From Reims: Day Trip to Veuve Clicquot Family Grower & Lunch

Key Points

• Includes a guided tour of Veuve Clicquot with 4 champagne tastings at the estate
• Visits a local family-run Champagne house for an authentic tasting experience
• Explores Reims city highlights, including the historic Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
• Enjoys a scenic drive through Montagne de Reims vineyards and the Grand Cru villages of Verzenay and Mailly
• Lunch at a local restaurant offers a taste of regional cuisine
• Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small-group, personalized experience

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Explore Reims and the Champagne Region on a Full-Day Tour

This full-day tour costs $386 per person and lasts approximately 8.5 hours, starting from Reims. It offers a rich mix of sightseeing, wine tasting, and culture, making it ideal for those interested in Champagne’s history and production. The tour begins at 9:20 AM from the forecourt of Reims-Centre train station, with transportation in a comfortable minivan.

The tour provides an intimate experience, guided by a knowledgeable host who leads you through Reims’ most iconic sites and the region’s vineyards. It’s a well-rounded day that combines city exploration with behind-the-scenes Champagne visits, perfect for wine lovers and history buffs alike.

Visiting Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: The Crown Jewel of Champagne

The first major stop is the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Visitors Center, where a guided tour lasts about 1.5 hours. Here, you will see the historic estate and learn about the company’s legacy. A tasting of four different glasses of Champagne at Veuve Clicquot is included, giving you a chance to savor some of the world’s most renowned bubbly.

This estate is the highlight for many, thanks to its storied history and the quality of its Champagne. The guides are well-informed, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The entrance fees are included in the tour price, so there are no additional costs here.

Reims Cathedral: A Gothic Marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site

After the Veuve Clicquot visit, the next stop is the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral. Inside, a guided 30-minute tour showcases its stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and historical significance as the site of French monarchs’ coronations.

This cathedral’s grandeur makes it a must-see landmark, and the guided visit ensures you grasp its cultural importance. The timing allows for a relaxed visit, giving enough space to appreciate the craftsmanship and history.

Scenic Drive Through Montagne de Reims Vineyards

Following the cathedral, the tour continues with a scenic 20-minute drive through the vineyards of Montagne de Reims. Passing through Grand Cru villages like Verzenay and Mailly, the guide explains the importance of terroir in Champagne production.

There are photo opportunities at the vineyards, where the landscape’s beauty complements the story of how Champagne grapes are cultivated. The guide shares insights into the region’s winemaking traditions, adding depth to the experience.

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Lunch at a Traditional Local Restaurant

Midday, the tour includes a 1.5-hour lunch at a local restaurant outside Reims. While the lunch is described as delicious and offers a chance to relax and enjoy regional cuisine, some reviews note limited vegetarian options, often involving potatoes and eggs. The setting captures a quaint, authentic French village atmosphere.

This break provides a good balance between sightseeing and leisure, with plenty of time to discuss the morning’s discoveries and prepare for the afternoon activities.

Visiting a Family-Owned Champagne Estate

After lunch, the tour heads to a small, family-run Champagne estate for a guided visit and tasting lasting about 1.5 hours. This stop offers a different perspective on Champagne making, emphasizing high-quality production at a more personal, less commercial scale.

The estate’s owner is enthusiastic and hosts the tasting, making it a warm, welcoming experience. Multiple tastings are included, allowing guests to compare styles and flavors directly from the producer.

Additional Champagne Tastings at Veuve Clicquot and the Family Grower

The tour concludes with additional Champagne tastings at Veuve Clicquot and the family estate. In total, guests enjoy seven glasses of Champagne throughout the day—four at Veuve Clicquot and three at the family estate.

These tastings reinforce the diversity of Champagne styles and help guests understand the differences in flavor profile based on production methods and terroir.

Practical Details: Travel, Group Size, and Booking

The tour is operated by France Intense and is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small-group experience. Transportation is provided via minivan, and the entire journey runs from Reims train station, with a return at 5:45 PM.

Meeting is in front of the tourist office at the Reims train station at 9:20 AM, with options for Sundays from March to October with a slightly earlier pickup at 9:00 AM from the Champagne-Ardenne station. Tourists should plan their transport to Reims — the tour does not include hotel pickup.

Review Highlights and Guide Expertise

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, with names like Radames, Pierre, and others noted for their passion and fluency in English. Their storytelling skills and local insights significantly enhance the experience.

Guests appreciate the well-paced itinerary, the quality of the tastings, and the authenticity of the family estate visit. The comfortable, clean transportation and the small group size are also frequently highlighted as strengths.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Champagne Experience in Reims

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive look at the Champagne region, combining city sights, vineyard scenery, and world-class Champagne tastings. The visit to Veuve Clicquot and the family estate provides a perfect balance of prestige and intimacy.

While the lunch options might be limited for vegetarians, the overall experience delivers excellent value, especially considering the seven champagne glasses included. The small-group setting makes for a personalized, engaging day suited for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

This tour is most suitable for those eager to learn about Champagne’s heritage and enjoy tastings at both iconic and family-run estates, all in a well-organized, friendly environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour departs from the Reims train station. Participants need to arrange their own transport to the meeting point.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts 8.5 hours, with a start time of 9:20 AM and a return at 5:45 PM.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small-group and personalized atmosphere.

Are vegetarian options available during lunch?
Lunch is provided at a local restaurant, but some reviews mention limited vegetarian choices, often involving potatoes and eggs.

What are the key highlights of this tour?
Guests visit Veuve Clicquot, explore Reims Cathedral, enjoy vineyard scenery, and visit a family-run Champagne estate, with seven tastings included.

Can this tour be canceled?
Yes, it offers free cancellation up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

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