From Reims Champagne Day Trip Veuve Clicquot Local Domain & Lunch

This full-day Champagne tour from Reims offers a comprehensive experience, combining visits to famous Champagne houses, a UNESCO-listed cathedral, and scenic vineyard drives. Priced at $359.93 per person, the tour is designed for those looking for an immersive yet manageable way to learn about Champagne production while enjoying tasting sessions at both major and family-owned estates. The 8-hour journey departs from the Reims train station at 9:20 am, with a small group limited to eight travelers, ensuring a personalized touch.

The tour is well-suited for champagne lovers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a balanced mix of guided visits, local culinary delights, and insight into the terroirs that influence Champagne flavors. The transport is by air-conditioned minivan, and all tastings and entrance fees at Veuve Clicquot and a family estate are included. However, please note that pick-up and drop-off in Paris are not part of this experience, and travelers should arrange their own transportation to Reims.

Key Points

• Includes a guided tour of Veuve Clicquot with four Champagne tastings
• Visits the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Reims for a guided interior tour
• Vineyard drive through Montagne de Reims, passing through Grand Cru villages
• Tastings at a family-owned Champagne house to see the regional craft
• A delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Reims
• Small-group experience, limited to up to 8 guests for personalized attention

Discovering Reims and Its Champagne Heritage

This tour begins at Reims train station, where a local English-speaking guide welcomes up to eight guests. The journey kicks off with a scenic drive through Reims, the city famous as the site of many royal Coronations and its stunning Gothic cathedral. The Notre-Dame de Reims is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and your guide provides insights into its history and architecture during a guided inside visit. The 13th-century gothic structure is notable for its stained glass windows and intricate stonework, making it a highlight for history and architecture buffs.

The timing allows ample time to appreciate the grandeur of the cathedral before heading to the Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate. The chalk cellars, which are underground and often cool, serve as the setting for a comprehensive guided tour of the estate. Guests are treated to a tasting of four different Champagne glasses, showcasing the house’s signature styles. The visit and tasting fees are included, making this a highlight that combines education, history, and indulgence.

Exploring the Veuve Clicquot Cellars and Tasting Experience

The Veuve Clicquot estate offers a guided tour of its historic chalk cellars, where the pressing, fermentation, and aging of Champagne occur. Visitors learn about the estate’s long-standing traditions and production methods, gaining a clear picture of the Champagne-making process. After the tour, guests enjoy a tasting session featuring four glasses of Veuve Clicquot Champagne—an iconic brand recognized worldwide for its rich flavor profiles.

The tasting session is a key moment of this experience, providing the chance to compare different styles and understand the nuances of Grande Marc wines. Many reviews praise the quality of the Champagne and the knowledgeable guides who explain the history and craftsmanship behind each glass. The fees included in the tour ensure a seamless experience without extra costs.

Scenic Drive Through the Montagne de Reims Vineyards

Following the estate visit, the tour transitions into a scenic drive through the Montagne de Reims, a region renowned for its Grand Cru vineyards. Passing through villages like Verzy, Verzenay, and Bouzy, travelers get to see the vineyards that produce the prestige grapes for Champagne. The guide provides insights into how terroir, climate, and grape varieties influence the flavor profiles of the bubbly.

The vineyard drive offers plenty of opportunities for photos and to appreciate the rolling landscape. While the drive itself lasts about 20 minutes, it adds a visual and educational element to the overall experience, emphasizing the importance of region-specific factors in Champagne production. The view of the vineyard landscapes often garners praise in reviews for their beauty and tranquility.

Lunch at a Reims Restaurant

Around midday, the tour includes a lunch break at a local restaurant. The meal is well-received, providing a taste of regional French cuisine paired with local wines if desired (not included in the tour price). The lunch duration allows ample time to relax and enjoy conversation before resuming the afternoon activities.

Many guests appreciate the quality of the food and the authentic atmosphere at the restaurant. This break offers a good balance to the Champagne visits, giving travelers a chance to digest both the flavors and the information they’ve absorbed so far.

Visiting a Family-Owned Champagne House

Post-lunch, the tour ventures to a family-owned Champagne estate in the Reims region. This visit offers a more intimate experience compared to the larger Champagne houses, allowing visitors to learn about small-scale production and the artisanship behind regional bubbly. The cellar tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which guests explore underground cellars and see how Champagne is made on a smaller scale.

This stop garners praise for its authenticity and the personal stories shared by the estate owners. Many reviews highlight the meeting with the family as a memorable part of the day, providing a deeper understanding of the regional craft and passion behind the Champagne.

Final Tasting and Return to Reims

The last activity of the day is another Champagne tasting at the family estate, featuring additional glasses to savor and compare. This final tasting aims to round off the experience with a focus on regional differences and artisan techniques. Afterward, the group boards the air-conditioned minivan to return to the Reims train station.

The return journey allows for reflection on the day’s highlights and the beautiful scenery seen along the way. The tour concludes at approximately around 5:30 pm, giving ample time for guests to catch trains back to Paris or other destinations.

Practical Details and Logistics

This small-group tour starts at 9:20 am from the Reims Tourist Office at the Gare and ends back at the same location. The group size is limited to eight people, enhancing the personalized experience. The transport is by air-conditioned minivan, making the day comfortable regardless of weather conditions.

Participants should be aware that pick-up and drop-off in Paris are not included, but the train from Paris to Reims is straightforward, with TGV trains available from Paris-Est station. The most popular train options depart early in the morning, with travel times around 45 minutes. Travelers are advised to book train tickets in advance for efficiency and to secure their spot on the tour.

The Tour’s Strengths and Limitations

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the guided visit to Veuve Clicquot’s estate, combined with vineyard drives and visits to small regional producers. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, especially noting Pierre’s engaging explanations and friendly personality. The inclusion of a regional lunch makes this a good value for a full day of Champagne exploration.

One consideration is that the tour does not include transportation from Paris, so travelers must plan accordingly. While the small group size ensures a personalized experience, some might find the limited time at each stop a bit tight, especially if transportation delays occur. The weather can also influence comfort, particularly during vineyard drives and cellar visits.

Who Will Enjoy This Reims Champagne Day Trip?

This 8-hour experience suits Champagne enthusiasts who appreciate guided education, tasting sessions, and regional scenery. It’s ideal for those seeking a personalized, small-group atmosphere with quality visits to both major and family-run Champagne houses. The inclusion of local cuisine makes it appealing for food lovers as well.

However, travelers arriving in Reims by train will find it most convenient, as pick-up in Paris is not provided, and timing can be tight for those with tight schedules or specific train connections. The tour’s pace is balanced, but those with mobility issues should be aware of the walking and cellar tours involved.

A Final Word on the Experience

This Reims Champagne Day Trip offers a well-rounded look at the region’s Champagne production, combining big-name houses with small artisan producers. The guided visits, vineyard drive, and lunch provide a comprehensive taste of what makes Champagne special. Many guests praise the expert guidance and the quality of tastings, making it a reliable choice for those eager to learn and indulge.

While the absence of transportation from Paris is a small hurdle, the ease of train travel and the small-group format create a personalized and enjoyable day. This tour is particularly recommended for lovers of Champagne, history buffs, and those wanting a taste of regional authenticity in a manageable, full-day package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour, tastings at Veuve Clicquot, visit and tasting fees at a family estate, lunch, and transport by air-conditioned minivan are included.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:20 am and concluding around 5:30 pm.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include the Veuve Clicquot estate, Reims Cathedral, a vineyard drive through Montagne de Reims, and a small family-owned Champagne estate.

Do I need to arrange transportation from Paris?
Yes, the tour departs from Reims, so travelers need to book their own train from Paris-Est station. Most trains run early in the morning, with TGV services taking about 45 minutes.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking and cellar tours involved. The small group size is ideal for personalized experiences.

Are the visits and tastings wheelchair accessible?
The data does not specify accessibility details; travelers with special needs should inquire directly with FRANCE INTENSE.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
Most bookings are made 63 days in advance, but last-minute availability can vary. Early booking is recommended to secure a spot.

What is the guide’s language?
All tours and tastings at Veuve Clicquot and the family estate are conducted in English.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather; cellar visits can be cool, so consider bringing a light jacket in cooler months.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is eight travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.