Car hire in Reims puts you in the heart of Champagne country. This city, where French kings were crowned, combines Gothic magnificence with world-renowned wine houses. The cathedral is a UNESCO masterpiece, and beneath the city lie 200km of champagne cellars. Beyond Reims, the Montagne de Reims and Marne valley offer scenic drives through vineyards.

Getting Around Reims by Car

Reims centre is walkable — the cathedral, Place Royale, and major champagne houses are within 15 minutes of each other. Street parking costs €1-2 per hour, with underground car parks near the cathedral. The A4 connects to Paris (90 minutes west) and Strasbourg (2 hours east).

Driving in Champagne country is a pleasure — rolling hills, vineyards, and well-maintained D roads. The Route Touristique du Champagne winds through villages and cellars. Allow extra time for tastings.

Reims is less than an hour from the Belgian border, making it a gateway to northern France and the Ardennes.

Day Trips from Reims

Champagne houses, in Reims itself, offer tours and tastings. Taittinger, Pommery, and Mumm have cellars in former chalk mines. Book in advance — tours fill up. Allow 2-3 hours per house including tasting.

Épernay, 30 minutes south, is the other champagne capital. The Avenue de Champagne houses Moët & Chandon, Mercier, and others. The views over the Marne valley are beautiful. Combine with vineyard drives.

Montagne de Reims, 20 minutes south, is the regional park with vineyards and forests. Drive the Route du Champagne through villages like Verzenay and Bouzy. The lighthouse at Verzenay offers panoramic views.

Laon, 40 minutes north, has a magnificent Gothic cathedral perched on a hill. The old town is medieval and largely intact. Allow half a day.

Verdun, 90 minutes east, is essential for WWI history. The battlefields, memorial, and ossuary are profoundly moving. Allow a full day for a proper visit.

Driving Tips for France

Champagne roads are well-signed, but vineyard lanes can be narrow. Sat-nav sometimes routes onto farm tracks. Follow signs to champagne houses rather than GPS coordinates.

Tasting and driving: Champagne houses spit for tastings. If you’re driving, use the spit buckets or buy bottles for later. The legal limit is 0.5g/L — one glass of champagne can put you over.

The A4 to Paris has tolls (about €10 each way). The D roads through the vineyards are free but slower. For scenic driving, take the D roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which champagne house should I visit?

Taittinger for historic cellars, Pommery for art installations, Mumm for accessibility. In Épernay, Moët & Chandon is iconic, Mercier offers tours by train. Book ahead in summer.

Can I drive through the vineyards?

Yes — the Route Touristique du Champagne is well-signed. The D roads between Reims and Épernay pass Grand Cru villages. Stop at small producers for tastings — they often offer better value than big houses.

Is Reims worth visiting beyond champagne?

Absolutely — the cathedral is one of France’s finest, with stunning stained glass including Chagall windows. The old town has Roman remains and Art Deco architecture. Allow a full day for the city itself.