Paris: Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tour by Mercedes

Exclusive Champagne Experience: Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot by Mercedes

This 11.5-hour private tour offers a sophisticated journey through the Champagne region with visits to Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house founded in 1729, and Veuve Clicquot, established in 1772. For $802 per person, guests enjoy guided cellar tours, grand vintage tastings, and a scenic drive in a Mercedes E220 or minivan, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

The tour’s highlights include premium tastings at Veuve Clicquot—ranging from 4 cuvées to a 4-hour “La Grande Dame” experience—and a self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral. While the trip is well-paced and offers expert-led visits, it’s best suited for those who appreciate gastronomy, history, and scenic landscapes.

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Key Points

• Luxury private transport in Mercedes E220 or minivan for 2-7 guests
• Guided cellar tours at Ruinart (since 1729) and Veuve Clicquot (since 1772)
• Grand vintage tastings with options for different levels of exclusivity
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris for convenience
• Self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame
• Tour duration of 11.5 hours, starting early in the morning

Journey from Paris to Reims in Style

The experience begins with a hotel pickup in Paris at 07:30, where guests are transported in a luxurious Mercedes. The drive lasts about 2 hours, passing through picturesque champagne landscapes and vineyards. A quick rest stop is made along the way, giving a chance to stretch and enjoy the scenery before arriving in Reims around 10:00.

This comfortable transfer ensures a relaxed start, with scenic views fueling anticipation for the day ahead. The early departure also provides ample time to explore champagne houses without feeling rushed, making it ideal for those who value both comfort and efficiency.

Guided Tour at Ruinart’s Historic Cellars

The first major stop is the Ruinart Champagne House, the oldest in the region. The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours and includes visits to UNESCO-listed underground cellars. Guests learn about Ruinart’s history dating back to 1729 and watch the champagne aging process firsthand.

The tasting session at Ruinart features 2 glasses of champagne, enabling a refined appreciation of the house’s signature styles. The experience emphasizes the heritage and craftsmanship behind each bottle, making it a highlight for enthusiasts of history and traditional production methods.

Personal Time for Lunch in Reims

Following the Ruinart tour, guests have about 1.5 hours for lunch in Reims. The tour offers the flexibility to explore on their own or have a restaurant reservation arranged. Reims is famed for its gastronomic scene, so this break allows guests to enjoy local cuisine or relax before the afternoon visits.

This period is perfect for soaking in the city’s atmosphere, shopping, or browsing local shops. The tour’s flexibility ensures guests can tailor this time to their preferences, whether they want a quick meal or a leisurely break.

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Self-Guided Visit to Reims Cathedral

At 14:10, the tour includes a self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame, a historic site where most French kings were crowned. The cathedral’s impressive façade and interior are notable, offering a glimpse into France’s regal past.

This stop is brief—around 30 minutes—but provides a meaningful cultural experience. It’s a chance to admire Gothic architecture and reflect on France’s royal history before heading to Veuve Clicquot.

Guided Tour and Tasting at Veuve Clicquot

At approximately 14:15, the group departs for Veuve Clicquot, where a guided tour lasts about 2 hours. The cellars, listed by UNESCO, reveal the history and production behind one of the world’s largest champagne brands.

Guests can select from multiple tasting options, each offering different levels of exclusivity. The basic “Une Seule Qualite” features four cuvées, including Vintage 2015 and Rosé 2015. The “Madame Clicquot” option compares Brut Yellow Label in Magnum with La Grande Dame 2015. For a more in-depth experience, the “L’art du vieillissement” offers a 2-hour tasting of vintage and aged cuvées, and the “La Grande Dame” package provides a 4-hour exploration with tastings of three cuvées and a vineyard visit.

This flexible selection makes it possible to indulge in a deeper appreciation of champagne craftsmanship suited to individual interests and budgets.

Scenic Drive Back to Paris

After the Veuve Clicquot visit, the group departs around 16:30 for the 2.5-hour drive back to Paris. The journey offers a relaxing opportunity to reflect on the day’s highlights while enjoying the luxurious transport.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Paris around 19:00, making it a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.

Practicalities and Inclusions

This tour includes all fees and taxes, bottled water, and a guided cellar tour with tastings tailored to your chosen option. The Mercedes E220 is available for 2-3 guests, while a minivan suits groups of 3-7.

The hotel pickup and drop-off add convenience, especially for those preferring to avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or arranging separate transfers. The tour is private, providing a more personalized experience.

Considerations and Limitations

The tour does not include meals or drinks beyond the tastings, so guests should plan accordingly. It’s not suitable for children under 6 years or wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities and venue access.

The tour operates on a tiered pricing system, which may affect the overall cost depending on the chosen tastings and experiences. Notably, if a visit to one of the Champagne houses is unavailable on the scheduled date, an alternative or higher-level experience is offered, with free cancellation options.

Why This Champagne Day Trip Stands Out

This tour’s combination of historic cellars, grand tastings, and scenic drives makes it an attractive choice for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The luxury transport and private group setting ensure comfort and exclusivity.

The flexibility in tasting options and inclusion of Reims Cathedral add cultural depth to the experience. While it’s a full-day commitment, the well-paced itinerary balances guided visits with free time and scenic drives.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is perfect for those with a passion for champagne, history buffs, and luxury travelers who appreciate personalized service. It suits guests seeking an exclusive, educational, and scenic day outside Paris, with the convenience of hotel pickup and private transport.

For visitors who prefer a rundown of Champagne’s most historic houses in a single day, this tour offers a refined and memorable option. However, it may be less suitable for families with young children or travelers needing full accessibility.

Final Thoughts on the Champagne Tour by Clewel Travel

The Paris: Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tour offers a luxurious and detailed exploration of the Champagne region in a private setting. The inclusion of guided cellar tours, varied tastings, and scenic drives provides a well-rounded experience that appeals to those eager to learn and indulge.

While the cost is premium, the comfort and personalization justify the price. The flexibility in tasting options and hotel pickup make it a convenient choice, especially for visitors seeking a seamless, high-end day trip from Paris.

This tour delivers value for champagne aficionados and anyone looking for a luxury escape to France’s most celebrated wine region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes guided cellar visits, tastings according to the chosen option, Mercedes transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, all fees and taxes, and bottled water.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 11.5 hours, starting early in the morning and returning around 19:00.

Can I choose different tasting options?
Yes, there are several tasting options, ranging from 4 cuvées to 4-hour premium tastings, allowing customization based on your interests.

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

What are the transportation arrangements?
Guests are transported luxuriously in a Mercedes E220 for small groups or a minivan for larger groups, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

What stops are included during the day?
Stops include Ruinart’s underground cellars, Reims city for lunch, Reims Cathedral, and Veuve Clicquot’s cellars.

Is the visit to Reims Cathedral guided?
No, the Reims Cathedral is a self-guided stop, lasting about 30 minutes.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but guests have time to dine in Reims independently.

What happens if a Champagne house is unavailable on my date?
An alternative or higher-level experience is offered free of charge if scheduling conflicts arise.

How do I book or cancel this tour?
You can reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your plans.

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