Champagne is a region best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Distances are short, the road network is easy to follow, and the landscape gradually shifts between historic towns, wine villages, and sloping vineyards.
The journey begins and ends outside the capital and combines Champagne’s most famous places with areas where the wine landscape is the main focus.
Senlis – start north of Paris
The trip begins in Senlis, a small town just north of Paris. The town center is compact and characterized by Roman remains, medieval architecture, and a well-preserved cathedral. Its location makes Senlis a natural first stop after arriving in Paris, with a short transfer and an easy onward journey east the following day.
Senlis gives the trip a clear starting point before Champagne takes over.
Reims – Champagne’s historic center
From Senlis, the journey continues to Reims, the region’s largest city and historical hub. Reims is best known for its Gothic cathedral, where the kings of France were crowned, and for being home to several of Champagne’s most established producers.
The city offers:
- classic champagne houses with cellar visits
- museums and architecture with a strong historical emphasis
- a wide range of restaurants
Reims serves as an introduction to Champagne, where the region’s history, production, and significance are put into context before the journey continues south.
Épernay – base among wine villages and vineyards
South of Reims, the landscape changes. The roads become smaller, the vineyards denser, and Épernay takes over as a base for several nights in the heart of the region. The town is centrally located in Champagne and is surrounded by some of the area’s most renowned vineyard sites.
From Épernay you can reach wine villages such as:
- Aÿ, known for its highly rated vineyards
- Hautvillers, with a strong connection to Champagne’s history
- smaller producers along the Marne Valley
Épernay is large enough to offer services and restaurants, yet close enough to the countryside to serve as a starting point for day trips through vineyards and village settings. Distances are short and the days can be planned freely according to your interests.
Chantilly – finale just outside Paris
The journey ends in Chantilly, north of Paris. After days in Champagne, the setting shifts from wine country to château surroundings, with architecture and history gathered around the town’s well-known castle and park grounds.
Chantilly’s location close to Paris and the airport makes it a natural final stop before the journey home.
Practical information
Best time to travel
April to October is the best period to travel in Champagne. Spring and early summer offer green vineyards and pleasant weather, while late summer and early autumn coincide with the harvest and extra activity in the region. September is particularly popular with wine enthusiasts.
How to get around
You get around by rental car, which gives you the opportunity to move between wine villages, producers, and smaller roads at your own pace. The roads are well maintained and the driving distances are short.
Rental car is not included in the price of the trip, and we recommend booking a rental car in advance of departure.
Driving distances
Paris (CDG) → Senlis: approx. 30 min / 35 km
Senlis → Reims: approx. 1 hr 30 min / 140 km
Reims → Épernay: approx. 35 min / 30 km
Épernay → Chantilly: approx. 1 hr 45 min / 160 km
Chantilly → Paris (CDG): approx. 30 min / 30 km
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
