AUP's 30 Euro Escape to Reims
This spring, I had the opportunity to join AUP’s day trip to Reims, the unofficial capital of France’s wine-growing Champagne region. Reims is home to many champagne houses offering tastings and cellar tours. Fun fact: most of these houses have converted their cellars into exhibition spaces where artists from around the world can showcase their work.
It’s safe to say this is a school trip worth keeping on your radar. I’ll walk you through the day to show you why—hint: exploring a whole new city for just €30 is a steal.
The day began bright and early at 7:30 a.m. and wrapped up around 5 p.m. at Gare de l’Est in Paris. A meeting location was specified, and tickets were handed out on-site, so all we really needed to do was follow the designated group coordinator.
The train ride was about 45 minutes long, rolling through green countryside—a refreshing contrast to the usual buzz of Parisian life.
Upon arrival at Gare de Reims, the first thing that struck me was how much quieter it was compared to the station we left behind. The calm atmosphere gave the city a relaxed, small-town feel that instantly set the tone for the rest of the day.
Our small group of seniors then gathered on the bus and headed to our first destination: the Pommery champagne house.
The Pommery
Founded in 1858 by Madame Pommery and famous for its brut champagne (dry champagne), the underground cellar was the star of the show.
As mentioned earlier, the cellar was being used as an exhibition space alongside its regular champagne storage. Walking through the cool, dimly lit tunnels, we were surrounded not just by bottles aging quietly on the racks, but also by vibrant contemporary art installations tucked into alcoves and arches. It felt like a surreal blend of old-world tradition and modern creativity.
A perfect finale to the tour was, of course, the tasting of their signature champagne, Brut Royal. We were each poured a glass as the server shared general information about the grape varieties, aging process and what sets Pommery apart—but I’ll let you discover all that for yourself if you decide to go. Even for those of us who aren’t champagne experts, it was an easy, enjoyable way to appreciate the craftsmanship behind the bubbles.
Don’t hesitate to pick up a bottle if you’re able to—after all, who knows when you’ll next find yourself sipping champagne straight from the source?
The Reims Cathedral
A necessary stop during the day, the Notre-Dame de Reims stands tall as the city’s most famous monument.
Much like the Notre-Dame de Paris, this cathedral has crowned many kings. What sets it apart, however, is that it was the site of the Franco-German reconciliation in 1962 after being heavily damaged during World War I.
Stepping inside was fascinating. We saw contemporary stained glass windows created by various artists to replace those destroyed, one of the oldest chime clocks tucked into the back left corner, and the burial site of Saint Remi himself (make sure to watch your step).
Even if you’re not a big fan of cathedrals, I’d recommend visiting this one—it felt much calmer and less crowded than the Notre-Dame in Paris.
The Takeaway: Go or no go?
Even in just a day, Reims offered a rich taste of French culture and history—literally and figuratively. From the quiet charm of its streets to the underground champagne cellars filled with international art, it felt like we got our money’s worth.
In the end, it’s hard to beat the value of a €30 trip that includes transportation, cultural sights and the chance to try real champagne in Champagne. If AUP offers this again, definitely hop on it.
My only complaint was that food allergies weren’t asked about or taken into account during lunch. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to flag them to the trip coordinator in advance. It’s a small detail, but one that can make a big difference in how enjoyable your day turns out.
