Essential Guide to Champagne House Tours

Visiting a Champagne house is one of the highlights of any trip to the region.

But Champagne house tours require more planning than many visitors expect.

Reims and Epernay may look close on the map.
In reality, logistics matter.

This guide will help you plan smoothly — from booking to dress code, travel time, and cellar temperature.

What to Know Before Booking Champagne House Tours

Book Early — Especially in High Season

Most major Champagne houses require advance reservations.

Walk-ins are sometimes possible, but during weekends and peak travel months (May–October), popular tours in Reims and Epernay can be fully booked weeks — even months — ahead.

If you are planning Champagne tasting tours, booking online in advance is strongly recommended.

Plan by City, Not by Brand

Reims and Epernay are about 30–40 minutes apart by car.

Do not assume that two famous Champagne houses are near each other.
Always check the city before scheduling your tours.

Trying to visit a house in Reims in the morning and another in Epernay shortly after can create unnecessary stress.

Cluster your Champagne cellar tours by location.

Dress Code & Temperature Inside Champagne Cellars

The historic chalk cellars are beautiful — and humid.

Stairs are often steep.
Stone floors can be damp.

Many of these chalk cellars are part of the UNESCO-listed “Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars,” recognized for their cultural and historical significance.

Cellars stay around 10–12°C (50–54°F) year-round.

Even in summer, bring a light jacket or an extra layer.

For safety and comfort:

• Avoid high heels
• Avoid open-back sandals
• Choose flat, stable shoes (loafers or sneakers are ideal)

Save your heels for dinner at your hotel or restaurant.

Champagne Houses in Reims

Reims is more spread out than many visitors expect.

Some Champagne houses are within walking distance of the city center.
Others require a taxi or rideshare.

Before finalizing your schedule, review travel time carefully.

The table below shows approximate travel times from central Reims and whether public tours are available.

Champagne House Travel time from Reims station	Booking & Availability
Thiénot 10-15 min walk	Check Availability
Louis Roederer 15-20 min walk	No public tours
Krug 15-20 min walk	No public tours
Mumm 15-20 min walk	Check Availability
Lanson 10 min by car	Check Availability
Taittinger 10 min by car	Check Availability
G.H. Martel & C° 10 min by car	Check Availability
Vranken-Pommery 10 min by car	Check Availability
Veuve Clicquot 10 min by car	Check Availability
Ruinart 10 min by car	Check Availability
Charles Heidsieck 10 min by car	No public tours

When planning multiple Champagne house tours in Reims, allow buffer time between appointments — especially if transportation is required.

Champagne Houses in Epernay

Epernay offers a different experience.

Many major Champagne houses are located along the famous Avenue de Champagne, making it possible to walk between several visits.

However, not all houses are directly next to each other. Some require a 10–15 minute walk.

The table below summarizes approximate travel times from Epernay town center and public tour availability.

Champagne House Travel time from Epernay station	Booking & Availability
Moët & Chandon 5-10 min walk	Check Availability
Perrier Jouët 10 min walk	No public tours
Pol Roger 10-15 min walk	No public tours
Boizel 15 min walk	Check Availability
De Venoge 15 min walk	Check Availability
Alfred Gratien 15-20 min walk	Check Availability
Mercier 20 min walk	Check Availability
Gosset 20-25 min walk	Check Availability
Comtesse Lafond 25 min walk	Check Availability

Even in a compact town like Epernay, checking distances in advance will make your day far more comfortable.

Champagne Houses in Aÿ & Surrounding Villages

If you would like to explore beyond the main towns, Aÿ is an excellent option.

Aÿ is located just one TER train stop from Epernay.
By car, it takes approximately 10 minutes from Epernay station.

The surrounding villages — including Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Tours-sur-Marne, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — are home to several prestigious producers.

Unlike central Epernay, these houses are not clustered together.
A car or taxi is usually necessary for efficient visits.

The table below shows travel time from Epernay and indicates whether public tours are offered.

Champagne House Travel time from Epernay	Booking & Availability
Ayala (Aÿ) 10 min by car	Check Availability
Bollinger (Aÿ) 10 min by car	Check Availabiity
Deutz (Aÿ) 10 min by car	No public tours
Henri Giraud (Aÿ) 10 min by car	Check Availability
Billecart-Salmon (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ) 10-15 min by car	No public tours
Philipponnat (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ) 10-15 min by car	Check Availability
Laurent-Perrier (Tours-sur-Marne) 20 min by car	No public tours
Salon (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger) 20-25 min by car	No public tours

Exploring this area offers a quieter and more local experience, but it requires careful coordination.

Compare & Book Champagne House Tours Online

Before confirming your visits:

• Open a city map
• Check exact addresses
• Estimate walking or driving time
• Leave buffer time between tours

You may find it helpful to use a centralized booking platform such as Winalist, where you can compare tours and check real-time availability.

Many experiences offer free cancellation before a specified deadline (the exact policy depends on each producer).

Using one platform simplifies planning, especially when scheduling multiple visits across different towns.

Final Advice

A smooth visit to Champagne comes down to three simple things:

Book early.
Plan by location.
Dress appropriately.

With good planning, your visit becomes effortless.

You can enjoy the cellars without rushing — and fully appreciate the wines.