Discovery Tour Reims and Epernay

Exploring the Champagne region becomes effortless with the Discovery Tour Reims and Epernay. Priced at $289.20 per person, this 9-hour guided experience offers a perfect blend of history, heritage, and exquisite tastings. The tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, with a focus on cellar visits, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a delicious French lunch. The group size is limited to 7 travelers, ensuring a personalized and attentive experience led by knowledgeable guides, with Ghislain receiving high praise for his attentiveness and expertise.

This tour departs from the Gare Reims Centre train station at 9:00 am, and on the itinerary, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Reims Cathedral, Avenue de Champagne, and Hautvillers. It’s well-paced, offering a balance of sightseeing, tasting, and relaxation, making it ideal for those who want to see the best of Champagne in a single day. The included lunch, cellar tour, and tastings add great value, though travelers should be comfortable on their feet and prepared for some walking through vineyards and town streets.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The $289.20 tour lasts approximately 9 hours, making it a comprehensive day trip.
• Expert Guide: Guides like Ghislain are praised for their attentiveness and local knowledge.
• Visit UNESCO Sites: Tour includes Reims Cathedral, Avenue de Champagne, and Hautvillers, all UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Highlights: Discover Pommery Champagne Cellars, enjoy tastings of 2 glasses of champagne, and explore the vineyard landscapes.
• Meals Included: A traditional French lunch in Epernay is part of the experience, providing a genuine taste of local cuisine.
• Comfort and Accessibility: An air-conditioned vehicle and car seats for children are available, with recommendations for comfortable shoes.

The Tour’s Starting Point at Gare Reims

The adventure begins at the Gare Reims Centre train station, specifically at the Cour de la Gare. This convenient pick-up point is near public transportation and the tourist office. The small group size of 7 travelers fosters a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for personalized attention and questions. The tour departs promptly at 9:00 am, so arriving on time helps maximize the experience. The meeting logistics are straightforward, and the tour ends back at the same station, making transportation logistics simple.

Exploring Reims: From the Courtyard to the Cathedral

The first stop involves a quick 20-minute walk from the meeting point to the Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stained glass windows and historic significance as the coronation site of many French kings. This free admission site offers a chance to marvel at its architecture and history early in the day. The guide provides context, helping visitors appreciate its cultural and historical importance.

Following this, visitors spend 45 minutes inside the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where the grandeur of its interior and the stories of royal coronations unfold. The guide’s insights bring the monument’s history alive, making it more than just a sightseeing stop.

Touring Pommery Champagne Cellars and Tasting

The highlight for many is the visit to Vranken Pommery domain, where the cellar tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This UNESCO-listed estate offers an unforgettable exploration of champagne cellars, where the “art of Champagne production” is on full display. The tour includes tastings of 2 glasses of champagne, showcasing the estate’s craftsmanship. The included admission ensures a seamless experience, and the surroundings provide a glimpse into the tradition and innovation behind Champagne making.

The visit to Pommery also offers insight into the estate’s architectural beauty, as the underground cellars stretch for miles beneath the estate, creating a cool, atmospheric environment for aging champagne.

Crossing the Montagne de Reims to Epernay

Next, the tour departs by minivan from the Champagne Pommery estate, crossing the Montagne de Reims nature reserve en route to Epernay. The drive takes around 30 minutes, during which travelers can enjoy views of rolling vineyards and scenic landscapes.

The small town of Epernay is introduced with a 30-minute stop, where key sites like the Notre Dame d’Epernay Church, the Salmanazar Theater, and the train station are briefly highlighted. This provides a snapshot of the town’s charm and significance in the Champagne region.

Authentic French Lunch in Epernay

A 1 hour and 30 minutes stop offers a relaxed lunch at a modern restaurant in Epernay. The meal features traditional French cuisine, giving guests an authentic taste of local flavors in a comfortable setting. The included lunch is praised for its quality, allowing guests to unwind and savor regional culinary delights after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Strolling Along Avenue de Champagne

Post-lunch, the tour directs guests to Avenue de Champagne, a stretch famous for its champagne houses and architecture. The 10-minute walk along this avenue reveals impressive estates and grand facades, many of which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Over the course of an hour, visitors get a closer look at the champagne houses’ architecture and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s wine culture.

Visiting Hautvillers and the Views from Champillon Hill

The next stop is Hautvillers, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the birthplace of Dom Pérignon. A 45-minute stop includes a viewpoint at Champillon hill, where impressive vistas of Epernay and the vineyards unfold. This is an ideal moment for photographs and to appreciate the landscape that fuels the Champagne industry.

Following this, a 1-hour stop at Hautvillers itself offers a chance to enjoy the village atmosphere and visit the viewpoint to admire the landscapes. The guide highlights the town’s connection to Dom Pérignon and local scenery, making it a memorable part of the day.

Return to Reims Center Station

The tour concludes with a 30-minute return trip back to the Gare Reims Centre station. This final leg rounds off a well-structured day filled with history, wine, and scenic views. The convenience of ending at the starting point makes arrangements for transportation or onward travel straightforward.

Practical Tips and What’s Included

The tour package includes lunch, air-conditioned transport, cellar tours, and tastings. However, guests should note that personal expenses and drinks during lunch are not included. For families, car seats for children aged 2-9 are available, and travelers are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and vineyard visits.

While alcoholic tastings are restricted to those 18 and over, the experience remains engaging and educational for all ages, focusing on the heritage and craftsmanship of Champagne. The tour’s small group size of 7 enhances interaction, and the free cancellation policy offers flexibility if plans change.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Champagne Experience

The Discovery Tour Reims and Epernay provides a rundown of the Champagne region in just one day. Visitors benefit from expert guidance, visits to UNESCO-listed sites, and exclusive cellar tours with tastings. The included lunch adds value, making it a convenient way to enjoy regional cuisine alongside exceptional Champagne.

This tour suits those who want to see the main landmarks and indulge in tastings without the hassle of planning multiple visits. It’s especially ideal for first-timers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a balanced day of sightseeing and relaxation. The small-group format fosters a more personal and enriching experience, praised by past participants.

While physically active due to the walking involved, the tour’s well-paced itinerary ensures travelers can comfortably enjoy each stop. If you’re looking for an expert-led, all-in-one day trip that highlights the best of Reims and Epernay, this tour delivers on that promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the Discovery Tour Reims and Epernay?
The tour costs $289.20 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 9 hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour starts and ends at Gare Reims Centre, specifically the Cour de la Gare.

Are meals included?
Yes, a traditional French lunch in Epernay is included in the tour.

What are the main sites visited during the tour?
The tour includes Reims Cathedral, Pommery Champagne Cellars, Avenue de Champagne, Hautvillers, and scenic views from Champillon hill.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle transports guests between sites.

Can children participate?
Yes, car seats for children aged 2 to 9 are available, and the tour is suitable for most travelers.

What is included in the cellar tour?
The cellar visit at Pommery includes tastings of 2 glasses of champagne, and the estate is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Is there a guide?
Yes, guides like Ghislain are praised for their knowledge and attentiveness.

Is there any cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

This Discovery Tour Reims and Epernay offers an engaging, well-organized way to enjoy the highlights of the Champagne region in a single day, combining history, architecture, scenery, and, of course, exceptional champagne.