{"id":309876,"date":"2025-08-01T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/309876\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T18:06:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T18:06:15","slug":"this-french-city-is-just-45-minutes-from-paris-and-it-has-miles-of-underground-champagne-cellars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/309876\/","title":{"rendered":"This French City Is Just 45 Minutes From Paris\u2014and It Has Miles of Underground Champagne Cellars"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li><strong>Reims, France, 45 minutes from Paris, is home to legendary Champagne houses, including the oldest in the world, Ruinart.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The city also has other noteworthy landmarks such as a UNESCO-listed cathedral and Michelin-starred restaurants.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Other nearby French towns include Hautvillers and \u00c9pernay, home to the iconic Avenue de Champagne.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Less than an hour from Paris by high-speed train, you&#8217;ll find one of France&#8217;s premier destinations for Champagne lovers, and it offers far more than just tastings\u2014though those are reason enough to visit.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Often called the unofficial capital of the Champagne region, Reims, France, is home to some of the world&#8217;s most storied houses, with cool cellars stretching for miles beneath its charming cobblestone streets and Belle \u00c9poque fa\u00e7ades.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Among the most iconic is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ruinart.com\/en-us\/experiencesruinart.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ruinart<\/a>, considered to be the oldest Champagne house in the world. It&#8217;s been producing bubbly since 1729, and visitors can see their extensive operations themselves. &#8220;Their cellars, named &#8216;Cray\u00e8res,&#8217; are some of the most impressive of the region,&#8221; says Philippe Marques, head sommelier at <a href=\"https:\/\/royalchampagne.com\/en\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Royal Champagne Hotel &amp; Spa<\/a> in nearby Champillon, France. &#8220;The tour is both immersive and artistic.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> For a more unconventional experience\u2014which Marques describes as &#8220;great for those who like their Champagne with a twist of creativity&#8221;\u2014look no further than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.champagnepommery.com\/home\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Champagne Pommery<\/a>. &#8220;The estate features modern art installations inside historic cellars and bold visual storytelling,&#8221; he says.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Above ground, Reims is every bit as compelling, starting with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cathedrale-reims.com\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">its soaring namesake cathedral<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/601\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> and Gothic landmark where French kings were crowned for nearly a thousand years. The tradition dates back to the 9th century, adding a regal layer to the city&#8217;s rich history. &#8220;Don&#8217;t miss the Chagall-stained glass windows and the ethereal light in the late afternoon,&#8221; says Ana\u00efs Collinet, Royal Champagne&#8217;s guest experience makers manager.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Beyond the city&#8217;s architectural splendor, Collinet recommends immersing yourself in local life. &#8220;Enjoy the bustle of the market with a coffee at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lemarchebylescornichons\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Le March\u00e9<\/a> and explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Attraction_Review-g187137-d9729079-Reviews-Halles_Du_Boulingrin-Reims_Marne_Grand_Est.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Les Halles du Boulingrin<\/a> (The Boulingrin Market Halls) on Saturday morning to discover <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/locavore-central-france-cuisine-8689735\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local products from the Champagne region<\/a>,&#8221; she says. &#8220;Take a stroll along the <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hidden-gems-in-paris-11717069\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rue de Mars<\/a> and the Rue du Tambour to reach the pretty Place du Forum and the emblematic<a href=\"https:\/\/www.placeroyale.ca\/en\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Place Royale<\/a>.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p> The streets of the historic center of Reims, France.<\/p>\n<p>southtownboy\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Reims is also a delight for gourmands\u2014no surprise, given its location in the <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/royal-champagne-hotel-and-spa-review-france-11698846\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">heart of the Champagne region<\/a>. According to Collinet, must-try restaurants include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lecoqrouge.reims\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Le Coq Rouge<\/a> for wine and tapas; the newly opened<a href=\"https:\/\/book-a-visit.taittinger.fr\/pages\/restaurant\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Polychrome<\/a>, a Champagne Taittinger-backed concept that spotlights sparkling pairings; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Restaurant_Review-g187137-d802037-Reviews-The_Glue_Pot-Reims_Marne_Grand_Est.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Glue Pot<\/a>, a French take on a classic British pub; and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Restaurant_Review-g187137-d1523227-Reviews-La_Brasserie_du_Boulingrin-Reims_Marne_Grand_Est.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Le Boulingrin<\/a>, a classic brasserie.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> For those looking to splurge, make a beeline for the two-Michelin-starred<a href=\"https:\/\/lescrayeres.com\/en\/restaurant-le-parc.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Le Parc at Domaine Les Cray\u00e8re<\/a> in Reims proper, known for its elegant setting and <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/locavore-central-france-cuisine-8689735\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">refined takes on French classics<\/a>. Also in the city, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arbane-philippe-mille.com\/en\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Arbane<\/a> has earned a Michelin star for its inventive, terroir-driven tasting menus. Just outside the city limits, you&#8217;ll find <a href=\"https:\/\/royalchampagne.com\/en\/le-royal-gourmet-restaurant.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Le Royal<\/a>, the Michelin-starred fine-dining centerpiece of the aforementioned Royal Champagne Hotel &amp; Spa, where vineyard views pair with a seasonal menu focused on local ingredients and Champagne-friendly flavors.\n<\/p>\n<p> Champagne bottles sit in racks inside the Taittinger SA cellars in Reims, France.<\/p>\n<p>Marlene Awaad\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Getting there is easy, too. &#8220;The train from Gare de l&#8217;Est in Paris takes only 45 minutes to reach Reims&#8217; main station, which is conveniently located right in the heart of the city,&#8221; says Collinet.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Once you arrive, she has two final tips: &#8220;Always book tastings and tours in advance, especially for the major Champagne houses.&#8221; Additionally, she recommends a day trip to the vineyards of Hautvillers, France, and \u00c9pernay, France, followed, of course, by a leisurely lunch on the terrace at Royal Champagne.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> While in \u00c9pernay, carve out some time to stroll along the iconic Avenue de Champagne. Often called &#8220;Champagne Row,&#8221; this grand boulevard is lined with historic maisons like<a href=\"https:\/\/www.moet.com\/en-us\/visit-us\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Mo\u00ebt &amp; Chandon<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.perrier-jouet.com\/en-us\/the-house\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Perrier-Jou\u00ebt<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polroger.com\/en\/?langue=en&amp;url=\/en\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pol Roger<\/a>, many of which sit atop miles of chalk cellars carved into the hillside.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Finally, finish off the trip with a visit to the <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/romantic-getaways\/europes-most-beautiful-villages\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fairytale-worthy village<\/a> of Hautvillers to see the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d&#8217;Hautvillers, where Dom P\u00e9rignon\u2014yes, that Dom P\u00e9rignon\u2014is buried. While the abbey itself isn&#8217;t open to the public, the adjoining church is, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of the Benedictine monk who played a pivotal role in the development of this beloved libation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Reims, France, 45 minutes from Paris, is home to legendary Champagne houses, including the oldest in the world,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":309877,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5309],"tags":[2000,299,36],"class_list":{"0":"post-309876","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-france","8":"tag-eu","9":"tag-europe","10":"tag-france"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114954841879791115","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/309876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=309876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/309876\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/309877"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=309876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=309876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=309876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}