France - Wine Regions

[Jacques Vert]

Only just found this thread but will add my 2 eurocents worth:

Thanks JohnM - I NEVER go anywhere with passport on me - and I never have cash stashed in room - CC 100% time - whenever we stay in hotels I set up computer after check in and pack it away when we leave - I don't think I am paranoid just kinda looking acceptable level of security.

Make sure you have at least a little cash on you. My experience in France has been that some Visa machines (such as the ones on the toll booths and at self-serve petrol stations) will not accept Visa cards (or any others) that have been issued outside France (not all, but a significant %age). Very embarrassing when trying to get off the Autoroute without cash and the toll booth won't play. Also, it can be difficult to find a petrol station with a human after 5pm so make sure you keep the tank full in case the self-serve machine says no.

I've stayed at both and I prefer Epernay. It's smaller with a cosier feel, has many of the most prestigious Champagne houses pretty much in walking distance of the town centre, it is close to Hautvillers (Dom Perignon's Abbey) - although neither are far from Reims, which is an easy drive if you have a car. IMHO, Reims is a place to visit from Epernay, not the other way round but YMMV.

Having stayed in both Reims and Epernay, Epernay is far more picturesque and beautiful, Reims is just like any other town and there are no vineyards (plenty of cellar doors though) in town. Epernay is just gorgeous, all low density and surrounded by vineyards.

I also would go for Epernay, but take a day trip to Reims and visit the cathedral: the facade is stunning.

We did the tour at Mercier Champagne house. You go down into the cellars which run for kilometres under the streets of Epernay. Website here: Champagne Mercier | Homepage Of course, there are lots of small operators (and not so small) around the area.

The Man in Seat 61 website is invaluable for travel across Europe by train.

The man in Seat 61 is my first stop for train travel, especially in Europe.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Jacques - where have you been? Thanks for your input - yes always have a few bob in cash in pocket also but being CC pts cough cash is always last resort.

Thanks so much to all for your input - this is why AFF is such a must when planning trips - so much valuable content from so many knowledgeable contributors.

I also need to get from Bordeaux to San Sebastian by train - but according to one site from MIS 61 appears inventory not loaded for purchase as yet so have set up alert - seems a bit strange so might need to look again.

 

[Jacques Vert]

Jacques - where have you been?

Finishing my TR on Tuscany and planning next trip for end of May

 

[Jacques Vert]

I also need to get from Bordeaux to San Sebastian by train - but according to one site from MIS 61 appears inventory not loaded for purchase as yet so have set up alert - seems a bit strange so might need to look again.

Have you definitely decided on the train? For what it is worth, driving in France is much, much easier than driving in Italy IME and as some have said gives flexibility. If driving, the option of heading from Epernay down through the Loire Valley then turning south to Bordeaux would be worth considering. We found the Val-de-Loire wines very palatable and at a fraction of the price of some areas, including a magnificent demi-sec rose method traditionnelle for <7Eur.

I have in my archives a 2006 brochure: ​France: Welcome to the vineyards of France. It's about an A1 page with a good map on one side and a brief description of each region on the other. I am happy to send it to you but wouldn't mind getting it back after your trip (with wine stains, of course).
Also, check here: | Australia - Official Website for Tourism in France

I have found that many train schedules in Europe are not loaded until 60 or 45 days before travel (I am waiting to book train HEL-LED which should be do-able from Wednesday).

On the way to San Sebastian (or as a day trip) consider Bayonne, St-Jean-de Luz, Hendaye and Biarritz:

 

[Jacques Vert]

About an hour east of San Sebastian or 25 min south east of St-Jean-de-Luz is Le Petit Train de La Rhune: Le Train de la Rhune - Train touristique sur la chaîne pyrénéenne

A 90+ year old rack & pinion railway that climbs the nearest mountain to the coast:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

T-30 until dep on our French expedition - have decided on 4nts in Reims rather than Epernay - now to some Champagne tours.

Any info from fellow AFFers as to actual tours they have undertaken of Champagne houses in and around both Reims and Epernay?

Self designed tours? Commercial pre booked tours? All contributions greatly appreciated.

 

[bismarck]

CE - I was there late last year. Did not pre-book anything (in terms of formal tours) but selected a couple of houses and booked their in-house tours the night before.

I really enjoyed Ruinart. It was expensive but a great tour. Veuve was also quite good. Taittinger was mediocre. Honestly though, once you've done two, the cave tours are quite similar. I'd skip them and just enjoy the tasting.

Don't forget to stop at the abbey in Hautvilliers to pay homage to Dom Perignon and Dom Ruinart.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I would just like I add a word of caution that tourists season is generally picking up at end of May so check with the champagne houses on their tours about times and numbers. Better to pre-plan and book ahead than arrive to find tour booked out IMHO.

 

[Major]

We selected the day tour with La Vigne du Roy : day semi private tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. The lunch was in the courtyard of one of the small champagne houses. They just kept bringing out plates of different types of local food and the corks were popped until we said no more. They are pushing the theme that champagne can accompany a meal rather than still wine. All of the champagne styles were offered for tasting with lunch.
The final visit of the day was Moet/Dom. We had a specific time booked as it gets very busy.
We stayed at the Reims HI and walked up to the Cathederal for the tour pick up and dropped off at the HI front door.
A great day

 

[TheRealTMA]

If you have time and a car, as a break from wine, consider a visit to this WW1 relic...
http://www.caverne-du-dragon.com/en/decouvrir-musee/history-caverne-du-Dragon.aspx
About 35 mins NE of Rheims.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I would just like I add a word of caution that tourists season is generally picking up at end of May so check with the champagne houses on their tours about times and numbers. Better to pre-plan and book ahead than arrive to find tour booked out IMHO.

Yes thanks TRT - I will certainly pre-book - dates are June 20 to 24 - certainly well into tourist season.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

We stayed at the Reims HI and walked up to the Cathederal for the tour pick up and dropped off at the HI front door.
A great day

As are we Major - 1 bedroom suite

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Tip for young players:
Reims is pronounced "rance" rhymes with France (Aussie pronunciation).

 

[pagingjoan]

CE - <Snip>

Don't forget to stop at the abbey in Hautvilliers to pay homage to Dom Perignon and Dom Ruinart.

And Jeanne d'Arc! Quite a combination.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

T-23days to departure - we are spending 5nts in Bordeaux city ctr - whilst we have a local family we know who will be squiring us around for a couple days was just wondering have any of the good AFF folk here have also stayed in Bordeaux city ctr and done winery day tours which they would recommend?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I would just like I add a word of caution that tourists season is generally picking up at end of May so check with the champagne houses on their tours about times and numbers. Better to pre-plan and book ahead than arrive to find tour booked out IMHO.

Ah huh - so emailed several Champagne houses last week inquiring about tours - response from Moet:

Dear Cruiser,

Thank you very much for your email regarding visiting our Moet & Chandon cellars in June 2015.

The Moet & Chandon visitors' centre was closed as of October 1 2014 for one year due to required renovations allowing for disabled access for visitors.

This does unfortunately mean that visits to Moet & Chandon are unavailable until October 2015. I am unable to confirm the exact opening date at this early stage, however please look for updates on the website - or email me directly again closer to the date and I can provide with any up to date information.

Alternatively, Champagne Mercier are all open for visitors throughout the year, please visit the Champagne Mercier website for tour & tasting information -

http://www.champagnemercier.fr/en/cellars-visits

If I can provide any further information, please let me know.

Kind Regards,

Jessica Hill-Smith | Assistant Brand Manager- Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon Moët Hennessy Australia

Bummer - just my luck - that's the one I wanted!

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Ah huh - so emailed several Champagne houses last week inquiring about tours - response from Moet:

Bummer - just my luck - that's the one I wanted!

Thanks for the heads up Cruiser.. We were hoping to be there in September..

 

[TheRealTMA]

Ah huh - so emailed several Champagne houses last week inquiring about tours - response from Moet:

Bummer - just my luck - that's the one I wanted!

Jeeze. What a bumm*r.

But lucky you enquired. If they don't want your custom, there are others.

 

[JohnM]

Ah huh - so emailed several Champagne houses last week inquiring about tours - response from Moet:

Bummer - just my luck - that's the one I wanted!

To be honest, I don't know that you're missing a lot.

You see a bit of some tunnels, some stacked bottles that may or may not be real production, some riddling racks that imply riddling is still done by hand (like, pull the other one, for millions of bottles - in fact, riddling machines do a much better job than humans.) And you have to put up with a fair bit of company propaganda.

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

To be honest, I don't know that you're missing a lot.

You see a bit of some tunnels, some stacked bottles that may or may not be real production, some riddling racks that imply riddling is still done by hand (like, pull the other one, for millions of bottles - in fact, riddling machines do a much better job than humans.) And you have to put up with a fair bit of company propaganda.

I was there 10 years ago.. after the tour (which I enjoyed) we were whisked away to a private room with a special vintage Dom... and it was one of the best experiences.. the silk curtains, the view over the gardens, the silver bucket and tray.. (all secretly organised by MrUp)... I was hoping to repeat.. but maybe the surprise is the best thing.. I'm sure MrUp and I will find something spectacular to do this trip