Champagne, Strasbourg and the Alsace
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Aerial view of Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, Alsace ©Jean-Luc Stadler-ADT
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GH Mumm Cellars © Reims Tourist Office - Carmen Moya
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Petite France in summer ©Cedric Schell, Office de Tourisme de Strasbourg
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Sunlight reflecting on a wine glass
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Grand Place in Lille ©Lille Tourisme, Laurent Ghesquiere
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A tour combining the Champagne region’s capital, Reims, and the scenic Alsace. Sip the bubbly wines produced in this UNESCO heritage region, surrounded by vine clad hillsides. Then journey into Strasbourg, a quaint, medieval town. With cosy taverns found beside little canals down twisting alleys, this could easily serve as the setting for a host of fairytales.
The historic city of Reims is in the heart of France’s Champagne region. Its highlight is the imposing and altogether magnificent Gothic Cathédrale Notre Dame, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the site of the kings of Frances’ coronations since the 11th Century. Furthermore, there’s the opportunity to visit major champagne houses for cellar tours and tastings.
Strasbourg is a historic town, whose heart is a web of twisting streets and gabled buildings. The town centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers plenty in the way of culture and cuisine. Explore La Petite France, a district of timber-framed houses and canals harking back to the city’s medieval trades of tanning and dyeing. We highly recommend a sightseeing cruise in order to take in all this remarkable city has to offer.
The final stop is Lille, a town known for its outstanding Flemish architecture. It also has a rich history. Perhaps uncover the town’s past at the ornate 17th century Vieille Bourse, the city’s finest building. Be sure to explore the Grand Place, the favourite meeting place of the Lillois.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Arrive in France
Cross the Channel to Calais, then continue south to Reims, capital of the Champagne area.
Day 2
Reims and Champagne
A tour reveals Reim’s highlights, including the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame, where French kings were crowned from the 11th Century. Visiting a famous Champagne house such as MUMM, Mercier or Moet & Chandon is a must!
Day 3
Reims to Strasbourg
Stopping en-route for an optional visit of the new Musée Lalique, continue to Strasbourg for three nights.
Day 4
Strasbourg and River Cruise
Dominated by its towering Gothic cathedral, the pretty canals and medieval half-timbered houses contrast with the ultra-modern buildings of the European Parliament. Enjoy a relaxing river cruise along the meandering River Ill through some of the main tourist sites. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore further.
Day 5
Heart of the Vineyards – Wine and Castles
Perhaps visit the nearby Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, the most-visited attraction in the Alsace, situated high in the Vosges Mountains. Return via the famous Alsatian Wine Route, where you will discover some of the most beautiful small cities of this picturesque region, such as Riquewihr which rightfully deserves its nickname as the “pearl of the vineyard”.
Day 6
Lille
Depart for the journey north to Lille for a final overnight stay. Enjoy some free time in the late afternoon, and perhaps start exploring the local area.
Day 7
Return to the UK
An optional short orientation tour will show you the 17th Century Vieille Bourse, the Grand Place and the Place Rihour before returning to the UK via Calais.
Suggested hotels
Ibis Reims Tinqueux ***
The Ibis Reims Tinqueux hotel is 5 km from both the central Reims train station and the 13th-century Reims Cathedral and 8 km from the Abbey of St-Remi. The modern rooms feature work desks and TVs. Free wifi is also available. There is also a barbecue restaurant, a bar and a business centre.
Mercure Strasbourg Centre ****
The Mercure Strasbourg Centre in the heart of Strasbourg, 700 yards from Notre Dame Cathedral and the picturesque district known as Petite France. The hotel features a unique panoramic view from the 7th floor where the buffet breakfast is served. Guests have free access to the fitness centre which is open daily. Guest rooms are decorated with modern furniture. All air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi access, while a bottle of water is also provided in the room. Each room has a private bathroom with bath or shower.
Ibis Styles Lille Marcq en Baroeul ***
The Ibis Styles Lille Marcq en Baroeul is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and a 11-minute drive from the city hall. The modern rooms, feature free Wi-Fi, TVs, desks and tea and coffee-making facilities. Additional amenities include a business centre, restaurant serving traditional French food and terrace dining, plus a 24-hour bar serving light snacks.
| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 dates | From £525.00 per person | Price on request |
