A Sparkling Escape | Spend a Day with Me in Reims
After weeks of sharing stories from Mexico City — its vibrant culture, incredibly kind people, creative cocktails, and unforgettable meals — I couldn’t wait to dive into my next chapter of travel: Paris. There’s something about returning to the City of Light that always feels like something out of a fairytale. The trip was filled with moments that I can wait to share, unforgettable meals, a fantastic champagne bar, fabulous shopping, and I even managed to squeeze in a day trip to Montmartre.
Before getting caught up in the rhythm of Paris, I carved out a day for something special—a quick trip to Reims, right in the heart of Champagne country. Just a short train ride away, it’s a place where time slows down, and every detail feels touched by French elegance. From tasting cellars beneath historic maisons to a sabering class, it was a day that perfectly captured the art of enjoying life, one sip at a time.
Why Reims?
First of all, why not?
There are so many alluring destinations just beyond Paris, from the manicured gardens of Giverny to the fairytale châteaux of the Loire Valley. Reims stands apart as a study in elegance and heritage, not to mention it’s the birthplace of Champagne. Beneath its quiet streets lie labyrinths of chalk cellars where time and tradition transform grapes into gold, while above ground, grand maisons and Gothic spires tell tales of French artistry and refinement.
Admittedly, my time scrolling TikTok paid off when I found Kat of @worldwidehoneymoon. She shared her recent day trip to Reims, and when it included two of my favorite champagne houses, I knew this was going to be a great way to spend a day. Honestly, who can say no to a day filled with sipping some of the world’s best Champagne? Below is my itinerary with all the necessary details.
7:39 Am | Depart Paris Gare de l’Est
Knowing I had only a day to visit this incredible city, I wanted to make the most of it. Using Trainline, I booked my round-trip ticket, which included the earliest non-stop train to Reims Ville. Go ahead and judge me all you want, but I may have set no less than four alarms to make sure I woke up on time. If I missed this train, my entire day would have been turned upside down.
When I booked my travel plans, I also chose the last direct train of the evening. The last thing I wanted to do was to change trains and schlep champagne more than I had to.
While I did book my ticket well in advance, my first-class ticket cost $54.52.
Pro-Tip | Download the Trainline App to your phone so you don’t have to dig through your email looking for your ticket confirmation.
9:30 AM | Maison Ruinart Tour | Chalk Cellars
It’s common to save the best for last, but in this case, I started with what's possibly the best Champagne house in Reims, Maison Ruinart. Visiting Maison Ruinart is less about tasting Champagne and more about stepping into history. Founded in 1729, it holds the title of the world’s oldest Champagne house, and you can sense that legacy in every detail from the moment you descend into its UNESCO-listed chalk cellars. These vast, cathedral-like “crayères” are a masterpiece in their own right, carved deep beneath Reims and used to age Ruinart’s signature cuvées to perfection.
A Sparkling Escape | The Grounds At Maison Ruinart
Let’s not stop there, as the experience above ground feels just as luxurious. Imagine modern art installations, minimalist architecture, and a tasting ritual that celebrates the purity and precision of the house’s impeccable style. It’s the perfect reminder that Champagne isn’t just a drink, it’s a way of life.
A Sparkling Escape | Inside The Cellars Of Maison Ruinart
Maison Ruinart offers a variety of experiences for guests. Imagine an Oysters & Champagne pairing, or, for those who prefer to explore Reims at a more leisurely pace, a four-course lunch. I chose the Visit the Cellars experience, which lasts about 2 hours, where we explored the “crayères” and sampled two cuvées. Guests can choose between a Blanc de Blanc or a Rosé tasting. It’s perfect if you’re tasting with someone, as you can enjoy both options.
A Sparkling Escape | Maison Ruinart Tasting Lineup
I recommend arriving a few minutes early so you can browse their offerings available for purchase. This will help you get an idea of what you might want and make a final decision before you leave. Suppose you are an avid Champagne collector or looking for a gift for yourself or someone special. In that case, this is an excellent opportunity to buy bottles that are nearly impossible to find in the United States.
A Sparkling Escape | Offerings Available For Purchase
Maison Ruinart will ship to the United States for a fee.
Tariff: € 85
Duration: 2 hours
Reservation Only
12:15 | Lunch at Le Réfectoire Vranken-Pommery
After spending the morning at Maison Ruinart, wandering through its quiet, chalk-lined cellars and tasting an incredible pair of Blanc de Blancs, a short six-minute stroll leads you to Le Réfectoire at Vranken-Pommery, the ideal setting to continue the Champagne reveire. Once the estate's original refectory, this art-filled brasserie has been transformed into a modern ode to French style. Bathed in Pommery’s signature blue and dotted with contemporary pieces, it perfectly bridges Reims’ deep-rooted heritage with its creative, forward-looking spirit.
A Sparkling Escape | Le Réfectoire Vranken-Pommery
The menu feels like a love letter to classic French cuisine, elevated with the ease and confidence of Champagne country. Dishes arrive beautifully plated are meant to be savored slowly with a chilled glass of Pommery in hand. Whether you’re seated on the terrace, soaking up the sunshine, or inside, enjoying the bold artwork, lunch will be the perfect opportunity to pause and indulge in the goodness around you.
A Sparkling Escape | The Beautiful Interior At Le Réfectoire Vranken-Pommery
Knowing I had more Champagne tastings coming up, I went a little off-script with lunch and ordered this incredible fresh goat cheese with wild herbs to enjoy before my sea bass arrived. Clearly, I was soaking it all in, as I didn’t even snap a photo of my food.
A word of advice: they were a bit short-staffed when I visited. I ordered a cappuccino, and it must have taken over 20 minutes to arrive, which made me rush to the next location. Be mindful and watch the clock if you have a reservation after lunch.
A Sparkling Escape | The Beautiful Interior At Le Réfectoire Vranken-Pommery
Tariff: Starters range from €12 to €14, and entrees from €25 to €35. There are five different glasses of Pommery for guests to enjoy, priced between €15 and €22.
2:20 | Veuve Clicquot | Only One Quality, the Finest
A Sparkling Escape | The Entrance Into Veuve Clicquot’s Cellar
No trip to Reims would be complete without a visit to one of my favorite Champagne houses, Veuve Clicquot. Visiting Veuve Clicquot had been on my Champagne wish list for years, and stepping through those iconic doors in Reims felt a little surreal. There’s a quiet sense of history here, but also this energy that feels shaped by Madame Clicquot herself. I love that she was a true trailblazer, running the house at just twenty-seven and changing the way Champagne was made forever.
A Sparkling Escape | Some Gems Inside Veuve Clicquot’s Cellar
The tour leads deep underground into the crayères, where the air turns cool and still. It’s easy to let your mind wander and imagine the centuries of craftsmanship resting quietly in the dim light. As you make your way to the tasting room, guests have the opportunity to sample four different cuvees: Brut Carte Jaune, Extra Brut Extra Old, Vintage 2015, and Vintage Rosé 2015, and learn a little about what makes each so unique.
A Sparkling Escape | Inside Veuve Clicquot’s Cellar
A Sparkling Escape | The Tasting Line Up At Veuve Clicquot
When you finally emerge from the tasting, you can enjoy the grounds draped in the brilliant Clicquot yellow, grab a bite from their café, and peruse their boutique, where you can purchase your favorite bottle.
A Sparkling Escape | The Veuve Clicquot Boutique
Tariff: €80
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Reservations Required
4:00 | Explore Reims City Center
After finishing the tasting at Veuve Clicquot, it’s hard not to leave with a little sparkle in your step. Since my next appointment wasn’t until 5:00, I decided to head to the city center to see what Reims had to offer beyond incredible Champagne. Spoiler alert- I was NOT disappointed.
A Sparkling Escape | Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
The heart of Reims has an entirely different vibe from Paris. It was lively, but I found it more laid-back, with sunlit streets, cozy cafés, and, of course, that same effortless French charm. The Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral anchors the city and rises at the center like something out of a dream.
A Sparkling Escape | Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
Take it from me, there’s nothing like seeing its Gothic spires gleaming in the afternoon sunlight. Around it, locals and tourists alike linger over long lunches, and café tables spill out onto the sidewalks. It’s a perfect place to wander without a plan: peek into a boutique or grab a coffee and sit back and take it all in. Admittedly, I was schlepping a few bottles of Champagne from earlier visits, which hindered my ability to wander too much, but I managed to make the most of my time.
A Sparkling Escape | Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
Reims might be known for its bubbles, but what makes it truly special is how it invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Tariff: Not Applicable
Duration: At your leisure
5:00 | Sabrage at Champagne Pol Couronne
As much as I enjoyed the day spent tasting Champagne and wandering through Reims's city center, I was most excited about my appointment at Champagne Pol Couronne. After years and years of watching others, I was FINALLY going to have the opportunity to learn how to sabre a bottle of Champagne. If you're short on time but still want an unforgettable Champagne moment, I highly recommend the sabrage experience. It’s a quick, hands-on introduction to one of Champagne’s most iconic rituals. After a short demonstration, guests are given their bottle, take their turn, and there's a satisfying mix of anticipation and joy as the cork and collar fly off.
Of course, things don’t always go as planned. My first attempt at sabering did not go as planned, and the bottle ended up exploding all over me. Fortunately, the second time was a charm and a success.
The best part? You get to sip the very bottle you’ve just sabered. Grab a bowl of truffle crisps, pour yourself a glass of bubbles, and enjoy the boutique tasting room at Pol Couronne. It’s playful, elegant, and the perfect way to toast the moment… not to mention it’s a great photo opportunity!
A Sparkling Escape | Post Sabre Lesson At Champagne Pol Couronne
Tariff: €52 - €59
Duration: 1 hour
Reservations Strongly Encouraged
7:15 | Depart Reims Ville
Depending on how you structure your day, several return options are available. I wanted to maximize my time in the city and minimize my train ride home, so I selected a 7:15 departure. It allowed me to leisurely enjoy my bottle of Champagne Pol Couronne without feeling rushed to catch a train back to Paris. If I had it to do all over again, I’d likely take a slightly earlier train back to the city. After tastings at two Champagne houses, a hearty lunch, schlepping bottles of bubbles throughout the city, and then a sabrage lesson, I was exhausted. And did I mention jet lag? Heed my advice- it’s a long day.
A full day in Reims unfolds at an easy pace, letting you slip between Champagne houses, long lunches, and charming city streets without ever feeling rushed. Morning tastings give way to simple, joyful moments, a sabrage lesson, a glass of bubbles on a sunny terrace, and a quiet pause in front of the cathedral. Everything is close enough to wander on foot, which makes the day feel seamless and pleasantly unplanned. And if you’re like me and purchased too many bottles to bring home in your suitcase, Uber is also available. By the time you’re heading back, Reims leaves you with that content, heartwarming feeling that you get when you have good company, great Champagne, and a welcoming city.
As always, if you have any questions about this trip, feel free to email me or drop them in the comments below. Again, thank you to Kat of @worldwidehoneymoon for the day trip inspo!
Until Next Time!
