Overall Impression Thanks to its close proximity to Paris, it is easy and pleasant to discover Champagne. We preferred to be carefree to enjoy some of the lovely bubbly. Visitors who would like to do the same can take the train or hire a tourist service for a day visit. Prices to visit the Champagne house cellars are inexpensive and usually include a tasting at the end as well as the opportunity to purchase your own bottles to take home.
Cost Of Visiting: Reasonable
CurrencyEuro
How To Get There If staying in Paris – tours can be readily purchased from local tour companies or private drivers. If driving yourself, the Champagne region is readily accessible and a pleasant drive. A train from Paris is another option, but once in the area, public transport is limited.
Location About an hour’s drive East of Paris
Technology Level Very modern, European facilities for television, radio, telephone and Internet connectivity. Cellular service is GSM based and of excellent quality.
Transportation Car, train, taxis and private tours
Facilities The region is modern with some moderatesize cities and villages. Most of the countryside is cultivated for production of grapes, with the restaurants and shops concentrated in the villages and cities.
Shopping If you are a champagne lover, visiting the champagne producer’s shops on site provides you an opportunity to purchase almost any one of their products; including new ones just out on the market, and specialty items like ice buckets, champagne flutes, towels, scarves, etc. Though the prices are not lower than at retail shops, the selection is excellent and it can be lots of fun.
Challenges Visiting several champagne cellars in one day requires planning, and stamina. The best time to visit is during the summer months when many of the champagne houses offer regular cellars tours. Off-season, some of the vintners offer limited tours and may close, especially right before the New Year holidays.
Advantages For anyone who enjoys champagne, visiting the region offers an opportunity to see first hand how the industry started; and how champagne was created and refined to acquire world fame. It is particularly fun to: Discover small champagne producers and local wines only available in the area; compare champagne making methods, standards from one producer to the next; enjoy lunch or dinner with champagne or a champagne wine; and participate in a taste tasting, including products that are just being introduced into the market for the first time.
ReviewJanuary 2003
