Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour

The Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour offers an immersive experience into the heart of France’s Champagne region. Priced at $295.27 per person, this 8-hour journey combines visits to historic landmarks, renowned champagne houses, and charming villages. With a small group size of up to 8 participants, the tour promises personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The tour includes private transportation and pickup options, making logistics smooth for visitors staying in Reims or nearby.

What truly sets this tour apart is the rich mix of cultural history, wine tasting, and scenic drives. The tour’s highlight is the visit to the Champagnes Pommery, a legendary Champagne House with 2,000-year-old cellars and notable art displays. Alongside, travelers explore the Notre-Dame of Reims, a Gothic cathedral with centuries of French royal history. The day also includes a drive through Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne, where iconic Champagne Houses line the street. A visit to Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon once lived, adds a historic flavor, along with a small producer cellar tour for a glimpse into artisanal champagne making.

While the tour is packed with sightseeing and wine tasting, it’s designed for those interested in history, culture, and champagne. The small-group size ensures an intimate setting, perfect for asking questions and gaining detailed insights. The lunch break in Épernay offers flexibility to choose your own meal from recommended local restaurants, adding a relaxed pace to the busy day. This tour works well for visitors who want a comprehensive, in-depth look at the Champagne region in a single day.

Key Points

• Price of $295.27 per person for an 8-hour guided tour.
• Visit Champagnes Pommery, with 2,000-year-old cellars and art displays.
• Explore Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic coronation church.
• Drive along Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, home to major Champagne Houses.
• Tour Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon lived and studied winemaking.
• Experience a cellar tour and tasting at a small producer, highlighting artisanal champagne craftsmanship.
• Small-group setting with up to 8 participants ensures personalized attention.
• Includes private transportation and pickup options for convenience.

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Reims

This full-day tour begins at 9:30 am at 1 Cr de la Gare, Reims. The meeting point is easy to find, and the tour concludes back at the same location. Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the day’s drives across the Champagne region. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and most participants able to participate, though children under 18 cannot sample alcohol.

The small group size means no crowded buses or long waits, and the pickup service makes it easy for those not staying directly in Reims. The tour runs most days and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for planning.

Visiting Champagnes Pommery: Cellar Tour and Art Displays

The tour’s opening stop is the Champagnes Pommery, a famous Champagne House sitting above the UNESCO-listed Saint Nicaise Hill. This site is notable for its Roman chalk mine cellars that date back 2,000 years, now used to age Champagne bottles. The cellar tour lasts about 2 hours and includes a tasting session.

The impressive domain was built under the leadership of Jeanne Pommery, a pioneering woman in the Champagne industry. Visitors see art installations blending historic cellars with contemporary works, creating a unique experience. The Pommery visit is often highlighted as a main attraction, especially for its historic significance and the visual appeal of the cellars.

Reims Cathedral: A Gothic Landmark of Royal History

A 45-minute guided visit takes place at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims, one of France’s most distinguished Gothic structures. The cathedral’s magnificent stained-glass windows and sculptural details attract admiration. Its historical importance is profound, as more than 30 French kings were crowned here, with Clovis I baptized at the site in 496 AD.

A certified guide leads the visit, sharing insights about the architectural features and the significance of the cathedral in French history. This stop offers a combination of art, architecture, and royal tradition, making it a highlight for history enthusiasts.

Drive Along Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne

A short drive takes travelers down the famous Avenue de Champagne. This street is lined with major Champagne Houses such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, Mercier, and De Castellane. The 15-minute drive-by provides a taste of the luxurious Champagne industry, with many firms offering their own historic facades and prestigious reputations.

While this part of the tour is brief, it offers great photo opportunities and a chance to see the epicenter of Champagne production. No admission fees are involved here, but it’s a visual highlight emphasizing the glamour and tradition of Champagne brewing.

Reims City Sightseeing Drive

A 30-minute drive guides travelers through Reims’ main sights, including the Roman ruins, the Louis XV square, the covered market, and prestigious Champagne Houses such as Roëderer, Krug, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger. The tour mentions visiting historical sites that showcase Reims’ resilience after World War I destruction, with the city rebuilt in the Art Déco style during the 1920s.

This drive-by offers a broad overview of Reims’ urban fabric, capturing its Roman heritage, medieval charm, and modern architecture. It’s a practical way to familiarize oneself with the city’s key landmarks without a lengthy walking tour.

Hautvillers: The Village of Dom Pérignon

A 45-minute stop in Hautvillers highlights the village’s scenic beauty and historical importance. Known as the Cradle of Champagne wines, Hautvillers overlooks the Marne Valley and vineyards. The visit includes the church where Dom Pérignon lived and died, with his tomb marking his legacy.

The village’s medieval charm is evident in its signage and architecture, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view over vineyards and the historic significance of Dom Pérignon make this a memorable stop for those interested in the origins of Champagne.

Champagne Cellar Tour and Tasting at a Small Producer

The final stop features a visit to a boutique Champagne producer in Cumières. This small-scale winery offers a cellar tour lasting about 2 hours, with a focus on artisanal production techniques. The tasting includes varied wines from the producer’s range, giving insight into small producer qualities and craftsmanship.

This experience highlights the difference between large Champagne houses and independent growers, often producing high-quality wines at a good value. It’s a favorite for those wanting to see the local side of Champagne production.

Lunch Break in Épernay: Flexibility and Local Cuisine

A 1 hour 30-minute break in Épernay allows guests to explore local restaurants and enjoy regional cuisine. The guide provides lunch suggestions, giving flexibility for a relaxed meal amid the busy day of sightseeing.

This break offers a chance to recharge and savor French culinary delights, complementing the Champagne tastings with a delicious meal. The flexibility is appreciated, especially after the morning of visits.

Guide and Tour Experience: Knowledgeable and Personal

The guide leads the tour with expertise in history, wine, and local culture. Multiple reviews praise Raphael’s personable approach and wealth of knowledge, making the day engaging and informative. The small-group setting allows for intimate conversations and tailored questions.

Participants note that the guide’s enthusiasm and storytelling significantly enhance the experience. The flexible pace and attention to detail help make this tour a standout among similar offerings.

Value and Overall Experience

At $295.27, the tour offers a comprehensive day covering major sights, historic landmarks, and two separate tastings. The inclusion of private transportation, pickup, and small group size adds to the overall value.

The many positive reviews highlight high satisfaction, with guests praising the expert guides, interesting stops, and delicious champagne. The tour is especially suited for those interested in history, culture, and premium champagne tasting in an intimate setting.

Final Thoughts on the Full Day Champagne Pommery Tour

This tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the Champagne region, perfect for visitors who want deep insights and hands-on experiences. The visit to Pommery, the cathedral, and the village of Hautvillers ensures a varied itinerary packed with historic and cultural highlights. The champagne tastings at both a major house and a small producer showcase the diversity of Champagne-making.

While the day is full, the small-group format and personalized guide make for a comfortable and engaging experience. It is especially recommended for history enthusiasts, wine lovers, and travelers seeking a comprehensive yet intimate tour of Reims and Épernay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a cellar tour and tasting at Pommery, visits to Reims Cathedral, a drive along Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne, a sightseeing drive in Reims, a visit to Hautvillers, a cellar tour and tasting at a small producer, and lunch suggestions in Épernay.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and ending back at the meeting point in Reims.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, with pickup options available.

Can children participate?
Children under 18 are not served alcohol, but they can participate in the sightseeing and cultural parts of the tour.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its small-group size, expert guides, and the combination of major Champagne houses, historic sites, and small producer visits make this tour stand out. The personalized experience and comprehensive itinerary offer excellent value.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included. Guests are recommended local restaurants in Épernay during the lunch break.

What are the cancellation policies?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for mobility-restricted travelers?
The provided data does not specify accessibility details, but the stops involve walking and vehicle transfers, so checking with the provider is advisable for specific needs.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings can be made through Viator with confirmation received at the time of booking. The tour is operated by Uncork Champagne Tours.