Hello - my wife and I are going to fly into Paris and then drive from Paris to Brussels. We plan to stay in the Champagne region for 2 nights. Would appreciate any ideas/guidance on where we should stay in the region and also any thoughts on which vineyards to vist. My initial thought (based only on size) is to go to Reims and venture out from there. However, some of you may have some great ideas re chateus etc we could stay at which might provide a richer experience. Thank you in advance for you help!
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Your idea of staying in Reims is good. There is much to see apart from the major champagne houses. Once you are in Reims go to the tourist information office and collect the brochures on the champagne trails around Champagne. As there are some 3,500 champagne producers in Champagne and Aube you will not be able to sample a degustation at each one, but it is good fun to pop into some of the producers in the villages and buy a half bottle of champagne to accompany a picnic of baguette, some pate, local cheese, tomatoes and some fruit.
For some very good Grand Cru champagnes, try Michel Henriet, at 12 rue de Paradis in Verzenay. They do a very good cuvee tradition, Blanc et Blanc and Chardonnay. Naturally a degustation is part of the buying process. We have been buying our champagne there for many years and friends in England compliment us on the Michel Henriet champagnes. Well worth the detour.
You should also drive south about 30 miles to see Epernay the other big town in the Department Champagne.
Reims was the alternate capital of France and has its own equivalent of Notre Dame, its own Champs Elysee and several champagne houses are based in the town. There is also a good selection of restaurants. At one, on the other side of the square from the cathedral entrance, we had an excellent three course dinner with a bottle of champagne for £29 (say about $55) for the two of us, not each.
I hope you have an enjoyable visit.
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