Reims to Côte des Bar

A two-hour drive from Paris, or a 45-minute high-speed train, lies the famous Champagne region of France – home to the much-adored sparkling wine of the same name.

If you plan to visit Champagne houses, then timing is key, as many of them are closed outside the summer season. The best time to visit is during the British and French summer holidays in July and August. It is likely to be quieter in May and June, but you risk cellar doors being closed. Make sure to book wineries, tours and tasting rooms ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

There are several routes to explore the best of this region, but this particular route takes you from Reims to Côte des Bar so you can see the best of the terroir.

Renting a car to get around Champagne allows you to take in sights at your own pace. If you decide to hire a car, don’t forget car hire excess insurance from ReduceMyExcess. Just remember that if you’re sampling lots of the local wines, you’ll need to arrange alternative transportation to wherever you’re headed next!

Reims

Reims, the capital of the Champagne region, is the best place to start your Champagne adventure. This historic city is famed for its 13th-century Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, larger than its namesake in Paris, and its role as the traditional coronation site of French kings.

Beneath the UNESCO World Heritage Site Saint-Nicaise Hill lies the crayères – vast underground galleries carved into chalk. These centuries-old cellars are the perfect environment for Champagne maturation, hence why prestigious houses like Ruinart, Veuve Cliquot, Tattinger and Pommery continue to age their cuvées in these historic chalk chambers, preserving a tradition of excellence. Many of these iconic Champagne houses offer guided tours through their labyrinthine cellars, which are a must-do!

To complete your sparkling wine-themed tour, you should head to the vineyards located a few kilometres from the city. Many renowned Champagne houses cultivate their vineyards, so you’ll have a firsthand glimpse into the process from grape to glass.

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Épernay

Located forty minutes south of Reims is Épernay. If you take the Montagne de Reims route, you can expect the view to be nothing short of spectacular, with scenic views of vineyards and storybook villages. The journey winds through the Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims, known for its lush forest. Stop off here and enjoy a cycle, hike or even horse riding.

With the Marne River running through it, Épernay serves as a gateway to the vineyards of the Marne Valley. Considered by some to be the heart of the region, it offers tourists a blend of natural beauty and world-renowned viticulture.

A must-see in Épernay is the Avenue de Champagne – a prestigious boulevard lined with mansions belonging to acclaimed champagne houses such as Moët et Chandon, Perrier-Jouët and Mercier. Beneath their elegant façade is a network of underground cellars where bottles mature in silence, much like those beneath Saint-Nicaise in Reims. Stretching to 110 kilometres, it is said that these cellars are home to 200 million bottles of champagne.

For a deeper understanding of the region’s history, head inside Château Perrier to the Musée du Vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie Régionale on the Avenue. In the museum, you’ll find an extensive collection of artefacts that offer insight into the evolution of champagne production and the heritage of the area.

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Aÿ

For bold and structured champagne, head 7km east of Épernay to Champagne Bollinger’s birthplace – Aÿ.

Ay is known for its Pinot Noir vineyards, including La Côte aux Enfants, where Bollinger grows grapes for its prestigious champagnes.

In the village, head to Pressoria, an interactive, fully sensory museum dedicated to the world of fizz. The village is made up of characteristic half-timbered houses – take a walk through the village to take these in, not forgetting to drop by the Église Saint-Brice, a 15th-century Gothic-style church.

As well as visiting the world-famous, acclaimed champagne houses such as Bollinger, why not also visit some lesser-known independent developers such as Pierre Lebœuf Champagne House?

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Côte des Blancs

Only 10 minutes from Aÿ lies Côte des Blancs, a region celebrated for its exceptional Chardonnay-based Champagnes. This area is also home to six renowned Grand Cru villages, including Cramant, Avize, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, all of which hold the highest classification of Champagne vineyards. These villages are the foundation of some of the finest Blanc de Blancs Champagnes, and the secret to their remarkable ageing potential is the region’s chalky soils.

Take time to explore these villages where history and winemaking traditions meet. Beyond the Champagne houses and tastings, you can immerse yourself in the craft at Launois Père et Fils, a vineyard with a fascinating winemaking museum.

For a breathtaking perspective of the region, make your way to Mont Aimé, where sweeping panoramic vineyard views await.

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Marne Valley

Perpendicular to Côte des Blancs is the Marne Valley, an essential stop on a Champagne road trip that offers spectacular views of the vineyard-covered hills. The region is celebrated for its Pinot Meunier-driven champagne, famous for its fruit-forward character and velvety texture.

Head to the historic village of Hautvillers. This is the birthplace of champagne and where Dom Pérignon perfected the art of winemaking.

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Troyes

Before heading deeper into the Champagne country, you should stop at Troyes. A village rife with medieval charm and half-timbered houses, providing a cultural and historical stop. Troyes was once the seat of the Counts of Champagne, making it crucial in trade fairs that connected Europe in the Middle Ages.

When wandering through the winding streets, you will see the well-preserved architecture for yourself. Particular highlights include the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral and the Ruelle des Chats, which is a narrow alleyway where slanted buildings lean towards each other.

After taking a moment to appreciate the history of France, you can continue south to reimmerse yourself in the vineyards.

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Côte des Bar

Côte des Bar, in the Aube region of France, is 130km away from Côte des Blancs and around 50km south of Troyes. Famed for its production of Pinot Noir, Côte des Bar is considered by many to be a ‘hidden gem’ of the Champagne region.

As it is more southerly, Côte des Bar enjoys a warmer climate as well as different soil types, which is why the area grows Pinot Noir grapes so well.

Unlike the grand Champagne houses of Reims and Épernay, Côte des Bar is home to smaller, family-run estates, meaning you can experience a more intimate approach to winemaking. For this reason, it will also be less crowded than the northern areas of Champagne, so you might benefit from more personalised tours and interactions with winemakers.

Visit independent producers of wine like Champagne Drappier or Champagne Devaux, where you can explore unique cuvées and learn about traditional winemaking techniques.

If you’re interested in history, head to Clairvaux Abbey – this is a stunning former monastery with centuries of history, offering insight into the area’s history.

Final Thoughts

A Champagne road trip offers a sparkling blend of scenic drives, charming villages and world-renowned vineyards. Starting in the city of Reims and winding through the countryside to Épernay and beyond, this journey celebrates French culture and the finer things in life. Along the way, you’ll discover grand Champagne houses and rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see.

Just don’t forget to take out a ReduceMyExcess car hire excess insurance policy to avoid any unexpected costs. And before you hit the road, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the key requirements and important road rules for driving in France.