Champagne to Chablis: Planning Your Ultimate French Wine Road Trip

It should go without saying that you’ll do the whole thing in style. Throughout the journey, you’ll stay at some of Reims and Chablis’ most charming and luxurious hotels and entirely at your leisure and your own speed. You’ll get the chance to see some of France’s most impressive sights, such as Reims’ Notre Dame cathedral and France’s legendary and picture-perfect vineyards and market towns.

The whole thing can be tailored to your every need, too there’s not much stopping you from popping over to Alsace if you’re more partial to a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer.

Start your Champagne journey by checking in at Domaine Les Crayères, a luxurious château with a two-Michelin-star restaurant, Le Parc. Don’t miss the signature blue lobster dish paired with vintage Champagne. Alternatively, check in at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, where you can unwind at the spa (make sure to book a massage) and enjoy a sunset apéritif on the panoramic terrace.

When in Reims, be sure to visit Notre-Dame de Reims, the magnificent Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned. The stunning stained-glass windows, especially those by Marc Chagall, are not to be missed.

For a local Champagne experience, we love popping by Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage, where you can discover small-batch producers.

To end your day, book dinner at Le Foch, a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its seafood. Our go-to? The scallop carpaccio paired with a crisp Blanc de Blancs.

The road trip from Champagne to Chablis takes you through rolling vineyards, historic villages and some of Burgundy’s most celebrated wine regions. For a memorable detour, stop in the Côte d’Or to experience the rich, velvety Pinot Noirs that make this area famous.

Begin in Dijon, at the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Sample authentic Dijon mustard at a traditional boutique, or sip a glass of local wine at an independent café. Further south, visit Château du Clos de Vougeot, a 12th-century wine estate that showcases Burgundy’s winemaking heritage.

As you continue towards Chablis, soak up the peaceful scenery of northern Burgundy. Here, the vineyards stretch to the horizon, with gorgeous views as the day passes by.

Your final day in Chablis offers the perfect blend of wine, gastronomy and history, set against the stunning landscapes of northern Burgundy.

Start your morning by following the Chablis Wine Tasting Trail, a scenic route winding through rolling vineyards and charming winemaking villages. The trail offers an intimate look at the region’s famous Kimmeridgian limestone soils, responsible for Chablis’ signature minerality. Stop at small, family-run domaines along the way — we have close connections with many in the region to choose from.

For lunch, head to Bistrot des Grands Crus, one of our favourite local cosy spots. Their Chablis-steamed mussels are a must-try, paired with a glass of Premier Cru Chablis. Alternatively, ask the sommelier for a recommendation based on the day’s specials. If the sun’s shining, ask for a table on the terrace and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of Chablis’ historic centre.

In the afternoon, take a short drive to Auxerre, a picturesque riverside town rich in medieval charm. Stroll along its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, then climb up to Saint-Germain Abbey, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the Yonne River. If you have time, step inside to explore its remarkable crypts, which house some of the oldest frescoes in France.