The best hotels in Reims & Épernay: your complete guide to the Champagne region
The Champagne region of northeastern France is one of Europe's most enchanting destinations, where Gothic cathedral spires pierce the sky, chalk tunnels wind beneath ancient cities, and the world's most celebrated sparkling wine flows freely. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend escape, a gourmet road trip, or a cultural city break, Reims and Épernay offer an experience that's impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world. Just 45 minutes by TGV from Paris, this is the kind of destination that surprises you with how much it has to offer. In this guide, we'll take you through the history, the highlights, and most importantly the best places to stay.
Reims & Épernay: champagne, history, and the art of savoir-vivre
A region written in bubbles and stone
The city of Reims has played a major part in French history, intimately linked to the kings of France. Clovis was baptized there, Louis the Pious was crowned there in 816, and beginning in the 11th century, 26 kings of France were crowned within the walls of the cathedral. This royal legacy gives Reims a grandeur that few French cities outside of Paris can match, yet it remains refreshingly accessible and unpretentious.
Just 35 minutes to the south by car or train, Épernay is the beating heart of Champagne production. The two cities are only a short drive from each other, making it easy to combine both in a single trip. Together, they form one of the most rewarding duos in French travel.
Must-sees and things to do
Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims)
Any visit to Reims includes the Notre-Dame cathedral, an architectural jewel inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Larger than Notre-Dame de Paris, it presents an exceptional statuary with 2,303 sculpted figures adorning its facades. The sun filtering through Chagall's stained-glass windows bathes the stone in jewel-toned light, a moment that stops even seasoned travellers in their tracks. Admission to the cathedral is free.
The Champagne houses
- In Reims, the houses on the Saint-Nicaise hill - Pommery, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Ruinart and G.H. Martel - sit above cellars made up of crayères, impressive galleries dug into the chalk, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. These UNESCO-listed chalk tunnels are among the most atmospheric spaces in all of France.
- In Épernay, the most renowned Champagne houses are situated along the iconic Avenue de Champagne, welcoming visitors to explore their historic cellars and elegant tasting rooms. Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger are all found along this single, extraordinary street.
Palais du Tau
As the residence of the Archbishop of Reims, the Palais du Tau served as a location for banquets once the kings of France had been crowned. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been transformed into a museum holding the treasures of Notre-Dame cathedral.
The Montagne de Reims and Verzenay lighthouse
The Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park, a mecca for hikers located at the gates of the city, was created in 1976 and includes the spectacular Faux de Verzy site. Criss-crossing the vineyards gives you the opportunity to meet winemakers who welcome you to their estates for tastings, cellar tours and direct sales. Don't miss the view from the Verzenay lighthouse, a truly unique lookout point over the vines.
Village of Hautvillers
Just a short drive from Épernay lies the picturesque village of Hautvillers, home to the abbey where Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk credited with perfecting the méthode champenoise, worked as cellar master. A must-stop for anyone interested in the story behind the bubbles.
Practical context: when to go, where to stay and who is it for?
When to go?
In summer (July and August) the weather is really pleasant, while in winter (December) the old town is lovely with its Christmas market set on the cathedral's square. That said, autumn is a particularly special time to visit, when the Champagne harvest adds a quiet energy to the city. Spring (May to June) is also excellent, with mild temperatures and the vineyards in bloom.
Best area to stay?
Reims is the larger city, with more hotels, restaurants, nightlife and cultural attractions. Épernay is quieter, more intimate, and perfect if your trip is primarily about Champagne tasting. Many visitors split their time between both, and with the two cities so close together, that's easily done.
Who is it for?
This destination is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodie travellers. It's also a brilliant weekend trip for Belgians, as the Champagne region is only 3 hours from Brussels and 5 hours from Amsterdam by car.
The best hotels in Reims & Épernay
Whether you're looking for five-star grandeur, boutique charm, or a stylish base in the heart of Champagne country, the region has exceptional options to match every style of travel. Below are three outstanding hotels, they are perfect for your next trip to the Champagne area<.
Domaine Les Crayères, Reims ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Domaine Les Crayères is simply one of the most prestigious addresses in all of France. Set in a magnificent Belle Époque château on Avenue du Général Giraud, this 5-star estate is surrounded by parkland and sits adjacent to the legendary Champagne vineyards of the Saint-Nicaise hill. The hotel houses Le Parc, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that is widely regarded as one of the finest dining experiences in the region, where the art of French cuisine meets the excellence of local terroir.
The rooms and suites are impeccably appointed with every luxury you'd expect: private bathrooms, minibars stocked with champagne, daily housekeeping, massage services, and a tennis court in the grounds. Families are welcome, with a children's playground and family room options available. Parking is available on-site.
This is the hotel for a honeymoon, a milestone anniversary, or simply those who believe that exceptional travel deserves an exceptional base.
Grand Hôtel Des Templiers, Reims ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tucked away on Rue des Templiers, just 600 metres from the city centre and a short stroll from the cathedral, Grand Hôtel Des Templiers is where classical French charm meets genuine modern comfort. This 4-star boutique hotel features beautifully soundproofed rooms, a welcoming bar, and a spa and wellness centre complete with an indoor swimming pool and sauna, a rare luxury in the heart of a city hotel.
It's a particularly strong choice for travellers who want to explore Reims on foot: the cathedral, the Palais du Tau, and the city's best restaurants (including the celebrated Le Millénaire, just 550 metres away) are all within easy walking distance. The hotel also offers an airport shuttle for added convenience.
Whether you're arriving for a long weekend or extending a Paris trip into Champagne country, the Templiers strikes the perfect balance between location, comfort, and atmosphere.
View Grand Hôtel Des Templiers
Hotel Jean Moët, Épernay ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hotel Jean Moët in Épernay is the obvious choice. Located just 400 metres from the city centre on Rue Jean Moët, a street named after the founder of the world's most famous Champagne house, this welcoming 4-star hotel puts you steps from the Avenue de Champagne and within walking distance of legendary cellars like Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët.
Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, with air conditioning, satellite TV, Nespresso machines, and soundproofed walls to ensure a restful night after a day of tastings. Breakfast is served as a generous buffet beneath a beautiful glass ceiling. The friendly concierge team is perfectly placed to help you plan cellar tours, vineyard excursions, or day trips to nearby villages. With Reims just 25 km away, Hotel Jean Moët also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider region without a long daily commute.
Frequently asked questions about Reims & Épernay
What is the average price of a hotel in Reims or Épernay?
Hotel prices in the Champagne region vary considerably. Budget and mid-range hotels typically start from €80 to €130 per night for a double room. Boutique 4-star hotels like the Grand Hôtel Des Templiers or Hotel Jean Moët generally range between €140 and €250 per night. For luxury addresses like Domaine Les Crayères, expect to pay upwards of €350 to €500 per night, particularly during peak season (May to September) and harvest weekends in September and October.
What is the best area to stay in the Champagne region?
It depends on your priorities. Stay in Reims if you want culture, history, a vibrant restaurant scene, and easy access to the city's major Champagne houses. Stay in Épernay if your trip is primarily about wine: the Avenue de Champagne is on your doorstep, the pace is more relaxed, and the surrounding villages are beautiful for day drives. Both cities are excellent, and the 35-minute train link makes it easy to enjoy both during a single trip.
Where can you park your car in Reims and Épernay?
Both cities have ample public parking. In Reims, the main car parks are located near the cathedral (Parking Cathédrale) and the city centre. In Épernay, there is free parking available near the Avenue de Champagne and in the surrounding streets. For hotel guests, Domaine Les Crayères offers on-site parking, and it's always worth confirming parking arrangements directly with your chosen hotel when booking.
Where are the best restaurants in Reims and Épernay?
Reims punches well above its weight gastronomically. The standout address is Le Millénaire, which holds a Michelin star and is consistently rated among the city's best. Le Foch is another excellent fine-dining option. For something more relaxed, Café du Palais, a listed Art Deco brasserie near the cathedral, is a Reims institution and a must-visit even just for a coffee. In Épernay, La Cave à Champagne on the Avenue de Champagne is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its traditional cuisine and, naturally, its wine list.
Nearby destinations worth exploring
The Champagne region doesn't exist in isolation. Once you've soaked up Reims and Épernay, the wider area offers plenty more to discover.
Châlons-en-Champagne is a charming, under-visited city just 45 minutes from Reims, known for its canals, half-timbered houses, and stained-glass churches. A wonderful contrast to the grandeur of Reims.
Troyes lies about 1.5 hours south of Reims. This medieval city is famous for its extraordinary Gothic churches, its beautiful half-timbered old town, and its position in the Côte des Bar sub-region, an increasingly celebrated part of the Champagne appellation.
Paris is closer than most people think. According to Lonely Planet, Reims is one of France's most rewarding day trips from the capital, with the TGV getting you there in under 45 minutes. Many visitors combine a stay in Reims with a few days in the capital, making it one of the most convenient regional escapes in all of France.
Ready to pop the cork?
Reims and Épernay are the kind of destination that stays with you long after the last glass. The combination of world-class history, extraordinary gastronomy, and the unparalleled pleasure of drinking great Champagne where it was made creates something genuinely unique. Whether you choose the palatial splendour of Domaine Les Crayères, the central charm of Grand Hôtel Des Templiers, or the intimate Champagne-country warmth of Hotel Jean Moët, you're guaranteed a stay that matches the magic of the region itself.
Browse all available hotels in Reims and Épernay on Stay Over Here and find the perfect base for your Champagne escape.
À votre santé!
Mr Gwen
As a husband, dad of 2 children and employer, holidays are important to Gwen. Enjoying everything from small-scale boutique hotels to luxury holidays in beautiful resorts is therefore one of his favourite hobbies.
