From Paris: Reims and Champagne Tasting Full-Day Tour

The From Paris: Reims and Champagne Tasting Full-Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of one of France’s most celebrated regions. For $408 per person and lasting 11 hours, this guided experience takes visitors from the heart of Paris to the storied vineyards, historic Reims, and legendary champagne houses. The tour highlights include a visit to Reims Cathedral, where French royalty were crowned, and multiple tastings at renowned champagne producers, including the chance to learn about champagne production firsthand.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of guided cellar tours, vineyard visits, and a delicious 3-course lunch that showcases local gastronomy. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, it offers a convenient way to spend a full day immersed in Champagne’s culture, history, and bubbles. The tour’s high rating of 4.8 out of 5, from 549 reviews, reflects its popularity and the consistent praise for knowledgeable guides, excellent tastings, and scenic stops.

While the experience is designed to be immersive and educational, it also caters well to those seeking a relaxed day outside Paris, avoiding the hassle of public transport. The only consideration is that children under 16 are not suitable**, and the tour may sometimes omit vineyard visits due to weather or scheduling constraints. Still, the overall richness of visits, tastings, and storytelling makes this tour a top choice for champagne enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $408 per person for a full 11-hour guided day trip.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris, making logistics seamless.
• Visits to major champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, and smaller estates.
• Tasting experiences include cellar tours, a blind tasting, and opportunities to learn about champagne production.
• Historic Reims Cathedral features prominently at the end of the day.
• Gourmet lunch with three courses in a local restaurant adds to the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Starts in Paris with Convenient Pickup

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Paris, ensuring a smooth start without worries about transportation. The air-conditioned minivan transports guests for approximately 100 minutes to the Champagne region, primarily stopping at Épernay and Reims. This setup is ideal for travelers who prefer door-to-door service over self-driving or public transit.

The small group setting offers a more personalized experience inside the vehicle, with ample space and comfort. The timing allows for a relaxed pace, balancing sightseeing with tastings and meals. The guide leads the way, sharing insights about the region’s history, champagne-making process, and local traditions.

Champagne House Visits: Big Names and Small Producers

The core of this tour lies in visiting famous champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Nicolas Feuillatte, Moët & Chandon, Taittinger, and Mercier, depending on availability. Each visit includes a guided cellar tour and champagne tasting, giving insight into both large-scale production and artisanal methods.

Plus, guests explore smaller champagne estates, offering a contrast between mass production and family-run wineries. Tasting in these different settings helps appreciate the diversity of champagne styles and techniques. The guides explain the significance of varietals, terroir, and the production process during these visits, making the experience both educational and tasting-rich.

Scenic Vineyard Visits and Blind Tastings

A highlight involves walking amidst the vines, where the guide discusses the varieties of grapes and the terroir that influence champagne flavor. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, visitors get close to the land that produces this sparkling wine.

A blind tasting takes place in the vineyards, challenging participants to distinguish between different types of bubbly. This fun activity sharpens palates and deepens appreciation for the subtle differences in champagne styles. An additional tasting at a local champagne house offers a chance to meet producers and hear about their history.

Tasting and Cellar Tours in Reims

The visit to Reims centers around the Reims Cathedral, a Gothic marvel that hosted French coronations. The guide offers a 30-minute sightseeing segment, sharing stories about its architecture and historical importance.

Later, the tour includes a visit to caves and cellars beneath a historic champagne house. Guests learn about champagne aging, bottle fermentation, and storage techniques. Tastings in these cellars highlight the nuances of maturation, with opportunities to saber a bottle, an exciting skill celebrated at some estates.

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Local Gastronomy and a 3-Course Lunch

A well-curated lunch at a local restaurant lasts about 1.5 hours. The menu features French gastronomic specialties with vegetarian options available. This meal complements the champagne tastings and provides a chance to relax and enjoy regional flavors.

The lunch is described as delightful and well-paced, adding a touch of luxury to the day. The guides often recommend local dishes that pair beautifully with the region’s champagnes.

The Final Stops and Return to Paris

The tour concludes with a photo stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the vineyards, allowing for a last glimpse of the landscape. A final champagne tasting in the vineyards caps the experience, emphasizing the region’s scenic beauty and craftsmanship.

After this, the van heads back to Paris, with an estimated 2-hour drive. Guests are dropped off at their accommodations, ending a full, engaging day full of history, scenery, and bubbly.

Practical Info: Included and Not Included

All tickets and access to champagne houses are included, along with cellar tours, tastings, a 3-course lunch, and bottled water. Wines purchased during the day are not included, giving guests the option to buy their favorites.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the flexibility to reserve now and pay later. The group size can be small or private, catering to different preferences, but children under 16 are not suitable for this experience.

The Experience Guides and Review Highlights

Guides like Alex, Sebastian, TJ, and Benoît are praised for their knowledge, friendly attitude, and attention to detail. Many reviews mention the scenic stops, variety of champagne houses, and excellent meals. Notably, guides often go beyond expectations, adding extra stops or personal touches that enhance the day.

While some mention that tastings in larger houses may be “not great,” overall, the diversity of visits and quality of tastings receive high marks. The pace is generally well-balanced, with not feeling rushed and enough time at each location.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This full-day experience suits champagne enthusiasts, history buffs, and those looking to escape Paris for a scenic, luxurious outing. The small group atmosphere and expert guides make it ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized attention and informative commentary.

Avoid this tour if traveling with children under 16 or if you prefer a more relaxed, less structured visit. The busy schedule and multiple visits might be less appealing for those seeking a slower pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include transportation from Paris?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris, with transportation by air-conditioned minivan.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts about 11 hours, starting early and returning later in the evening.

Are lunch and tastings included?
Yes, a 3-course lunch and all champagne tastings are included in the price.

Can I visit specific champagne houses?
The visit to a renowned champagne house like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot is based on availability; specific preferences should be communicated in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 16 years are not suitable for this experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for vineyard walks and cellar visits. A jacket or extra layer is also advised due to the cool cellar temperatures.

This Reims and Champagne Tasting Tour offers an engaging, well-rounded look at France’s sparkling wine culture, combined with historic sights and regional scenery. For anyone eager to understand champagne’s origins and taste some of the finest bubbles, this trip delivers with professionalism and warmth.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby