Champagne: Reims to the Côte des Blancs
Coronation cathedral, a lighthouse among the vines and the cellars of Épernay, on a short trip through the champagne hills.
- Distance
- 60 km (37 mi)
- Driving
- 0 h 50 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 31, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 60 km (37 mi) with 7 stops, from Reims to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. About 0 h 50 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
Begin in Reims with the cathedral of the kings, the Palais du Tau and one of the great champagne houses whose cellars run through old chalk pits beneath the city. Then take the D951 south onto the wooded Montagne de Reims.
Turn off to Verzenay, where a lighthouse stands among the vines and a windmill crowns the hill. Wine-village roads lead round the hill to Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon was cellar master and is buried in the abbey church, and down to the Marne.
Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne is lined with the mansions of the big houses, above kilometres of cellars. South of the town the Côte des Blancs is planted almost entirely with Chardonnay; Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and its neighbours are small, grand cru villages with family growers.
Many growers welcome visitors, but it is best to call ahead. The route works all year and harvest time in September is lively; there are aires for motorhomes in Épernay and several wine villages.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Reims
France - 21 km
Reims Cathedral
HistoryReims, FranceThe Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned, with more than 2,000 statues including the Smiling Angel. The Palais du Tau next door holds the coronation treasures.
- 318 km
Verzenay lighthouse
OdditiesVerzenay, FranceA lighthouse built in 1909 in the middle of the vineyards, far from any sea, now a small museum of the grape-growers’ year. Climb the tower for the view over the Montagne de Reims.
- 421 km
Hautvillers
France - 56 km
Épernay
France - 61 km
Avenue de Champagne
FoodÉpernay, FranceA street of grand mansions above kilometres of chalk cellars, part of the UNESCO Champagne listing. Several houses offer cellar tours; booking ahead is wise.
- 715 km
Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Reims → Hautvillers · 39 km · 0 h 32 minOn the way: Reims Cathedral, Verzenay lighthouse.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping municipal Epernay (2 km); Aire de stationnement Saint-Imoges (4 km).
- Day 2: Hautvillers → Le Mesnil-sur-Oger · 21 km · 0 h 17 minOn the way: Épernay, Avenue de Champagne.Overnight nearby, for example: Place du Bourg Joli - Avize (3 km); Camping municipal Epernay (14 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in January–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Champagne: Reims to the Côte des Blancs?
2-day road trip of about 60 km (37 mi) with 7 stops, from Reims to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. About 0 h 50 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Champagne: Reims to the Côte des Blancs?
We suggest 2 days: about 0 h 50 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Champagne: Reims to the Côte des Blancs start and end?
It starts in Reims and ends in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
Which countries does Champagne: Reims to the Côte des Blancs pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Champagne: Reims to the Côte des Blancs?
OpenStreetMap lists 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping municipal Epernay, Aire de service et de stationnement Rue du Château Rouge - Chamery and Aire de stationnement Saint-Imoges.
When is the best time for Champagne: Reims to the Côte des Blancs?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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