The Champagne Route Tour
THE CHAMPAGNE ROUTE TOUR
Whether you have an interest in wine and viticulture, or you simply love a glass of champagne, this tour is the ultimate idea for a romantic break or celebration, or just a lovely way to spend a few days away.
Depending on the time of year you could watch the grapes being harvested and pressed or the champagne being blended, as you sip and savour your way through four days of beautiful scenery, fabulous French food and some of the finest champagnes in the world.
Getting there
The tour starts in Reims, which is 170 miles from Calais, 173 miles from Dieppe, 175 miles from Dunkirk or approximately 300 miles from our Amsterdam port in IJmuiden. From Reims you drive to Troy via the towns, villages, vineyards and champagne houses of Verzenay, Epernay and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger – a total distance of 93 miles.
Day 1. Uk - Reims
After your chosen crossing you drive south to the fabulous city of Reims, jewel in the crown of the Champagne region.
Home to some of France’s most famous producers including Pommery and Taittinger, there are also lots of small boutique wineries as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, art deco cafes and elegant bistros - a testament to Reims’ glorious gastronomic pedigree.You can walk off any indulgences with a visit to the monumental Gothic cathedral, the setting for 25 coronations between 1223 and 1825, most notably that of Charles VII. The young king was crowned here in 1429, with Joan of Arc by his side.
Day 2. Reims – Epernay Via Verzenay
Today you drive through the rolling, vineyard-clad hills of Champagne to Epernay, a distance of 18 miles. Epernay is home to G.H. Mumm, one of the most recognisable champagne brands in the world. The town also showcases the prestigious wine cellars of Mercier while Champagne Domi is a relatively small producer that opens its doors for friendly informative tours and tastings.
For an entirely different – and quirky – perspective, drive to Epernay via Verzenay and look out for a lighthouse in a sea of vineyards. Built in 1909 by Joseph Goulet to promote his own brand of champagne, the lighthouse is now a fun, educational, interactive museum devoted to the production of the world’s most famous sparkling wine.
Day 3. Epernay – Troyes Via Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger
From Epernay you drive 69 miles to Troyes, pausing at Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger en route. This small town is home to the producers of two of the most exclusive and critically-acclaimed of all French champagnes - Salon and Clos du Mesnil.
A single bottle of either could set you back £100s, but even a taste of these exquisite and rare vintages is well worth the trip. Troyes itself is a medieval treasure trove. Its half-timbered houses, Gothic churches and narrow twisting streets give you a vivid sense of life in 15th century France, as does the Gothic cathedral where, in 1429, Charles VII and Joan of Arc stopped on their way to his coronation.
Day 4: Troyes-Uk (optional via Paris)
Drive to Dieppe, (228 miles) Calais (246 miles), Dunkirk (251 miles) or IJmuiden (374 miles) today for your return crossing to the UK. Alternatively, you could drive 110 miles to Paris and break your journey with a stay in the French capital.
Admire the views from the top of the Eiffel Tower, splash out on an evening dinner cruise on the Seine, take a stroll along the Champs Elysee… surely it’s only fitting to end your Champagne tour with a night in the world’s most famously romantic city?
Our routes to France
Dover-Dunkirk Ferry Crossings
Our short, convenient sailings from Dover to Dunkirk are the perfect way to start a trip to Europe.
From
€114
per car + up to 5 people, one way*
Dover-Calais Ferry Crossings
Our fastest and most popular ferry crossing, our Dover to Calais route takes only 100 minutes, allowing you to explore Europe at your leisure.
From
€114
per car + up to 5 people, one way*
Newhaven-Dieppe Ferry Crossings
Head across the Channel on our Newhaven to Dieppe route and in just 4 hours you can sail in comfort from the south of England to France's beautiful Normandy coast.
From
£117
per car + 2 people, one way*
Rosslare - Dunkirk Ferry
Sail between Ireland and France with DFDS on our Rosslare – Dunkirk overnight ferry. With shopping onboard, comfy cabins and all meals included you can reach your destination ready to explore.
From
€440
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Travel guide
Normandy
Travel by ferry to Normandy and explore historical places to visit including picturesque towns and stunning coastline.
Paris
Explore culture, art and magnificent architecture of French capital.
Disneyland® Paris
Disneyland® Paris is one of those magical places where time stops, and all you can think about is having fun. It's a party for all ages, whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or want to immerse yourself in the Disney universe.
Dunkirk
Take a ferry with DFDS from Dover to Dunkirk and explore this famous port town, ideal for beach holidaymakers, nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Wine regions of France
French wines are famous all over the world and France has the reputation of being one of the world's greatest producers. Go on a trip and explore the famous wine regions.
Battlefields in France
Explore many battlefields in France that have remained undisturbed and serve to remind us of those fallen heroes.
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