Moet et Chandon Veuve Clicquot Private Champagne trip from Paris

Discover the Luxury of a Private Champagne Day Trip from Paris

This private tour offers an immersive journey into the heart of France’s renowned Champagne region for around $738.33 per person. With a total duration of approximately 12 hours, it combines guided cellar visits, tastings, and scenic stops, making it ideal for those eager to learn about Champagne production while enjoying a luxurious experience. The journey starts with complimentary pickup from your Paris hotel and is led by a private chauffeur, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the day.

The tour includes visits to Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, two of the most celebrated champagne houses, along with stops at the picturesque Epernay and the historic Hautvillers village. While the price covers all guiding and entrance fees, meals and souvenirs are not included, giving travelers flexibility for dining on their own. It’s a full-day adventure that appeals most to wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a stress-free way to explore Champagne’s key sites.

Key Points

• Private day trip from Paris featuring guided tours of Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot.
• Approximately 12 hours of sightseeing, tastings, and scenic stops.
• Hassle-free transportation with complimentary hotel pickup in Paris.
• Visits include underground cellars, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, and Reims Cathedral.
• Tastings of two glasses of Champagne at each maison, with optional premium experiences.
• Group discounts available, with mobile tickets for easy access.

Starting the Day with Comfort and Convenience

This tour departs from Paris at 7:30 am, with a comfortable transfer in a Mercedes E220 or Minivan. The drive to the Champagne region takes about 2 hours, traveling along scenic vineyards and countryside. A rest stop is included during the journey, giving everyone a moment to stretch or grab a quick coffee before the day’s tastings begin.

The early start is perfect for those who want to maximize their time in Champagne. With round-trip transportation provided, there’s no need to worry about navigating or parking — just relax and enjoy the views. The private nature of the tour ensures a personalized experience, with only your group participating.

Visiting Moët et Chandon’s Legendary Cellars

The first major stop is Moët et Chandon, arriving around 10:00 am. The guided tour here covers the underground cellars, where the Champagne ages in cool, dark casks. Depending on your chosen option, you will enjoy tastings of two glasses, like the Moët Imperial or Grand Vintage.

Moët offers different experiences: the “Signature” option accommodates up to 15 people with a focus on classic Champagne, while the Advanced experience, limited to 10 people, features Grand Vintage Blanc and Rosé tastings. The 2-hour visit provides a thorough look at Champagne production, with plenty of insight into the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Exploring Epernay and Its Champagne Charm

At 12:00 pm, the tour moves to Épernay, known as the Champagne capital of France. Here, travelers have about 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore on their own or enjoy a pre-reserved meal at a nearby restaurant. Epernay’s Avenue of Champagne is famous for its prestige houses and scenic streets, perfect for strolling and appreciating the region’s viticultural beauty.

This stop offers a chance to relax, take photos, and soak in the lively atmosphere of a town dedicated to Champagne. The tour provides flexibility for lunch, with restaurant reservations available at your own expense, enabling you to tailor the experience to your preferences.

Discovering Hautvillers and the Legacy of Dom Pérignon

Leaving Épernay, the journey continues to the Hautvillers village, arriving around 1:30 pm. Visitors can explore the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, founded in 665, which played a key role in the region’s winemaking history. The church of Saint-Sindulphe is a highlight, with its roots stretching back over a thousand years.

A stop at the viewpoint offers panoramic sights over the vineyards and the Marne River, providing photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Champagne’s landscape. The village is home to 26 local Champagne producers, many of whom trace their heritage to the monks who pioneered winemaking methods.

Veuve Clicquot’s Historic Cellars and Tasting Experience

At 2:45 pm, the tour visits Veuve Clicquot, established in 1772. The guided cellar tour delves into the history of this iconic house, with a tasting of two glasses of Champagne — options include Rosé Assemblage and Brut Carte Jaune. The most popular experience features tastings of Rosé and Brut Carte Jaune alongside a cheese and charcuterie platter, making for a well-rounded tasting session.

For those seeking a deeper experience, the Advanced option offers a 1.5-hour visit featuring four cuvée tastings, including Vintage 2015. The Veuve Clicquot cellar tour provides insights into the Champagne-making process and Veuve Clicquot’s storied history, which has contributed to its global prestige.

Visiting Reims Cathedral and Its Royal Heritage

Following Veuve Clicquot, the trip briefly stops at Reims Cathedral, arriving around 4:30 pm. This iconic cathedral, where most of France’s kings were crowned, offers a self-guided visit lasting about 30 minutes. Its impressive Gothic architecture and historical significance make it a fitting end to the sightseeing portion of the day.

The tour then departs from Reims at 5:00 pm, with a 2-hour drive back to Paris. Expect to arrive around 7:30 pm, with drop-off at your hotel. The schedule allows ample time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed, ensuring a relaxed yet fulfilling experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers all entrance fees, guided cellar tours at Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, and tastings. You also get transportation in a luxury Mercedes vehicle, bottled water, and stops at Hautvillers village and Reims Cathedral.

However, meals, additional drinks, souvenirs, and gratuities are not included, giving you the flexibility to dine at your choice of restaurants in Épernay or Reims. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, and mobile tickets make entry straightforward.

Why This Tour Fits Certain Travelers Best

This tour is ideal for wine lovers and champagne aficionados who want an intimate, guided experience. The private chauffeur and guided cellar visits ensure a personalized touch, and the scenic stops add a cultural and historic dimension. The full-day schedule suits those ready for an in-depth exploration without the hassle of planning logistics.

Travelers seeking a luxury, hassle-free experience from Paris will find this tour delivers both convenience and educational value. Nevertheless, those who prefer more gourmet dining or specific winery visits might need to make additional arrangements, as meals are not included.

Limitations and Considerations

The main limitation is that meals and souvenirs are at your own expense, so planning ahead for lunch in Épernay or Reims is recommended. The tastings are limited to two glasses at each house unless opting for premium options, which can be pricier.

Note that group discounts are available, but the experience is designed for small groups, providing a more personalized atmosphere. The minimum age for tastings is 18, so younger guests won’t participate in the Champagne sampling.

Final Thoughts on the Private Champagne Day Trip

This tour offers a comprehensive look at France’s Champagne heritage within a luxurious, private setting. It balances guided cellar visits with scenic stops and cultural visits, such as Hautvillers and Reims Cathedral. The driver’s professionalism and the quality of the visits are frequently praised in reviews, making it a reliable choice.

While not cheap, the experience provides excellent value for those seeking a seamless, educational, and memorable day in the Champagne region. It suits hotel guests in Paris wanting to avoid transportation worries and those eager to deepen their knowledge of Champagne production and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:30 am with hotel pickup in Paris, allowing a full day for sightseeing and tastings.

Are meals included in the price?
No, meals are not included. The tour offers restaurant recommendations and can make reservations for you in Épernay.

What is the duration of the wine tastings?
Tastings include two glasses of Champagne at each house, with premium options offering up to four cuvée tastings.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age for Champagne tastings is 18 years old. It may not be suitable for children or those not interested in wine.

What type of vehicle is used for transportation?
Travel is in a Mercedes E220 or similar Mercedes Minivan, ensuring comfort throughout the approximately 2-hour drive.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, providing flexibility if plans change.