Morning
We left Luxembourg around 8:30 AM with coffees in hand and hit Reims a little after 11.

First stop: the stunning Cathédrale Notre‑Dame de Reims. You’ve seen photos, but nothing compares to standing in front of that massive Gothic façade. Inside, the stained glass glows in the morning light: it’s quiet, dramatic, and totally worth a slow wander.

Lunch
Lunch was at Les Crayères, just around the corner. It’s a classic château turned luxury hotel, and we chose the more casual Brasserie Le Jardin in the gardens. We sat outside, had a crisp glass of rosé champagne, and shared a super good "pâté en croûte".

Afternoon
We spent the afternoon strolling through Reims: Place Royale, little boutiques, boulangeries (yes, we picked up a few pastries), and just let ourselves wander. The city is compact, super walkable, and felt vibrant but not touristy.

Evening
After a bit of a recharge at the hotel, we checked out The Glue Pot, a laid-back bar that’s apparently popular with champagne makers. Then we moved on to Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage dark, cozy, and packed with locals. We ended the night with small bites and our third (!) glass of champagne.

Perchingbar – Champagne in a treehouse? Unexpected and unforgettable!

Les Faux de Verzy – Quiet and mysterious, with a touch of forest magic.

Le 19 – A casual place to try rare bottles you won’t find elsewhere.

Pressoria – Sensory Journey to the Heart of Champagne – We didn’t make it this time, but it’s high on our list for next time since it is an high-tech champagne museum

By car: Just over 2 hours from Luxembourg. We left around 8:30 AM and arrived refreshed around 11.15. Having the car made exploring so easy so we would suggest to rent one if you have the possibility.

By train: Luxembourg to Reims takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours (with one change, usually in Metz). From Reims, local trains and buses get you to Épernay and nearby villages.

By bus: A direct bus from Luxembourg to Reims takes about 3 hours—though less frequent, so check schedules in advance 🙂

Once in Champagne, a car is best for vineyard hopping. But if you want to go casual, local trains and buses work, just mind the schedules.

One of our favorite parts of the trip was noticing how the locals really enjoy the region beyond the usual tourist spots. Champagne picnics are a big thing here. We saw couples, families, and groups of friends laying out blankets right in the vineyards or along the peaceful banks of the Marne River opening bottles, sharing cheese and fresh bread, and just soaking in the view. One afternoon we joined in, and honestly, it felt like being let into a local secret.

A visit to the Halles du Boulingrin (Reims Market) in Reims is also a must if you want a real taste of the region. We wandered through stands full of fresh vegetables, pastries, and cheeses, and picked up some snacks and gifts to bring home.

If your timing lines up, check for village festivals in places like Festival Coups de Foudre à Hautvillers. There’s music, dancing, local food, and plenty of champagne: simple, joyful, and full of community spirit.

And for a more local feel, skip the big-name houses once in a while and try the smaller champagne bars or tasting rooms. These are the places locals love and are less polished, more personal, and full of amazing bottles you probably haven’t heard of yet 🙂