Should we spend our first afternoon in Reims? Restaurant recommendations? Which tasting rooms in Epernay are recommended?
Tour guide recommendations? Reservations for tasting? You can visit tastings rooms on the Avenue de Champagne or just off the Avenue in Epernay. Making appointments is recommended, but you can simply walk into some of them as well. Gosset would be a good option, I had a nice experience walking into Michel Gonet as well.
For meals, I really like Sacre Bistro. Burgers and Champagne? Yes, please! They focus on grower Champagne, and their burgers are great. La Grillade Gourmande is another good option, and reservations are definitely required. Not sure what your car situation is like, but you can take the train from Epernay to Reims. Au Bon Manger in Reims is a great spot for lunch. Hautvillers seems like a nice spot to visit for views and history so maybe first thing in the morning on our full day or a stop there on our way to Paris the following day?
We were there in October, both Reims and Epernay. While there are several big wineries with really impressive chalk caves, this tour really stood out. This one is a link to my travelogue. If, instead of a larger producer such as Mumm, Ruinart, Veuve Cliquot, etc you are interested in more personalized visit to a smaller Champagne house near Reims, I highly recommend Aspasie in Brouillet:. We were there in accompanying my father on his swan song last trip back to France.
At that time, they had 3 reasonably priced guest rooms which might be just right for your party if they are again hosting visitors. They are 25 km outside of Reims proper in a very beautiful setting:. Sounds like a great trip, bon voyage! Thanks in advance! I highly suggest visiting the Cathedral in Reims. The Glue Pot is fun and casual. Sneaky good wine list. Thanks for the suggestions! Keep 'em coming! Philip, We were there in October, both Reims and Epernay.
