GRAND VINTAGE Taittinger Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings

Key Points

• Luxury transportation: Travel in a Mercedes E220 business car or minivan, with hotel pickup from Paris.
• Expert-guided visits: Guided tours of Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot cellars, including tastings of multiple Champagnes.
• Flexible high-level tasting options: Choose between Advanced, Premium, or VIP tastings at Veuve Clicquot.
• Balanced itinerary: Includes visits to Reims Cathedral and a lunch break, allowing personal time or restaurant reservations.
• All fees included: Tour price covers all taxes, fees, and bottled water, with no hidden costs.
• Small group experience: Private group setting with tiered pricing for 2-7 participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Grand Vintage Taittinger Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings: A Complete Champagne Day Trip from Paris

This 11-hour adventure offers a thorough exploration of two of the most renowned Champagne Houses, Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot, with guided cellar tours and tastings included. Priced at $802 per person, the tour promises a luxurious and informative experience, with the convenience of hotel pickup in a Mercedes. It caters to those seeking a premium experience with expert guides and the flexibility of tiered tasting options, including VIP tastings.

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it’s important to note that it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing, walking, and tasting, and is not recommended for children under 6 or wheelchair users.

The Luxury Transportation Experience in Paris and Champagne

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Paris around 7:30 AM, with a comfortable Mercedes E220 for small groups or a Mercedes Minivan for larger groups. The drive lasts approximately two hours, passing through scenic vineyard landscapes of the Champagne region. The journey includes a rest stop at a rest area, making the drive pleasant and relaxed.

Traveling in a luxury vehicle adds a special touch, ensuring a smooth and stylish start to the day. This private setup guarantees a personalized experience and flexibility throughout the day, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenery and conversation with the driver-guide.

Guided Cellars Tours at Taittinger with Champagne Tastings

The first highlight is the guided cellar tour of Taittinger, lasting 1.5 hours. During the “Linstant Gourmet” Experience, visitors are led through the cellars where the Champagne is stored and matured. The guide provides insights into Taittinger’s traditions, and the tour culminates with the tasting of two Champagne glasses: Prestige Rosé and Millésimé.

The Taittinger visit provides a detailed look at the Champagne-making process, with the opportunity to sample some of the house’s finest offerings. The size of the group is limited to 14 people, ensuring an intimate and educational experience.

Exploring Reims: Cathedral and Cultural Heritage

After the Taittinger tour, the itinerary includes a short transfer to the Reims Cathedral, a 10-minute drive away. The self-guided visit allows time to admire the Gothic architecture and learn about the French kings’ coronations held there. The cathedral’s historic significance and remarkable stained glass make it a must-see spot during the trip.

Following the cathedral visit, travelers have a lunch break in Reims. The tour offers the flexibility to explore on your own or have a restaurant reservation made in advance, allowing for a relaxed meal and some personal downtime before the afternoon activities.

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Veuve Clicquot Cellars Tour with Tiered Tasting Options

The second major stop is the Veuve Clicquot Champagne house, established in 1772. The guided tour of the cellars takes place over 1.5 hours and provides an in-depth look into the history of Veuve Clicquot and their champagne production process. The UNESCO-listed cellars are a visual highlight, showcasing the scale and craftsmanship behind over 22 million bottles produced annually.

From here, travelers can choose among three high-level tasting options:
– Advanced (“Une Seule Qualité”): Tasting of 4 cuvées including Brut Carte Jaune, Extra Brut Extra Old, and Vintage 2015 and Rosé 2015.
– Premium (“Madame Clicquot”): A 1.5-hour comparative tasting of Brut Yellow Label in Magnum and La Grande Dame 2015.
– VIP (“L’art du vieillissement”): An exclusive 2-hour tasting featuring 4 cuvées, including Vintage Brut 2015, Rosé 2015, Vintage Brut 2002 Magnum, and a Cave Privée 1990.

These options cater to different levels of interest and curiosity about Champagne aging and craftsmanship.

Return Journey and Hotel Drop-Off in Paris

The tour concludes with a departure from Veuve Clicquot around 4:30 PM, followed by a 2.5-hour drive back to Paris. Travelers are dropped off at their original accommodation by approximately 6:30 PM, completing the full-day experience.

The return trip offers a chance to unwind after a day of tasting and sightseeing, reflecting on the impressive craftsmanship behind the Champagne brands visited.

All-Inclusive Pricing and Additional Details

The price of $802 per person includes:
– All guided cellar tours and tastings at Veuve Clicquot (with tiered options),
– The Taittinger experience with 2 glasses of Champagne,
– Transportation in a luxury Mercedes vehicle,
– Visits to Reims Cathedral,
– All taxes and fees, and
– Bottled water for refreshment.

Not included are meals, drinks outside of the tastings, gratuities, and souvenirs. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later options, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Suitability and Practical Tips for the Tour

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate Luxury transport, guided cellar tours, and tasting experiences. The tiered tasting options at Veuve Clicquot allow guests to tailor the experience to their interests, especially if they are curious about vintage Champagnes or aging techniques.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as there is walking involved at the cellar and cathedral. The tour is not suitable for children under 6 or wheelchair users, so planning accordingly is advised.

Final Thoughts on the Grand Vintage Champagne Tour

This privately-guided day trip from Paris offers a luxurious and educational exploration of Champagne through visits to Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot. The combination of guided cellar tours, tiered tastings, and cultural highlights like Reims Cathedral makes it a comprehensive experience for those eager to learn about and taste Champagne.

While the full day can be quite packed, the small group setting and personalized transportation ensure comfort and intimacy. The tour’s tiered tasting options stand out as a highlight, giving guests the chance to indulge in some of the finest Champagnes in a relaxed setting.

This tour provides excellent value for Champagne enthusiasts seeking a luxury, all-inclusive day trip directly from Paris, with the convenience of hotel pickup and a curated experience of France’s most famous bubbles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup in Paris is included, starting at around 7:30 AM.

What transport is used for the trip?
The journey is in a Mercedes E220 business car for groups of 2-3 people or a Mercedes Minivan for groups of 3-7.

Can I customize the tastings at Veuve Clicquot?
Yes, there are tiered options: Advanced, Premium, and VIP, allowing you to choose the tasting experience that best suits your interest.

How long is the tour at each Champagne house?
The Taittinger cellar tour lasts 1.5 hours, and the Veuve Clicquot cellar tour is also about 1.5 hours. Tasting durations vary based on the tiered option selected.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks outside of the tastings are not included, but there is a lunch break in Reims with options to dine independently or via reservation.

What is the typical group size?
The tour is in a private group, with tiered pricing for 2 to 7 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The experience is not suitable for children under 6 years and is not accessible for wheelchair users.

How do I cancel or change my booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve now, pay later option provides flexibility.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and touring cellars and the cathedral.

Are all fees and taxes included?
Yes, all fees and taxes are covered in the tour price, with bottled water provided.

This full-day, luxury Champagne tour from Paris combines education, indulgence, and cultural sightseeing, making it an excellent choice for those wanting an in-depth taste of France’s celebrated bubbly.

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