wine tours?

[Colleen]

Is it possible to do a day trip to the wine region or is that an overnight stay? I am going to Paris for my birthday in April and would like to visit some wineries as well but not sure if i should plan an overnight stay or not. The area I was considering was Reims, because that is the location of Mumm Champagne. I dont know what else might be there. I also heard Bordeaux was good but dont know if it is too far from Paris. Suggestions? Thank you!

[VacationBuddy]

Hi there,

Bourdeaux is in the SouthWest of France and it is about 6 hours drive from Paris.
So if you are going for a day, your best bet would definetly be Reims which is about 1 hour drive from the capital.

Champagne MUMM admission to the cellar is around 10 Euros and the visit last around 1 hour and they also offer English commentary.

There is also, the Champagne Heidsieck (also in Reims) which was established in 1785. This is one of the oldest champagne houses in the world. Tours of the cellar are offered regularly in an electic-powered car, with English commentary. The gift shop features champagne for purchase, as well as other items.

Please visit this link if you would like more ideas on what to in France: http://www.destination360.com/europe...e/things-to-do

Hope this helps
VacationBuddy

[Colleen]

thanks for the info - that helps. Someone told me the wineries are only open in the summer - is that true? Does anyone know if they are all open in April as well?

Thank you!

[rubylene]

A day trip will not be enough.. There are lots of beautiful places in the wine region that you can enjoy..

[dkartuzinski]

Colleen,

You will not have enough time to enjoy the wine country with only one day. The pace in this region is considerably slower and just getting there will eat up time. Find a small hotel nearby and take the time to really enjoy it. There are so many wonderful activities and tasting you can participate it. The French Wineries love visitors and often go out of their way to accommodate. Since this is your "item" I would definitely take the time to enjoy it.
-DK

[maxbomme]

The easiest places for wine tours for someone staying in Paris are either Reims (centre for the champagne industry) or Beaune, just south of Dijon, centre for the burgundy wine industry. both are easily accessible by train from Paris.

Reims is a provincial city, with a magnificent medieval cathedral to visit as well.

Beaune is a provincial town with a remarkable medieval hospital to visit, the famous Hospices de Beaune.

Between Reims and Beaune, Beaune has more character.