedral pairs its medieval Gothic architecture with strikingly modern stained glass windows by world-renowned artists like Marc Chagall. Plus, the cathedral is free to visit! 

The city's history, however, stretches back much further than the 13th century. Reims was actually a major city in the Roman Empire, then known as Durocortorum, and was founded around 80 BC. A number of Roman ruins dot the city, however, none is more prominent than the Porte de Mars. The Porte de Mars, a remarkably well-preserved Roman triumphal arch, offers a small glimpse into Reims' Roman past and makes for a quick stop while exploring the city center.

Reims also has several worthwhile museums, including the Museum of the Surrender, where Germany signed its unconditional surrender on May 7, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. The museum is housed in the former Allied headquarters for northwest Europe (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) and preserves the original war room used by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with battle maps and other World War II artifacts. 

The city is also home to the Musee des Beaux-Arts, which is scheduled to reopen in 2027, following a multi-year renovation. The museum has a large collection of French art, including a number of works by Camille Corot. 

If sightseeing and history are just as important to you as champagne tasting, Reims is the clear winner between the two cities. For more of the city's major attractions, be sure to check out our complete Reims Travel Guide. 

Champagne Houses in Reims 

Reims is home to some of the most recognizable names in champagne, making it an excellent choice if visiting major producers is a priority for your trip to Champagne. Many offer guided tours that take you underground into their historic cellars before ending with a guided tasting. One of the things that makes champagne tours in Reims memorable are the ancient chalk quarries, known as crayères, that function as champagne cellars beneath the ground. In fact, these vast underground cellars are part of the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

We have personally toured Lanson, Pommery, and G.H. Mumm during our time in Reims, and each offered a different look at champagne production and the history of their respective maison. Our favorite tour in Reims, and the one we recommend the most often, is Champagne Pommery (Vranken Pommery). Their ancient crayères, where they store and age their champagne, are filled with modern art installations that add a unique twist on the traditional cellar tour.

However, if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the vineyards themselves, we also recommend touring Lanson. It was the only champagne house we visited, in either Reims or Epernay, that included an on-site vineyard as part of the experience.

Veuve Clicquot is another popular tour choice in Reims, particularly among American visitors, and one we recommend booking well in advance if it is on your must-see list. Other notable champagne producers headquartered in Reims, which offer tours and tastings, include: Ruinart, Taittinger, and GH Martel & Co. 

If you are trying to decide which houses to visit, our guide to Champagne Tasting Reims covers the champagne houses we have visited in greater detail, what to expect from the different tours and tastings, and what to know before you go. 

If there is a particular champagne house in Reims that you already know and love, that alone may be reason enough to choose Reims over Epernay. Visiting a favorite producer can easily become one of the highlights of your time in Champagne. When deciding between Reims vs Epernay, we recommend looking at which champagne houses you are most interested in visiting before making your final decision.

Reims for Foodies

There is much more to Reims than champagne, and its phenomenal food scene is another reason to visit. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from throughout the city, ranging from elegant French dining and Michelin-recognized restaurants to casual spots that are perfect for a relaxed lunch between sightseeing and champagne tastings.

For what it is worth, we also found it noticeably easier to secure restaurant reservations in Reims than in Paris, even for the city's Michelin-listed restaurants! 

During our time in Reims, we especially enjoyed L'ExtrA Restaurant Reims and La Grand Georgette, for more refined dining experiences. For something much more causal, Alfred Burger was another favorite. 

Of course, this is only a tiny sampling of the many restaurant options available in Reims. Reims has a large and varied restaurant scene, which is another advantage of visiting Reims for an overnight (or longer) stay. On a day trip, you may only have time to squeeze in lunch between sightseeing and champagne tastings. However, stay for a night (or two), and you have much more time to experience the city's food scene. 

Why Visit Epernay? 

If the bubbly beverage is the primary reason for your trip to Champagne, there is a lot to love about Epernay. This town is small, easy to explore on foot, and home to an impressive concentration of champagne houses, including some of the most recognizable names in the world.

Unlike in Reims where the major champagne houses are spread out across the city, the majority of Epernay's best-known maisons are located directly on the Avenue de Champagne. This makes it possible to arrive by train, walk into the center of town, and spend much of your day traveling between champagne houses on foot. The walkability of the city is the biggest reason we recommend Epernay as a day trip from Paris. 

Champagne Houses in Epernay

The champagne houses are the real highlight of visiting Epernay and the Avenue de Champagne is the heart of the city. This elegant street is lined with historic mansions and the headquarters of some of the world's most famous (and largest) champagne producers, with an enormous network of champagne cellars running beneath your feet.

Moët & Chandon is the best-known cellar tour in Epernay, but Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, and Mercier are also major producers headquared in the city. At the same time, you are not limited to the largest international champagne brands. Smaller houses, including Boizel and Comtesse Lafond, offer a more intimate, boutique alternative to some of the larger tours and tastings.

During our time in Epernay, we toured Moët & Chandon and de Venoge, which offered two very different experiences along the Avenue de Champagne. We also visited the tasting room at Perrier-Jouët, which gave us the opportunity to experience another famous champagne house without committing to a third tour.

If you are new to champagne or interested in seeing how the world's largest champagne producer operates, we think the Moët & Chandon tour is worth booking. The sheer scale of their cellars and production makes it an interesting introduction to how champagne is made, especially for a first-time visitor. That said, we would not necessarily choose Moët solely for the tasting. There is plenty of excellent champagne to discover elsewhere in Epernay, particularly if you venture beyond the biggest, most recognizable names in champagne. 

The variety of champagne producers in Epernay is one of the main reasons to visit Epernay. You can tour the cellars of a major champagne house, like Moët & Chandon or Mercier, visit a smaller producer for a more intimate experience (like de Venoge or Boizel), and stop somewhere else for simply a glass or tasting. Since so many houses are concentrated within a relatively small area, you can experience several different sides of champagne production without spending a large portion of your day traveling between tastings. 

Our guide to the ultimate champagne houses in Epernay goes into much more detail about the houses we have visited, the different tour and tasting experiences available, and how to plan your time in Epernay. 

Epernay Is Incredibly Walkable

Of the biggest advantages of visiting Epernay, especially for a day trip, is how easy it is to explore on foot. Epernay Station (Gare d'Épernay) is only about a 10-minute walk from the Avenue de Champagne, so you can arrive by train and head directly toward many of the city's best-known champagne houses without worrying about public buses or taxis.

Once you reach the Avenue de Champagne, getting between houses is equally straightforward. Many are located within just a few minutes' walk of one another, making it easy to schedule a cellar tour at one house, walk somewhere else for a tasting, and stop for lunch in-between. 

This is where Epernay has a real advantage over Reims. In Reims, we found ourselves relying on public transportation to travel between the city center and different champagne houses. In Epernay, however, we were able to spend the entire day exploring the city on foot. 

Epernay is also a beautiful city to explore on foot! The Avenue de Champagne is lined with grand historic mansions, elaborate landscaped gardens, and elegant champagne houses, so walking between tastings is part of the experience and atmosphere rather than just a way to get around. Give yourself some extra time between your reservations to enjoy the avenue rather than rushing from one champagne tasting to the next.

Reims vs Epernay: Which Is Better For...

So, should you visit Reims or Epernay? The answer depends on what you are looking for during your time in Champagne. While both cities are excellent destinations for champagne tastings and cellar tours, their size, attractions, dining options, and ease of getting around make each better suited to different types of trips. 

Here is how we would choose between Reims and Epernay based on your travel plans. 

A Longer Stay: Reims

You can absolutely visit Reims as a day trip from Paris, but we think the city is better experienced with at least an overnight stay. If you have the time, two or three days will give you much more time to visit several champagne houses while still experiencing the history, museums, restaurants, and other attractions that make Reims worth visiting.

Unlike Epernay, where many of the major champagne houses are concentrated around the Avenue de Champagne, Reims is fairly spread out. While the historic center of Reims is easy to explore on foot, you will need to rely on public transportation to reach many of the champagne houses. As such, you will need to factor this travel time into your plans, especially if you have tastings or cellar tours booked at specific times.

A Day Trip from Paris: Epernay

For a champagne-focused day trip from Paris, we prefer Epernay. Its compact size and walkability make it particularly easy to visit independently by train. Once you arrive, you can walk from Epernay Station to the Avenue of Champagne and spend your day walking around the city.

Reims certainly works as a day trip from Paris, too. However, if you only have a limited number of hours and your priority is touring cellars and tasting champagne, we think Epernay makes better use of your time. If you are interested in learning more about a day trip to Reims, check out our guide to traveling from Paris to Reims.

Families: Reims

If you are visiting Champagne with children, Reims is the better choice. There is much more to experience beyond champagne houses, including Reims Cathedral, museums, Roman ruins, parks, and other historic attractions.

That variety makes it easier to build an itinerary that is not entirely centered around champagne tastings. Reims is also a better fit if you are spending several days in the region as a family and need enough activities to keep everyone entertained.

There is, however, one notable exception in Epernay: ther Mercier cellar tour is probably the most family-friendly champagne house experience in either city. Part of the tour takes place aboard a mini train that travels through Mercier's extensive underground cellars, which can make the experience more engaging for children than a traditional walking tour. Plus, admission is free for children under 10, and families visiting with teenagers can take advantage of discounted tickets.

Champagne Tastings: It Depends

It is impossible for us to choose a winner here! Both Reims and Epernay offer exceptional opportunities for champagne tastings and cellar tours, and both are home to producers that are well worth planning a trip to visit.

Instead, start with the champagne houses that you want to visit. If Lanson, Pommery, G.H. Mumm, or Veuve Clicquot are high on your list, Reims may make more sense. If you are more interested in visiting houses like Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Mercier, or some of the smaller producers located on the Avenue de Champagne, choose Epernay.

History & Sightseeing: Reims

Reims wins easily if you are interested in history and sightseeing. Reims Cathedral alone is reason enough to make time for the city, but you will also find find Roman ruins and several worthwhile museums covering everything from fine art to World War II history. 

Epernay is beautiful, particularly along the Avenue de Champagne, but Reims is the clear winner when it comes to history, culture, and sightseeing opportunities outside of the champagne houses. 

Food & Restaurants: Reims 

For travelers who plan their trips around food as much as sightseeing, we would choose Reims. Its larger size means considerably more variety, whether you are looking for an elegant French dinner, fine dining, or something casual after a day of champagne tasting. 

Reims also has a few local specialities worth trying, including the famous Biscuits Roses de Reims. These crisp pink cookies are traditionally served alongside a glass of champagne and dipped directly into the bubbly. While you will see them at shops throughout the city, you can also buy them directly from from the original bakery, Fossier. They make a great souvenir and also go well with a cup of hot tea.

Ease of Getting Around: Epernay

Epernay is the easier of the two cities to navigate. Its compact size means the train station, city center, Avenue de Champagne, and many of the major champagne houses are all within walking distance of one another. 

Reims is considerably larger and more spread out. The historic center itself is walkable, but you will need to rely on the city's buses and trams to reach the major champagne houses. It is still relatively easy to get around and the public transportation was inexpensive and efficient, but you do have to factor transportation time into your itinerary. 

Sometimes, especially when you are only visiting for the day, it is simply nice not to have to figure out a new public transportation system in an unfamiliar city. In Epernay, you can step off of the train from Paris and start exploring on foot, which makes for an easy and relaxed visit.

Reims vs Epernay: Where Should You Stay?

If you are planning to spend a night or two in Champagne, we generally recommend staying in Reims. You will have a much larger selection of hotels and restaurants, and staying overnight gives you enough time to experience the city beyond its champagne houses.

That does not mean that you cannot or should not stay in Epernay! If you are looking for a quieter trip centered almost exclusively around champagne, spending a night in Epernay is also a great option. Or, if you only have one day to visit Champagne, you can easily stay in Paris and visit either city on a day trip by train. 

Where to Stay in Reims 

If you are staying overnight in Reims, we recommend choosing a hotel in the historic city center. Staying here will place you within walking distance of the cathedral, plenty of restaurants, the main train station (Gare de Reims), and many of the city's main attractions. Plus, public transportation is easily accessible from the historic center and can allow you to reach some of the best champagne houses in Reims in less than 20 minutes. 

We stayed at La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa, Autograph Collection and would happily stay here again! The location is impeccable, directly across from Notre-Dame de Reims, and places you in the heart of the historic center. The hotel itself is beautiful, with spacious, comfortable rooms, and we loved being able to step outside and immediately find ourselves in front of the cathedral. 

A few other centrally located hotels we recommend considering in Reims, include:

• Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix - A modern, upscale hotel in the historic center with an indoor pool, sauna, and on-site restaurant. 
• Hôtel Continental Reims - A stylish boutique hotel overlooking Place Drouet d'Erlon (marked by the Subé Fountain), surrounded by restaurants and shops.  
• Holiday Inn Reims Centre - A convenient centrally-located option with a rooftop restaurant and easy access to the historic center. 
• Hôtel Le Bristol Reims - A more budget-friendly option on Place Drouet d'Erlon, within walking distance of the cathedral and the main train station. 

You can find additional planning advice and recommendations in our Reims Travel Guide.

Where to Stay in Epernay

We visited Epernay as a day trip from Paris, so we have not personally stayed overnight in the city. However, if we return for a longer visit, there are several properties we would consider based on their location, amenities, and proximity to the Avenue de Champagne.

Our first choice would be Les Suites du 33 (Les Suites du Champagne de Venoge), located on the de Venoge estate along the Avenue de Champagne. While we did not stay at Les Suites du 33 ourselves, we met several guests during our de Venoge tour and tasting who spoke very highly of their experience. It offers a luxury boutique hotel experience, while placing you in an excellent location for exploring the other champagne houses along the avenue. 

A few other properties we would consider in Epernay, include: 

• La Villa Eugène - An elegant hotel set in a 19th-century mansion that once belonged to the Mercier family, along the Avenue de Champagne, with a large garden and outdoor pool. 
• Hotel Margaux - A stylish hotel option in central Epernay, located only a few blocks from the train station. 
• Hotel Jean Moët - A small boutique hotel in the center of Epernay, just a short walk from both the train station and the Avenue de Champagne. 

Since Epernay is small, you really cannot go wrong with the location of any of these hotels. That said, I would personally stay as close as possible to the Avenue de Champagne, if not directly on it, so you can make the most of one of Epernay’s biggest advantages: stepping out of your hotel and walking between many of the city's champagne houses and tasting rooms.

Where to Stay in Paris

If you only have one day to spend in Champagne, staying in Paris and visiting by train is going to be your best bet! In fact, this is exactly what we did when we visited Epernay. The train makes it possible to leave Paris from Gare de l'Est in the morning, spend the day touring champagne houses, and return to Paris in the evening.

If Champagne is one of several day trips you have planned during your time in Paris, you may want to consider staying somewhere with convenient access to the city's main train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, and Gare de Lyon). Alternatively, being within a short walk of a metro station will make it much easier to get around Paris and reach the appropriate train station on the morning of your trip to Champagne.

We have stayed in hotels across Paris, but our favorite area is the 8th and 9th arrondissements, between La Madeleine (Church of Saint Mary Magdalene) and the Palais Garnier (Opéra Garnier). This part of the city is well connected by public transportation, has plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby, the best shopping in the city, and makes a convenient starting point for exploring the rest of Paris. 

A few of our favorite hotels in the area include:

• Hôtel Astra Opéra - A stylish hotel near the Palais Garnier with a particularly convenient location for exploring the rest of Paris. 
• Aparthotel Quartier Libre Opéra - A great option if you prefer the extra space and amenities of an apartment-style stay while still being centrally located. 
• Hôtel Dress Code - A small, contemporary boutique hotel just a short walk from the Palais Garnier. 

You can find additional hotel recommendations in our Paris Travel Guide, or browse more accommodations through our affiliate partner, Hotels.com. 

Reims vs Epernay FAQs

Can You Visit Reims and Epernay in One Day? 

Yes, you can technically visit Reims and Epernay in one day, but we would not recommend it. With only one day in Champagne, you will have a better experience choosing just one city. There is far too much to do in either city for you to split time between them. If you have two or more days in Champagne, then visiting both cities becomes doable. 

How Far Is Reims from Epernay? 

Reims and Epernay are approximately 17 miles (28 kilometers) apart. Regional trains connect the two cities, with the journey taking around 35 minutes. 

Can You Visit Reims and/or Epernay Without a Car? 

Yes! You can easily visit both Reims and Epernay without a car. Both cities are accessible by train from Paris, and regional trains connect the two cities. While Epernay is easier to explore on foot, Reims also has affordable and efficient public transportation that makes getting around relatively simple.

In fact, we rarely advocate for renting a car when traveling in Europe, especially when public transportation is readily available. Of course, if you plan on enjoying champagne tastings during your visit, you should never drink and drive.

Do You Need to Book Champagne Tastings and Tours in Advance? 

We strongly recommend booking champagne tastings and tours in advance, particularly if there is a specific producer that you have your heart set on visiting. Formal tours operate at scheduled times and can sell out, especially on weekends and during the summer months. Some houses do offer tasting rooms where you can stop in without a reservation, but we would not rely on walk-in availability for your must-visit houses. 

Do Champagne Houses in Reims and Epernay Offer Tours in English?

Yes, English-language tours are common at champagne house in both Reims and Epernay. In fact, every tour and tasting we booked in Champagne has been conducted in English. Even when we have simply stopped at a tasting room for a glass of champagne, we have been able to find someone who speaks English.

However, English-language tours may not be offered every day, particularly if you are visiting Champagne during quieter travel periods like late autumn and winter. Be sure to check the tour schedules in advance and make sure you select an English-language tour when booking. 

As always when traveling in France, we recommend making an effort to greet staff in French before switching to English. A simple "Bonjour" followed by "Parlez-vous anglais?" ("Do you speak English?") is a polite way to start a conversation. A little bit of French can go a long way! 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Champagne? 

You can experience Champagne in as little as one day, especially if you choose to visit Epernay. A day trip from Paris will give you enough time for a tour or two, a champagne tasting, lunch, and some additional time to explore. 

For a more well-rounded experience, however, consider spending two or three days in Champagne, particularly if you want to visit Reims. That extra time gives you the chance to visit several champagne houses without feeling rushed, while still leaving time for Reims Cathedral, the Museum of the Surrender, the city’s restaurant scene, and other attractions beyond the bubbly beverage.

Is Reims or Epernay Better for First-Time Visitors? 

For a first-time trip to Champagne, we would choose Epernay. Reims is larger and more spread out, which can feel a little overwhelming if your main goal is simply to learn about champagne and experience a few tastings. Epernay is smaller, walkable, and makes it incredibly easy to visit several champagne houses in a single day.

If this is your first time learning about champagne, do not worry about arriving with any prior knowledge! We have visited wineries around the world and we have consistently found the tours in Champagne to be exceptionally informative and engaging. The guides do an excellent job of explaining the winemaking process from the beginning, without assuming you are already familiar with the champagne-making process or making you feel inadequate for asking questions. In fact, questions are encouraged!

In our experience, the atmosphere is also much more approachable than you might expect given champagne's reputation as a luxury beverage. While we have previously found some wine tastings to feel intimidating, that was not our experience in Champagne at all, no matter the prestige of the champagne house you visit. Whether you are completely new to champagne or already know quite a bit about it, the tours are designed to help you learn while still enjoying yourself! 

Reims vs Epernay: Our Verdict 

So, which is better: Reims or Epernay? If you only have one day to spend in Champagne, especially if you are visiting on a day trip from Paris, we would choose Epernay. Its compact size, walkability, and concentration of champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne makes it incredibly easy to experience the region's signature beverage.

If you have two or three days, however, we would choose Reims. There is simply more to see and do beyond drinking champagne, from Reims Cathedral and the city's museums to its excellent restaurants. Staying for a couple of nights also gives you plenty of time for champagne house tours and tastings at a more leisurely pace.

That said, there really is not a wrong choice! We have thoroughly enjoyed visiting both cities, and are actively planning another trip to Champagne soon. If there is a particular producer you have always wanted to visit, we would let that influence your decision. Better yet, if you have enough time, visit both Reims and Epernay! They offer different experiences and scenery, while together providing a much more complete introduction to the region.

Still planning your trip? Explore our Reims Travel Guide, our guide to the best things to do in Epernay, and our other travel resources to help you start assembling your itinerary.

Have you visited Reims or Epernay? Let us know in the comments below which city you preferred. We would love to hear about your experience, especially if you recommend a champagne house we should visit on our next trip! Santé! 🍾