Can You Visit Champagne Without a Car?

One of the questions many visitors ask when planning a trip to Champagne is whether it is possible to explore the region without a car.

The short answer is yes, but there are some limitations.

It is certainly possible to reach Champagne by train, especially from Paris, and many visitors choose to base themselves in one of the main towns. However, without a car it can be more difficult to reach some of the smaller vineyard villages and producers that are located outside the main train routes.

Visiting Champagne by Train

If you are travelling without a car, the easiest places to visit are the two main cities of the region, Reims and Épernay.

Both cities are well connected to Paris by train, and there is also a regional train that runs between Reims and Épernay in about 30 minutes. This makes it easy to visit both cities during your trip.

Without a car, you can also still reach a few other places along this train route, including Dormans and some smaller villages located between Reims and Épernay.

In Épernay, many visitors enjoy walking along the famous Avenue de Champagne, where several Champagne producers welcome guests for tastings. Because many of these producers are located close to one another, it is easy to visit a few places on foot.

What You Miss Without a Car

While it is possible to visit Champagne without a car, you will be somewhat limited in what you can see.

Champagne is a rural region, and much of its beauty lies in the vineyards, countryside and small villages that surround the main towns. Many grower producers are located in villages outside the cities, and these places are often difficult to reach using public transportation.

Without a car, visitors often spend most of their time in Reims or Épernay rather than exploring the wider Champagne countryside.

Taxis and Uber in Champagne

Visitors often ask whether taxis or ride-sharing services are a good alternative.

There are a few local taxi companies operating in the region, but they usually cover a large area. Because of this, waiting times can sometimes be 45 minutes to an hour, especially during busy periods.

Uber is available in Reims and Épernay, and it is generally easy to book rides within the cities. However, it is usually less reliable in the smaller vineyard villages.

Driving and Champagne Tastings

Another thing to consider when planning tastings is that Champagne visits often involve several glasses of wine.

In France, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05% blood alcohol, and the limit is even lower for newer drivers. These rules are strictly enforced.

Champagne is also a farming region, and many of the vineyard roads are narrow country lanes. During harvest season in particular, tractors and vineyard vehicles are often moving between the vineyards and villages.

For this reason, many visitors prefer not to drive between tastings.

If you would like to explore beyond the cities and discover more of the vineyards and smaller villages, one of the easiest solutions is to book a tour with a local guide and driver.

This allows you to relax and enjoy the tastings while learning more about the region, without worrying about navigation, transportation or driving between appointments.

When I work with guests in Champagne, I often guide them personally through the region, visiting producers, vineyards and villages together during the day.

For visitors who prefer to explore a little more independently, I also offer help planning a customised itinerary and organising a local driver. This allows guests to visit producers comfortably and discover more of the region without needing to worry about transportation. I work with a trusted network of local drivers that I regularly collaborate with for my own tours.

Want to Explore Champagne Beyond the Cities?

If you are planning a trip to Champagne and would like a little help organising your time in the region, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help visitors make the most of their visit.