Classic French breakfast with fresh croissants and coffee in the town centre; a good launch point for Avenue de Champagne. Many cafés open from about 08:00–11:00, check local opening times in February.
Walk the famed Avenue de Champagne to see grand private mansions and cellar entrances — essential for context on the region's history; the street is public and open all day. Allow time for photos and window-shopping at houses.
Guided tour of the famous cellars with a tasting at the end — a must-see to understand large-house production; typical tour hours are roughly 10:00–16:30 but check online and book in advance (some short winter hours apply).
Hearty seasonal dishes at a popular local bistro on or near Avenue de Champagne, paired with a glass of Champagne; restaurants generally serve lunch 12:00–14:00 — reserve in busy periods even in winter.
Mercier offers a lively cellar visit including a small train through its galleries and tastings — typical visiting hours around 10:00–17:00, but confirm in February and pre-book if possible.
Drive or walk to a nearby vineyard viewpoint to see the patchwork of vines and village roofs, ideal for late-afternoon photos; always available but check weather in February (can be chilly).
Dinner at a recommended local bistro offering contemporary French cuisine and regional wines; many restaurants open evenings from around 19:00, but confirm opening days in winter.
Scenic 20–30 minute drive south-east from Épernay along vineyard roads to the famous village where Dom Pérignon lived; roads can be quiet in February but watch for frost/ice in cold weather.
Explore the church and small museum in Hautvillers and see Dom Pérignon's tomb; many sites open ~10:00–17:00, so check exact winter opening times before arrival.
Book a tasting with a local grower to learn about terroir-driven Champagne and artisanal methods — many growers run appointments mid-morning to mid-afternoon, but some close Sundays in winter so pre-book.
Enjoy a cosy lunch of regional fare in a village auberge, typically offering set menus and local Champagnes; village restaurants often serve lunch 12:00–14:00, so reserve if possible.
Short drive to neighbouring Aÿ and Dizy to view grand cru vineyards and visit a second family house or cooperative; many houses run tastings 14:00–16:30 — check each producer's winter schedule.
Private or small-group tasting focusing on local terroir and reserve cuvées — small houses commonly charge modest tasting fees and require bookings in advance, especially in low season.
Dinner at a well-regarded town bistro pairing local dishes with Champagnes; evening service typically from 19:00 and reservations are recommended on weekends.
Arrive in Reims and have a relaxed breakfast with pastries and coffee near the city centre; many cafés open from about 08:00–09:00, but double-check Sunday/Monday winter hours.
Explore the stunning Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned — widely open to visitors (typical hours ~07:30–18:30), but guided tours and organ recitals have set times.
Next to the cathedral, this museum displays coronation treasures and medieval statuary; usual opening hours are around 10:00–17:30, check for any winter day closures.
Historic Art Nouveau brasserie serving classic French dishes and local champagnes — lunch service typically 12:00–14:00, so aim to arrive early or reserve.
Guided tour through historic chalk cellars with tasting of signature cuvées; tours commonly run 10:30–15:30 but booking ahead is essential, especially mid-winter when slots are limited.
Pommery offers dramatic art installations in its vast cellars and tastings, while Veuve Clicquot provides an iconic house experience — opening hours generally 10:00–16:30 in winter; confirm and pre-book your preferred house.
Finish your road trip with a refined meal at a top Reims restaurant, pairing inventive cuisine with regional wines and Champagne; restaurant opening times vary—reserve a table in advance.