Champagne, Burgundy and Alsace by Rail
- 9 Days
- From £1,149
- France
- Combine three fantastic French regions in one rail holiday
- Stay in Reims and taste the local tipple at one of the city’s prestigious Champagne houses
- Visit wine capital Dijon, medieval home of the Dukes of Burgundy
- Travel to Strasbourg, home to beautiful Petite France and the tarte flambée
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 8 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris and then make the easy change to the Gare de l’Est (a short walk or one metro stop). From here, it’s only a 45 minute journey to Reims in the heart of the Champagne region.
Check in for 3 nights at the Best Western Hotel de la Paix (or similar) before heading out to begin your exploration. Your hotel is in the centre of the city, so there will be plenty of options for a lovely meal for dinner.
Reims is a fascinating city, combining medieval and Art Deco architecture (from rebuilding after the First World War). Among the sights worth a visit are imposing Notre-Dame Cathedral and the city’s Musée des Beaux Arts which houses a great collection of European art from the 16th to the 20th century. You can also visit the interesting Musée de la Reddition, located at the site where Germany officially surrendered at the end of World War II.
No visit to Reims is complete without a visit to one or two of the famous Champagne houses. Both Taittinger and Moet offer daily tours but if you’re really interested in an afternoon of Champagne tasting, it’s well worth heading to nearby Epernay, where there are some lovely boutique Champagne houses right in the city centre which don’t require pre-booking.
Dijon is the capital city of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France, one of the country’s principal wine-making areas. You’ll be staying at the Oceania Hotel Le Jura (or similar), in the centre of the city, for 2 nights.
Dijon is famous for its traditional mustard, wine & gastronomy and architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Art Deco. The prestigious Musée des Beaux-Arts, which occupies the beautiful Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, is home to an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. A short train journey takes you to Beaune, home to the stunning Hospices de Beaune with its distinctive tiled roof. There’s a wide choice of wine-tasting tours available from both Beaune and Dijon, which are also perfect for getting out into rural Burgundy. Please let us know if you’d like to add this to your trip.
A rail journey of just over 2 hours brings you to Strasbourg, close to the German border. In fact, Alsace has a history that is very much divided between Germany and France, and Strasbourg, one of two ‘departement’ capitals in the region, clearly combines these two influences along with a blend of architectural styles from medieval to ultra-modern. Spend 3 nights at the Hotel des Vosges (or similar).
Don’t miss a visit to the impossibly lovely Petite France district, full of half-timbered houses and narrow canals. The Gothic Cathedral and surrounding cobbled streets are also well worth an exploration. Nearby Colmar is a short train ride away and equally stunning.
Spend another morning in Strasbourg before collecting your bags from your hotel and returning to the station. Here, catch a train which will speed you back to the Gare de l’Est where you’ll hop across to the Gare du Nord for your return Eurostar journey. If you’d like to extend your stay or stop for a night in Paris en route, just let us know.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Reims
This welcoming hotel is located just a short walk from Reims Cathedral and the Palais de Tau. Warmly decorated bedrooms come with sitting areas and complimentary Wi-Fi access, as well as flat-screen TVs and minibars. Amenities at the hotel include a casual dining restaurant serving local dishes, as well as a modern style bar with a terrace. There’s also an indoor pool, a fitness room and a steam room.
Dijon
Hotel Le Jura occupies a convenient location, close to the main train station and within easy reach of Dijon’s main attractions. Rooms are soundproofed with free Wi-FI and a view over the gardens. You can also relax with a drink in the welcoming bar, take a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool or work out in the hotel’s fitness room.
Strasbourg
Conveniently located on the Place de la Gare, opposite Strasbourg’s main station, the Hotel des Vosges offers comfortable, modern accommodation in a refurbished Art Deco building. Bedrooms are furnished in a relaxed, classic style with en suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi access and coffee & tea making facilities. The hotel also offers a cocktail bar and a well-equipped gym.
Upgrade your accommodation
Epernay
La Villa Eugene is housed in a 19th century residence set in parkland, within walking distance of some of Epernay’s most prestigious Champagne houses. The hotel boasts 15 air-conditioned bedrooms and suites, all with their own unique decor. Enjoy breakfast or an evening drink in the Conservatory overlooking the park. In the summer, you can also take your aperitif onto the terrace overlooking the outdoor heated swimming pool.
Dijon
The Grand Hotel la Cloche Dijon MGallery is conveniently located in the centre of the city, offering easy access to all the sights and attractions of Burgundy. All bedrooms are decorated in a modern but classic style with Wi-Fi internet access. Enjoy Burgundian specialities in the hotel’s restaurant or a relaxing sauna.
Strasbourg
The Sofitel Strasbourg Grand Ile is a modern, comfortable hotel located on a quiet square just a short walk from the city’s historic Cathedral and medieval centre. All bedrooms come with Sofitel MyBeds, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Tuck in to French and Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant or enjoy a nightcap in the 1940s style bar.
