Sparkling like Champagne Panorama Route Itinerary
The Sparkling like Champagne Panorama Route is a 145 km road trip through the beautiful French countryside, beginning in Reims and ending in Sezanne. This route takes you through the famous town of Epernay, known for its champagne production, and offers stunning views of the French countryside. The best time of year to take the trip is during the summer months, when the roads are in excellent condition and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Though the roads can be narrow in places, they are generally well maintained, making this road trip suitable for all drivers. Experience the beautiful French countryside and make lasting memories without breaking the bank - the Sparkling like Champagne Panorama Route is the perfect way to get away from it all.
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number of days
165 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Reims
Distance 165 km
Driving time 4.6 h
Pace: slow
38.0 kWh
Airports
XCR
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XCZ
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Reims, in the region of Grand Est in France, is the perfect starting point to the road trip named "Sparkling like Champagne Panorama Route". It is a beautiful city, full of history and attractions. Reims Cathedral is a must-see, with its stunning Gothic architecture and magnificent stained glass windows. Other attractions include the Palais du Tau, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Abbey of Saint-Remi. Reims is also home to many of the famous Champagne Houses, which offer tours and tastings.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris (IATA code CDG). From there, it is an easy drive to Reims, taking about 75 minutes. There are several car rental companies at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt.
Reims is the ideal starting point for a road trip through the Champagne region. With its rich culture, stunning architecture, and world-famous Champagne houses, Reims is a great destination to begin a memorable journey.
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Reims
- Epernay
Distance 98 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: slow
22.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Kick off your road trip with a scenic drive from Reims to Epernay, a journey of only 75km that can be completed in less than two hours. This route takes you through the beautiful villages of Verzy, where you can admire the stunning chateaux, lush vineyards and rolling hills. There are plenty of historical sites to explore along the way, including the ancient churches and the remains of the old fortifications. The roads are narrow in sections, so be sure to keep your eyes on the road. As you drive, you'll be surrounded by the stunning views of the French countryside. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views, so be sure to keep your camera handy. When you reach Epernay, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, including the famous Champagne Avenue. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage.
Epernay - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Epernay
- Sezanne
Distance 68 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: slow
15.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Epernay, France, and explore the picturesque countryside of the Champagne region. Drive through the beautiful village of Vertus, with its vineyards and rolling hills. Then, take a scenic drive to Sezanne, a charming town with an impressive chateau. Along the way, you'll pass through stunning countryside, with narrow roads and plenty of opportunities to take in the views. With a total distance of 69km and a driving time of less than 2 hours, this is a great way to explore the area. Stop off in Vertus for a delightful lunch in a local restaurant, or take a stroll through the cobbled streets. In Sezanne, explore the magnificent chateau and take in the sights of the town's historic centre. With so much to see and do, this is a great stage of your road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage.
Sezanne - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Sezanne - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Sezanne
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Sezanne, a charming town in the north of France, is the end of the "Sparkling like Champagne Panorama Route" road trip. On this route, travelers get to experience the beauty of the French countryside, from rolling hills to vineyards, and can enjoy the views of the Marne River valley.
In Sezanne, there is plenty to explore. The town is home to the impressive Château de Sezanne, a 16th-century castle with a rich history that is open to visitors. There are also several churches, including the Gothic-style Eglise Saint-Sulpice and the Eglise Notre-Dame des Ardilliers, with its striking stained glass windows.
For a taste of local culture, visitors can explore the town's many small shops and cafes, or try the local delicacies like the famous Sezanne-style macaroons. For outdoor lovers, the area has great walking and cycling routes, including the Canal du Loing, a picturesque canal that passes through the town.
The nearest international airport to Sezanne is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located about 90 miles away in Paris. From there, travelers can rent a car and continue the journey on the "Sparkling like Champagne Panorama Route" and enjoy the scenery of the French countryside as they make their way to Sezanne.
Sezanne - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - Flickr
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Sparkling like Champagne Panorama Route at a glance
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Start:
Reims
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End:
Sezanne
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Distance:
165 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Châlons-Vatry Airport (XCR),
Charleville-Mézières Ardennes-Etienne Riché Airport (XCZ)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Sparkling Champagne Panorama Route is an enchanting 145 km journey that begins in the historic city of Reims and stretches to Sezanne, guiding travelers through the heart of France's storied Champagne wine region. This route is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, vineyard-covered hills, and deep dive into the heritage of French viticulture.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Reims: Famous for its majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site where French kings were once crowned. The city is also home to the Palace of Tau and the Saint-Remi Basilica, both rich in history.
- Epernay: Known as the capital of Champagne, it boasts the celebrated Avenue de Champagne, lined with opulent mansions and prestigious champagne producers such as Moët & Chandon and Mercier, which offer tours and tastings.
- Sezanne: This picturesque town delights visitors with its medieval structures, quaint shops, and vibrant Saturday markets, which are a kaleidoscope of local produce and crafts.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time to take this Road Trip is from June to August, when the weather is typically warm and sunny, making the vineyards particularly lush and the region's beauty at its peak.
Potential Risks:
While the route is characterized by narrow Roads, these are generally well-maintained, minimizing driving hazards. Still, visitors should drive cautiously and be prepared for occasional winding paths.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Champagne region is the only area in the world that can produce champagne, making this route a journey through the exclusive birthplace of this celebrated sparkling wine.
- The route offers a chance to explore the unique chalk cellars, or 'crayères', some of which date back to Roman times and are used to age the champagne.
- The region's vineyards are another UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for their historical significance and the traditional methods of champagne production that are still in use today.
- Many smaller, family-owned champagne producers along the route provide intimate tours and tastings, offering insight into traditional champagne-making processes.
A good choice for:
The Sparkling Champagne Panorama Route is a captivating adventure for those who appreciate the fusion of natural beauty, historical richness, and gastronomic excellence. This Road Trip not only offers stunning vistas but also provides a comprehensive education in the art of champagne making, making it a must-do for enophiles and history buffs alike.