Join us for a long weekend to the champagne region of France – visiting producers, exploring the city of Reims and of course doing lots of champagne tasting!
**Update: If anyone wants to join us last-minute there are still return Eurostar/train tickets from London to Reims at £159 at the moment**
The plan is to arrive in Reims on Saturday 24 March, then have Sunday and Monday to explore the city and visit some of the Champagne producers, before leaving on Tuesday 27 March.
Depending on interest we could organise a group tour out to some of the smaller Champagne producers in the countryside (prices seem to be about €55 for a half-day trip). There's also plenty of good bars and restaurants in Reims, a historic UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, art galleries and shops selling everything champagne related.
Travel
If you want to travel by train, then tickets are available at www.eurostar.com. You can book direct all the way from London St Pancras to Reims (select it under the 'France' destinations tab), but will need to change stations from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est in Paris, which is a short walk. Tickets are currently £159 return (as of 16 Mar) and the group are booked on these trains:
- Out Sat 24 March: depart London St Pancras 11.24 - arrive Reims 16.44
- Return Tues 27 March: depart Reims 16.15 - arrive London St Pancras 19.36
If you are planning to fly to Paris and want to meet us for the train to Reims, you will need to get to Paris Gare de l'Est for the 15.58 to Reims on the way out. The journey only takes about 45 mins.
Hotels
There are a few central hotel options. I have booked the Ibis Reims Centre (www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-1422-ibis-reims-centre/location.shtml) which is currently £53 a night for a double/twin room (you need to book 20 days in advance to get this price). There's also the Best Western Hotel de La Paix (www.bestwestern-lapaix-reims.com) which is a bit more expensive but has a pool, etc.
Once we have some more definite numbers I'll find out about organising a tour around the vineyards and more about things to do while we are out there.
Let me know once you have confirmed and I will add you to the list, so far we have:
- lucyd1978
- RitaD
- karenw
- Linda Snell
- JA14