GRAND VINTAGE Ruinart Veuve Clicquot Private Champagne from Paris

The Grand Vintage Ruinart Veuve Clicquot Private Champagne Day Trip from Paris offers a sophisticated way to explore two of the most famous Champagne houses. Priced at $792.42 per person, this full-day journey lasts approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes and includes hotel pickup and private transport via a Mercedes E220 or Minivan. The trip is designed for those who appreciate fine Champagne, history, and scenic landscapes, with the option to choose from three different experience levels: ADVANCED, ADVANCED BLANC SINGULIER, or PREMIUM.

With a perfect rating of 5.0 from 3 reviews, this tour emphasizes guided cellar visits at Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, self-guided visits to Reims Cathedral, and a scenic drive through picturesque Champagne vineyards. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a luxurious, educational, and well-organized Champagne experience in a small, private group setting. While the tour is comprehensive, it’s best suited for adults, with minimum age for tastings set at 18 years.

Key Points

• Private guided visits to Ruinart (since 1729) and Veuve Clicquot (since 1772), including tastings
• Scenic 2-hour drive from Paris through iconic Champagne landscapes
• Self-guided visit to the historic Reims Cathedral
• Multiple experience levels available to suit different tasting preferences
• Hotel pickup included, with a luxury Mercedes vehicle
• Tour duration of approximately 11.5 hours, ending back in Paris around 7 pm

Luxury Transport and Private Experience from Paris

This tour starts early at 7:30 am with hotel pickup in Paris, allowing for a comfortable and stylish transfer through the beautiful Champagne region. The transport uses a Mercedes E220 or Minivan, providing a smooth and private ride. The 2-hour drive along scenic vineyards sets the tone for a day dedicated to exploring Champagne’s finest houses.

The entire experience is private and exclusive, with only your group participating, making it a personalized and relaxed way to enjoy the day.

Guided Tours at Ruinart: The Oldest Champagne House

Arriving in Reims at 10 am, the first stop is Maison Ruinart, established in 1729. Here, the guided cellar tour takes about 2 hours, with options for different tasting experiences. The ADVANCED package includes tasting 2 cuvées of Ruinart, while the ADVANCED BLANC SINGULIER offers a tasting of 3 cuvées, including Blanc de Blancs and Blanc Singulier editions.

The cellars at Ruinart are UNESCO-listed, providing an impressive setting for learning about Champagne production. Guests get a detailed look at the underground chalk cellars, which date back centuries, and the chance to sample some of Ruinart’s most renowned cuvées.

Lunch Time in Reims or Nearby

Following the Ruinart tour, there’s approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for lunch in Reims. Travelers can explore the city on their own or opt for a restaurant reservation, which can be organized in advance. Reims itself is famous as the capital of Champagne and offers plenty of local culinary options.

Reims Cathedral: A Historic Crown Jewel

At 1:40 pm, the group visits the Reims Cathedral, a site where most French kings were crowned. The self-guided visit lasts about 30 minutes, allowing time to admire its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows. This stop provides a rich historical context to the Champagne region and adds a cultural layer to the day.

Veuve Clicquot: A Champagnes’ Icon

Departure from Reims to Veuve Clicquot occurs at 2:15 pm. Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot now produces over 22 million bottles annually. The guided cellar tour lasts about 1.5 hours, with options for tastings of 4 cuvées including Brut Carte Jaune, Extra Brut Extra Old, and Vintage 2015.

The UNESCO-listed cellars at Veuve Clicquot are an impressive sight, showcasing the scale of production and the historic underground chalk caves that store the Champagne. The expert guides provide detailed insights into the history, craftsmanship, and unique production methods of Veuve Clicquot.

Experience Tasting Options at Veuve Clicquot

The tour offers several tasting tiers:

• The ADVANCED and ADVANCED BLANC SINGULIER include a 1.5-hour visit with 4 cuvées tasting.
• The PREMIUM experience extends to 2 hours, providing a more in-depth look and tasting experience.

These tastings are designed to cater to different levels of Champagne appreciation, with professional guidance to enhance understanding and enjoyment.

Return to Paris in the Evening

The journey concludes at 7:00 pm, with the group being dropped off at their hotel in Paris. The full-day schedule ensures a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. The private transport and organized itinerary make for an efficient, stress-free experience.

Unpacking the Value and Experience

This tour offers a luxury, all-inclusive day that combines wine expertise, history, and scenic beauty. The guided cellar tours at the two iconic Champagne houses are the highlight, especially with choice options for tastings that suit different preferences.

The inclusion of Reims Cathedral adds a cultural dimension, making this more than just a Champagne tasting trip. The hotel pickup and private transport create a high-end experience, while the small group setting ensures personalized attention.

However, the cost of $792.42 per person reflects the premium nature of this tour, and the full-day format requires a willingness to start early and commit to a long day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to Champagne enthusiasts, luxury travelers, and those interested in learning about Champagne production and history in an intimate setting. It suits those who value comfort, exclusivity, and in-depth guided experiences.

Travelers with an interest in French culture and historic sites will find the Reims Cathedral visit a meaningful addition. It’s ideal for adults aged 18 and above, especially those who want to enjoy premium tastings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults, with a minimum age of 18 for tastings. Minors can participate in the cellar tours but cannot taste Champagne.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guided cellar tours and tastings at Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral, hotel pickup, private Mercedes transport, and all fees and taxes.

Can I choose different tasting options?
Yes, the tour offers multiple experience levels, from ADVANCED to PREMIUM, each with varying tasting selections and tour lengths.

Is the tour fully private?
Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group participates, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Approximately 2 hours at Ruinart, 1.5 hours for lunch, 30 minutes at Reims Cathedral, and about 1.5 hours at Veuve Clicquot.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but lunch can be organized separately or on your own in Reims.

What should I wear for the cellar tours?
Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended, especially since tours involve walking through underground cellars.

Can I book a guide in addition to the chauffeur?
Yes, a live guide can be booked for an additional surcharge in advance, offering more in-depth commentary.

Is transportation accessible for all?
The tour uses luxury Mercedes vehicles, which are generally suitable for most travelers, but accessibility options are not specified.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice results in no refund.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, the tour is booked 54 days ahead, making early reservation advisable to secure preferred dates and experience levels.

This well-organized, luxurious Champagne day trip from Paris offers an enriching look at two historic houses, a cultural visit to Reims Cathedral, and the scenic beauty of the Champagne vineyards—all in a private, comfortable setting. It’s perfect for those seeking a refined, educational, and memorable Champagne experience.