Private tour: Full Day Veuve Clicquot to Reims or Epernay region

The Private Full-Day Champagne Tour focusing on Veuve Clicquot and the Reims or Épernay region offers an in-depth look at the heart of France’s world-famous bubbly industry. Priced at $829.99 per person, this 9-hour experience is ideal for those eager to explore prestigious Champagne houses, picturesque villages, and enjoy delicious French cuisine. The tour’s small-group setup, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention from a personal guide, making it a perfect choice for couples or small groups seeking an intimate, educational day.

This tour is especially recommended for champagne connoisseurs and curious travelers who want a comprehensive, well-paced day with multiple tastings and historic insights. While it involves considerable time on the road and walking, the inclusion of lunch and visits at renowned wineries makes it a valuable experience for those looking to deepen their knowledge of Champagne’s terroir and tradition.

Key Points

• Private tour with a limit of 8 participants ensures a personalized experience
• Includes a visit to Veuve Clicquot’s underground cellars with tastings
• Drive along the famous Avenue de Champagne in Épernay
• Explore the charming village of Hautvillers and its vineyards
• Enjoy a traditional 3-course French lunch with Champagne pairings
• Spend time with a Champagne producer, sampling multiple wines

Exploring Veuve Clicquot’s Underground Cellars

The tour begins at the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Champagne House in Reims. Here, visitors discover impressive underground cellars where Champagne is aged to perfection. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and includes tastings of multiple Champagne wines. This visit highlights the historic significance and craftsmanship behind Veuve Clicquot’s global reputation. The admission fee is included, ensuring a seamless experience.

The cellar tour emphasizes the meticulous aging process and the unique environment of the underground caves, which are crucial to Champagne’s quality and character. Visitors appreciate the expert guidance and the opportunity to taste several different bottles directly from the producer.

Driving Through Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne

After the Veuve Clicquot visit, the tour takes you along the famous Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. This 10-minute stop offers a quick overview of the street lined with some of the best Champagne houses in the world. While no admission is required here, the famous avenue itself is a highlight, showcasing luxury Champagne producers in a scenic setting.

Photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture the elegance of the historic buildings and vineyard views. It’s an excellent moment to get a sense of Champagne’s grandeur and industry’s heritage.

Visiting the Village of Hautvillers

The tour then moves to the picturesque village of Hautvillers, famous for its vineyards and as the burial place of Dom Pérignon. The hour-long visit allows for a stroll through the charming streets and insight into the village’s viticultural history. The admission fee is included.

Visitors often find Hautvillers to be a quintessential Champagne village, with cobbled streets, vineyard views, and historic buildings. This stop offers a break from the busier Champagne houses and a chance to see local production methods in a small-scale setting.

French Lunch with Champagne Pairings

A key highlight of the day is the 2.5-hour lunch at a scenic restaurant, featuring 3 courses paired with Champagne wines. The meal includes classic French dishes like quiche, which is notably praised for its quality and flavor. The lunch is a relaxed, convivial experience, allowing guests to sample different Champagnes alongside their meal.

This sit-down meal provides an authentic taste of local cuisine and an opportunity to appreciate the pairing of food and bubbly. Many reviews mention the excellent quality of the lunch and the generous Champagne pours.

Afternoon with a Champagne Producer

Post-lunch, the tour continues at a small Champagne producer or vineyard, where guests can taste several wines produced on-site. The 1 hour 30 minutes spent here emphasizes small-scale craftsmanship and offers a more personal connection to Champagne production.

Visitors value the insight into artisanal methods and the chance to taste different styles of Champagne beyond the larger houses. This stop rounds out the educational aspect of the tour, giving insight into regional variability and family-run wineries.

Transportation and Group Size

All transportation occurs via air-conditioned minivan, with private pickup and drop-off in Reims included. The small group size ensures intimate interactions with the guide and the ability to ask questions freely. Given the maximum of 8 guests, this tour offers a personalized experience rarely matched by larger group trips.

Logistics and Meeting Details

The tour departs at 9:00 am from Cour de la Gare in Reims. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access. The end point is back at the original meeting location, allowing for flexible additional plans in Reims or surrounding areas.

Usefulness of the Tour Price and Inclusions

At $829.99 per person, the tour includes transportation, admission fees, tastings of 9 Champagne wines, lunch, and a personal guide. These inclusions ensure a comprehensive experience without hidden costs. The price reflects the private nature, exclusive visits, and high-quality food and drinks.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This experience distinguishes itself through its private setting, expert-guided visits, and comprehensive itinerary. The combination of large and small Champagne houses, historic villages, and culinary delights caters well to those wanting depth and variety.

The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with mentions of friendly, engaging personalities like Jerome, Xavier, Chloe, and others. Their expertise turns a wine tour into an informative and fun experience.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is not suitable for children under 10 and non-refundable, these policies are clearly communicated. The cost might seem high for some, but the all-inclusive nature and small group size justify the price for many. Guests should be prepared for a full day of activity, including walking and standing during cellar visits.

Visiting Champagne in Style: Is This Tour for You?

This private Champagne experience offers a rich blend of historic visits, tastings, and regional exploration. It’s perfect for champagne enthusiasts who value small group intimacy, expert guidance, and quality food and drink. If you’re interested in learning about Champagne’s terroir and sampling at both renowned and boutique houses, this tour delivers on all fronts.

While the price reflects its exclusivity and the detailed itinerary, many find the personalized nature and high-caliber visits worth the investment. The nine-hour day packs in diverse sights, tastes, and stories, making it a robust and memorable way to experience Champagne.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $829.99 fee covers private transportation, admission fees, tastings of 9 Champagne wines, lunch with Champagne pairings, and a personal guide.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours from start to finish, beginning at 9:00 am and ending back in Reims.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
Most bookings are made about 110 days in advance, so last-minute reservations may be limited.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it is not compatible with children under 10 years old due to the nature of visits and tastings.

What should I wear or bring?
Guests should wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and standing. The tour includes cellar visits with uneven floors, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes, please advise any specific dietary needs at the time of booking to ensure appropriate meal options.

What if I want to buy Champagne during the tour?
Guests can place orders during tastings, but payment and confirmation details should be clarified directly with the provider, as some reviews mention pending confirmation emails.

Is transportation included?
Yes, air-conditioned private transport is part of the package, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Reims.

How many stops are there?
The tour includes four main stops: Veuve Clicquot, Avenue de Champagne, Hautvillers, and a small Champagne producer.

What is the main appeal of this tour?
The combination of luxury visits, regional exploration, tastings, and high-quality lunch makes this tour ideal for anyone wanting a comprehensive, personalized Champagne day.