Private car transfer from Epernay to Paris

Even from the start, you'll grab one (or three) bottles of sparkling wine in the Champagne Capital to fuel your venture. As the charming town moves to your rear window, lush vineyards line the countryside as far as your eye can see. A mix of grand chateaus and quaint villages wedged between the few acres of land not taken up by grape farms.

The smooth highway gliding over the softly flowing hills means it's not long before lush nature transforms into a concrete jungle. In only 1 hour and 40 minutes, the dominating Eiffel Tower will stand like a postcard outside your car window. And the smell of fresh baked goods from bakeries warmly welcomes you to Paris!

Everyone has different needs and preferences, whether you wish to explore cities en route, travel on a budget, or prioritize speed. So continue reading our Epernay to Paris travel guide to uncover which mode of transportation is best for you.

Foundations of Paris

Parisii, a Celtic tribe, has inhabited Paris since the 3rd century BC. Its fertile land and rich fishing waters continued to attract farmers and fishermen until the Romans conquered the region in the 1st century BC.

When the Roman Empire collapsed, Paris established itself as a significant trading hub, exchanging anything from spices to silver. This fortune led to the construction of the Notre-Dame de Paris in the Middle Ages and the Palais de Luxembourg during the Renaissance.

Rebel and revolt

The French Revolution is arguably the world's most well-known rebellion. Leading up to 1789, locals were disgruntled. Their standard of living was plummeting, while royalty only grew wealthier.

The residents took to the streets in protest, leading to over a decade of violent wars in Paris. The conflict resulted in the casualties of over 3 million people until Napoleon Bonaparte's coup brought an end to the revolution, ushering in his dictatorship for over a decade.

Recent and modern Paris

Nazi Germany invaded Paris in June 1940. But unlike many Eastern European nations, Hitler spared the city destruction. Locals rebuilt parts of the city that the Allied forces bombed after its liberation in 1944. This modern urban layout has set its course to become one of the world's most stylish cities.

Paris got its nickname as the City of Light when it became Europe's first city to illuminate its streets with gas lighting. Today, its neon-colored signs hanging from partisan-style restaurants and the bright glow from distinctive Haussmann architecture certify its well-earned handle.

However, its nickname, the Fashion Capital of the World, is more well known. The lavish Champs de Elysee housing designer brands such as Tiffany and Louis Vuitton are a haven to shop until you drop. Its sophisticated museum scene oozes class, adding to the elegant ambiance as you walk the avenues from the Louvre Museum along the leafy banks of the Seine River to the extensive D'Orsay Museum.

• Language: French
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: Oceanic
• Plug types: C and F
• Fun fact: Paris became the fourth capital of the French Republic after Laon, Soissons, and Tournai in 987!

Pay attention to the trains

Unfortunately, trains in France aren't the most reliable. In its 72 years of existence, the French national train provider SNCF has experienced a yearly strike.

Paris is also the region most prone to these delays, so keep up-to-date with the latest information before your departure. Also, if you're in a rush, consider getting an earlier departure, as services here are less punctual.

Explore the region

Most tourists driving from Epernay to Paris travel between the cities without considering the worthwhile attractions en route.

If you're a keen traveler, you can't afford to overlook the buzzing city of Reim with its gothic cathedrals. And if you're an American traveling Europe, pay your respects at the Chateau-Thierry Monument dedicated to US and French soldiers who fought together against the Axis forces.

Consider the time

Paris is the most traffic-congested city in continental Europe. The average driver spends almost 140 hours stuck in traffic annually.

To ensure you don't cut into your wine sampling and museum hopping time, travel outside the rush hour traffic of 8 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. Also, traveling in the off-season or on the weekends can reduce the duration.

Buses from Epernay to Paris

The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Epernay to Paris. Budget-friendly bus providers Flixbus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer affordable seats with free wifi, restrooms, and space to store your luggage.

However, no direct service runs between the cities. First, you'll board a train from Epernay Station to Reims-Maison-Blanche Station. Then, you'll transfer to a coach with your selected bus provider and drive to Bercy Seine Station, around 2.5 miles (4 km) from downtown Paris.

• Cheapest/average overall price: $9-$16 (€8.30-€14.75)
• Fastest/average duration: 2 hours, 1 minute; 2 hours, 19 minutes
• First/last bus departure: 4:20 AM-8:50 PM

Trains from Epernay to Paris

The train is the most popular way for locals and tourists to travel on this line. French national provider SNCF is the only provider on this route and offers up to eight direct daily trains in the peak season.

To travel by train, purchase a ticket from Epernary Station to Paris Gare de l'Est. Although it's not the most centrally located terminal, it's only a 30-minute walk or a short metro ride to Notre-Dame de Paris. Remember to book seats online 30 days before you depart for the best rates.

• Cheapest/average price: $11-$23 (€10-€21)
• Fastest/average duration: 1 hour, 24 minutes; 1 hour, 44 minutes
• First/last departure: 5:29 AM-7:48 PM

Daytrip from Epernay to Paris

Daytrip is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Epernay to Paris. Your driver will collect you directly at your hotel and drop you off at your new one in Paris, eliminating the time it takes to get to and from departure stations. So, it may also be the fastest mode of transportation.

Our flexible schedule allows you to decide when you want your professional driver to collect you. When the time is right, they'll manage your luggage and sweep you off your feet before gliding through the vineyards of northern France. As it's a private vehicle, you don't have to worry about noisy passengers or a lack of legroom.

But our unique sightseeing packages separate us from an ordinary taxi shuttle service. You're free to explore more than just the highlights of France. Visiting the charming town of Meaux, home to Saint Stephen's Cathedral, is a way to create your own travel routes rather than following the same beaten path. Or you can stop at a more popular city that may already be on your bucket list, Reims!

• Seats from: $51 (€47)
• Door-to-door Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes
• English-speaking driver
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free car
• Equipped for pets, groups, children, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before you depart!

Gaze in wonder at the Notre-Dame de Paris

Construction started on Notre-Dame in 1163. Since its completion in the 1300s, it has survived the French Revolution, German occupation, and even a devastating fire in 2019. Although the blaze damaged significant parts of the building, restoration is underway and will be open for you by December 2024!

You'll instantly recognize the cathedral when you come face-to-face with its palm limestone bricks and elaborate Gothic architecture. If you're fortunate enough to visit Paris once construction ceases, don't forget to wander inside and admire the grand design that also makes up the interior of the setting.

Climb the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most iconic travel symbols. This stunning structure, built from 7,000 tons of iron, spans almost 1,000 feet (304 meters) into the heavens. So you can expect spectacular vistas overlooking Parisian lanes and well-known landmarks such as the Arc du Triomphe and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

It takes around 40 minutes to climb this wonder. But three elevators can whisk you to the summit if you want to remain in the laid-back vacation spirit. There's also one more that will bring you to the Jules Verne restaurant!

Absorb culture at the Louvre Museum

Home to over 35,000 works of art, the Louvre Museum is the world's largest and most visited museum. Originally a royal palace, it boasts a rich history and an impressive architectural blend of Renaissance and modern styles, highlighted by the glass pyramid entrance.

Inside, you can find masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Greek statue Venus de Milo that draw art enthusiasts from around the globe. The museum's collections span ancient civilizations to the 19th century, offering a remarkable journey through art history.

Walk the Champs de Elysee

The Champs de Elysee is one of the world's most expensive and beautiful streets. You can indulge in retail therapy with designer brands from Cartier to Dior and Louis Vuitton to Nike and dent your budget in the process.

But walking the tree-lined walkway for free is also a pleasant experience. You can admire the refined buildings and make a pit stop for a coffee in a stylish cafe. But you can't walk on this famous avenue and miss out on the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most hectic yet jaw-dropping roundabouts you'll ever witness.

Paris has over 420 urban parks, all of which explode into color with blooming plants and flowers in late March. The average daily high temperature of 69°F (20.5°C) is warm enough to spend the entire afternoon relaxing in the postcard surroundings. The sunshine breaking through the winter clouds marks when bars and cafes can set up their outdoor terraces for locals to enjoy French cuisine outdoors.

Spring is unquestionably the best time to visit Paris. But if you've already booked time off for the summer, consider going in August. Although it's the peak tourist season, locals here take 2-4 weeks of vacation in their coastal holiday homes. So the avenues aren't as busy as in July or early September!