A Renault road trip to Champagne

Tucked away in the heart of the French countryside, Champagne is where elegance meets excellence. Endlessly scenic, its landscapes shimmer in green and gold and every curve in the road feels like a story waiting to be told. Enjoy the open road as you adventure on a sparkling trip to a place pouring with history. How? Just ask Renault. 

Renault doesn't just build cars, they craft journeys. With French finesse and a helping hand from LeShuttle, Renault are taking you on a smooth and full-bodied road trip. 

Your journey starts in Calais, at LeShuttle’s terminal. From there, the magic begins…

The award winning Renault 4 E-Tech electric takes on open roads with a blend of retro charm and modern performance

Stop 1: Experience Reims like royals 

Welcome to Reims, the coronation city of French kings. Reims is dripping with history, heritage, and awe-inspiring architecture. With a skyline dominated by the breathtaking Notre-Dame Cathedral, it’s also home to the Palace of Tau and Saint-Remi Basilica, where centuries of grandeur and grace come to life. 

But Reims isn’t just a city that commemorates, it also celebrates. Grab a box of local pink biscuits, Roses de Reims, enjoy an espresso in French patisserie cafés, and browse the bustling markets. 

The stunning Reims Cathedral is a must-see on any visit to this historic city

Thirsty for more?

Pop into Maison Pommery or Taittinger and descend into their magical, labyrinthine cellars for a wine tasting you will never forget.

Renault’s roadtip

Rent a car and roam freely. Many smaller Champagne houses welcome walk-ins, perfect for spontaneous sips and surprise discoveries. 

Stop 2: Take a trip down Epernay’s Champagne Avenue 

Next up is Épernay, the fluted capital of Champagne and home to the legendary Avenue of Dreams. This iconic boulevard, officially known as Avenue de Champagne, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason. Lined with grand Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon, Mercier, and De Castellane, every step holds a toast to the past.

Stroll along Avenue de Champagne and take in the grandeur of the world-famous champagne houses

Thirsty for more?

Visit in December to catch Habits de Lumière, a celebration of light, music, and bubbles that transforms Épernay into a dazzling wonderland. 

Renault’s roadtip 

Take taxis or ride-shares. They’re an affordable and practical way to reach vineyards or nearby villages, especially when you’ve been sampling the local wines. 

Stop 3: Make yourself at home in Hautvillers’ Champagne houses 

Things get even more picturesque as you arrive in Hautvillers, the charming hillside village often called the cradle of Champagne. This is where Dom Pérignon famously perfected the art of sparkling wine. 

Winding lanes, sweeping views, and prestigious vineyards make this one of the region’s most romantic stops. So it’s no wonder this is one of the key sites included in the “Champagne hillsides, houses, and cellars” UNESCO listing.

Thirsty for more?

Stroll through the village, visit the historic abbey, and soak in the peaceful charm. 

Renault’s road tip

The Champagne tourist routes, such as Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims, and Côte des Blancs offer self-guided, panoramic drives through forests, vineyards, and heritage villages. Wander through the Montagne de Reims’ Park, walk under the twisted Faux de Verzy forest, or climb the lighthouse of Verzenay for unforgettable views.

Take the stress out of your French road trip and soak in unforgettable views with the Renault 4 E-Tech electric

How long does it take to drive from Calais to Champagne?

Champagne is around 3 hours 20 minutes driving time south of Calais. The main route is via the A26, with tolls.

Explore Champagne with LeShuttle

Cross the Channel in just 35 minutes with LeShuttle and immerse yourself in the world's most celebrated wine region.