Champagne trip

Travel, Wine Tourism, and Restaurants Forum
1

Ok gang, might be heading off to Paris the end of Feb and was thinking of a day trip to Champagne. I’m looking for ideas, suggestions and tips. Can anyone get me into a cool place? I think Krug would be great and fun. Four folks, little French. Probably take the TGV into town then rent a car (possibly). It’s all kinda fuzzy at this time. Thanks!! [help.gif]

2

While Champagne is technically a day trip from Paris, it still takes an hour on the train each way or just under 2 hours in a car. I would recommend an over-night. There’s a lot to see there. It helps if you have connections to make appointments at smaller, better houses. Krug, Clicquot, Moet, Perrier-Jouet have large buildings with tasting rooms. Reims is a beautiful city with some great restaurants. You can’t miss the amazing cathedral if only to look at the Champagne windows in one of the alcoves. Epernay is smaller and more charming. I always stay at Hotel Restaurant Les Berceaux on rue Les Berceaux in the city center of Epernay. You can walk to the big Champagne houses from there. Many of the great houses require appointments, like Bollinger and Gosset.

3

My father-in-law and I took a day trip a few years back. Took an early train from Paris to Reims. From there, took a taxi to Pommery for a morning tour and tasting ('eh). Then walked into town to see the cathedral, grabbing a savory at a Patisserie on the way. Then walked back up to Ruinart (better tour & tasting), and grabbed a taxi back to the train station. Viola!

This was a whole lot of walking, which probably isn’t for everyone, but, yeah, you do it in a day.

4

So, I got the email from Krug that stated in no uncertain terms, they would not have me at the manse. “you should contact LVMH USA” blah, blah, blah. Bummer since I love Krug. Other ideas? Was thinking of Tattinger. Would love a hookup with something other than the ole walk-in get the standard thing… [help.gif]

5

Hi
Sorry I’m a bit late with this post - only just joined winebeserkers.

Anyway, next time anyone is planning a trip to Champagne do get in touch. I lived and worked there for 10 years so know the place pretty well and would be happy to suggest places to visit, places to stay, restaurants and things to do - many of them are not in the general tourist book.

Jiles

6

Jiles - wonderful offer!!

I will surely take you up on it if I get the chance to visit France in the near future. Wilfred goes every couple of weeks, it seems…maybe I should find a spot in his suitcase.

7

I really enjoyed the nuthin’ fancy Taittinger walk-in tour - it was really well done and action packed for a novice. For extra bucks you can upgrade to the cuvees too. Walking distance from midtown Reims too.

8

We had a wonderful visit at Veuve Fourny et Fils in July. Delicious Champagne, and Charles Fourny speaks excellent English.

9

Eric, I found it surprisingly simple to get appointments with Vilmart and Chartogne-Taillet the week of New Years. Should be just as easy in February.

Not sure if you like those producers but just throwing it out there.

I’ve heard Taittinger’s tour/caves are pretty impressive and am going to hit them up as well.