Reims/Epernay...?

[AndrewIC]

So heading over to France on Thursday, stopping in Epernay for three nights before heading South and wondered what people would suggest doing.

We are staying at Royal Champagne, outside Epernay, for three nights and having dinner in Reims one evening, but apart from that haven't really organised anything. We are waiting to hear back regarding a tour of Taittinger, as it is apparently worth visiting one of the large producers, just to see the scale and mass production. Any others worth a look?

I would like to visit a military cemetery, as I have never done so before and have seen there are some small ones quiet close to Epernay... I don't think the wife would be keen to stop en-route at one of the larger ones (Arras for instance) I remember passing before, but any suggestions would be welcome? I think the larger ones probably bring things into perspective better. We will be on the Autoroute all the way, so E15 and E17.

Any of the small houses worth visiting, we are quiet into wine/champagne, so any gems to get some cases sent back from would be appreciated?

I should add that French isn't a strong point.

Thanks.

[AndrewIC]

Thanks for all the suggestions, the champagne route sounds like a good idea. Off today, so should be a fun couple of days. Will report back.