Epernay and Vineyards with Champagne Tasting

Experience a Unique Champagne Tour from Epernay with L’impériale de Marie Antoinette

For those eager to explore the heart of France’s Champagne region, the Epernay and Vineyards with Champagne Tasting tour offers a lively and accessible way to enjoy this sparkling landscape. Priced at $118.68 per person, this 2-hour and 15-minute shared tour combines scenic views, champagne tastings, and engaging commentary, making it ideal for both wine enthusiasts and casual visitors.

What makes this experience stand out is the use of a double-decker bus, a rarity in France, offering a festive atmosphere and spectacular panoramic views from the rooftop of L’Impériale. The tour is designed for groups of up to 20 participants, with most bookings happening about three weeks in advance, ensuring a well-organized outing. While it doesn’t include visits to the cellars or interior champagne house tours, it compensates with unique stops, tastings, and scenic vistas that showcase the region’s charm.

Key Points

• Lively, shared champagne tour aboard a double-decker bus in Epernay
• Includes 3 champagne tastings, with options for minors or non-drinkers
• Scenic rooftop views over UNESCO World Heritage-listed avenues and vineyards
• Stops at famous champagne houses, including Bollinger with tastings and a sabrage demonstration
• Stops in Hautvillers, the “cradle of Champagne,” with panoramic views of the Marne Valley
• No cellar visits or inside tours; the focus is on sightseeing, tastings, and atmosphere

Starting Point and Group Size: Meeting at 3 Rue Jean Chandon Moët

The tour departs from 3 Rue Jean Chandon Moët in Épernay, the gateway to the Champagne region. It’s near public transportation, making the location convenient for most travelers. The maximum group size of 20 travelers ensures a lively yet intimate experience, fostering a festive atmosphere.

Scenic Rooftop Views Over Champagne’s Most Expensive Avenue

One of the highlights involves a bird’s eye view of the Avenue de Champagne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with prestigious champagne houses. From the terrace of L’Impériale, visitors get a spectacular view of the historic houses and the city’s most expensive avenue. While filming and photography are encouraged, the tour emphasizes the visual spectacle over interior visits, offering a unique perspective on the region’s grandeur.

Champagne House Stops: Bollinger and Deutz

The tour includes stops in front of notable champagne houses like Champagne Deutz and Champagne Bollinger. At Bollinger, participants enjoy a tasting session that features sabrage — a dramatic technique of opening champagne bottles with a saber — along with some nibbles. The 15-minute stop at Bollinger provides photo opportunities and comments about the estate, though inside visits to the cellars are not included.

In front of Champagne Deutz, the journey continues with pass-by commentary about the estate, giving insight into the region’s champagne industry. The focus remains on viewing and tasting, rather than inside tours, which keeps the pace lively and engaging.

Hautvillers and the Viewpoint Overlooking the Marne Valley

A key stop is at Hautvillers, often called the “cradle of Champagne”. Here, an impressive viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Marne Valley, a landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, during which a saber champagne tasting takes place, adding an element of celebration to the visit.

This village is famous for its connection to Dom Pérignon, and the scenery here provides a perfect backdrop for photos and appreciation of the land that produces this celebrated wine.

Discovering the Champagne Route (Route Touristique du Champagne)

The bus then follows the Tourist Route of Champagne, passing through vineyards and scenic landscapes. This 15-minute drive offers a chance to observe the vineyard landscapes that are central to champagne production. While there are no cellar visits, the route provides valuable context about the region’s landscape and wine-growing traditions.

Tasting Experience: Three Flutes of Champagne and Snacks

Guests receive three flutes of champagne, carefully selected by L’Impériale de Marie Antoinette. The tastings are included in the tour price and are accompanied by snacks tailored to the time of day — sausage, Comté cheese, pink biscuit from Reims, or fossier bread and soft from Maison FOSSIER.

For non-drinkers or minors, soda/pop is available, ensuring everyone can participate in the celebratory atmosphere.

Demonstration of Sabering and Tasting Notes

A saber demonstration is part of the experience, where bottles are saber-ed for the tastings. This spectacle adds an element of excitement, creating a festive mood. The tastings are paired with anecdotes and commentary about the champagne, though the tour does not include inside visits or detailed explanations of the production process.

Practical Details and Considerations

The entire tour is accessible and suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed. It runs most days, with confirmation received within 48 hours of booking. Participants should note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so planning transportation to the meeting point is recommended.

Since no interior cellar visits are part of the schedule, those seeking in-depth wine production insights should look elsewhere. However, the tour’s focus on views, tastings, and lively commentary makes it an appealing option for those interested in the region’s landscapes and sparkling wine culture.

The Experience in Perspective: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is perfect for visitors who want an entertaining, scenic overview of Champagne without the commitment of lengthy cellar visits. It’s especially suited for groups, couples, or friends seeking a festive atmosphere with spectacular views and champagne tastings in a short time. The lack of inside visits and focused stops mean it’s best for those looking for scenic highlights and celebration rather than in-depth wine tours.

Final Thoughts on the Champagne Tour from Épernay

The Epernay and Vineyards with Champagne Tasting tour offers a fun, lively way to experience the Champagne region. It combines spectacular rooftop views, stops at iconic champagne houses, and tastings of three different champagnes within a short, well-paced itinerary. The festive atmosphere fostered by the double-decker bus and the sabering demonstrations make it a memorable outing for those wanting a lighthearted, scenic introduction to Champagne.

While it doesn’t include inside cellar visits or comprehensive wine explanations, the focus on views, tastings, and regional scenery makes it a great choice for casual visitors who want to experience the region’s spirit in a fun, accessible way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, soda or soft drinks are available for those who do not wish to consume alcohol.

Are inside visits to champagne houses included?
No, the tour passes in front of major champagne houses without interior visits or cellar tours.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including stops and tastings.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts and ends at 3 Rue Jean Chandon Moët in Épernay.

Is this tour accessible for most travelers?
Yes, it is accessible, with service animals allowed and most travelers able to participate.

Can I cancel the tour if needed?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The use of a double-decker bus with rooftop views, festive atmosphere, and champagne tastings combined with scenic stops provide a dynamic and memorable experience of Épernay’s landscape.

Are tips included?
Tipping is not mentioned, so tipping guides or staff is at your discretion.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about three weeks ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely, the rooftop views and stops offer plenty of opportunities for photos of the landscape and champagne houses.

What is the price point for this experience?
The tour costs $118.68 per person, offering a balance of scenic sightseeing and tastings.