Explore Reims and Its Champagne Heritage on a Private Day Trip

This 10-hour tour from Paris offers a taste of France’s celebrated champagne regions, visiting two renowned vineyards with guided tastings, a traditional French lunch, and a visit to the Reims Cathedral. Priced at $707 per person, the experience combines scenic countryside drives, cultural highlights, and expert insights into champagne production. The tour departs from Gare de l’Est, with high-speed train travel making the journey comfortable and time-efficient.

While this tour excels in providing a well-rounded experience, it also has a few practical considerations. It’s ideal for those who wish to explore the Reims area, enjoy premium champagne tastings, and appreciate French cuisine in a relaxed setting. However, visitors should be prepared for some physical activity, including climbing 130 steps in one of the cellars, and note that wheelchair users are not accommodated.

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Key Points

Private guided tour of two famous champagne vineyards
Includes five champagne tastings and a traditional French lunch
Visits to La Porte de Mars and the outside of Reims Cathedral
Travel by high-speed train from Paris, with private transfers to vineyards
Tour duration is 10 hours, starting at Gare de l’Est
Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues

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Starting Point at Gare de l’Est for a Convenient Departure

The tour begins at Gare de l’Est in Paris, where you meet your guide at the entrance of Burger King. From there, you board a high-speed train that transports you in just one hour to Reims, setting the pace for a day packed with sights and tastings. This efficient transfer ensures minimal travel fatigue and maximizes your time in the Champagne region.

Once in Reims, the guide leads you through the station area for a quick 15-minute overview of the city’s highlights, including the impressive La Porte de Mars. This early stop introduces guests to the city’s history before moving on to the main attractions.

Visiting the Imposing Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame

The Reims Cathedral ranks as a key highlight, with a guided tour lasting about an hour. Visitors admire its medieval architecture from the outside and learn about its significance as the site where French kings were crowned. The guide shares insights into its design and history, offering an enriching experience even for those who appreciate architecture from afar.

This iconic Gothic monument provides a striking backdrop for the day’s culture, and while the tour focuses on the exterior, the cathedral’s grandeur leaves a lasting impression.

Exploring the City of Reims and Its Historic Streets

After the cathedral visit, the group has a 20-minute break at Au Bureau, a local spot to stretch, enjoy a quick refreshment, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere of Reims. The tour then proceeds to the outskirts of the city for vineyard visits, but brief city strolls help balance the day’s activities.

There’s an opportunity to see some of Reims’ charming streets and landmarks, setting the scene for the upcoming wine experience.

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Champagne Vineyard Tours and Tasting Sessions

The core of this tour revolves around visits to two renowned champagne producers: Champagne GH Martel & Co and Champagne Mailly Grand Cru. Each vineyard offers a guided tour of the cellars lasting about an hour, during which you learn about champagne production and the unique qualities of each house.

Guests enjoy five glasses of high-quality champagne, with the guides providing background on different varieties and tasting techniques. The tasting sessions are designed to highlight the distinct flavors and craftsmanship behind each label, making this a highlight for enthusiasts and novices alike.

The visit to Champagne Mailly Grand Cru is especially notable for its location in a beautiful vineyard setting, offering a chance to breathe in the fresh country air and see the vines up close.

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Lunch at a Family-Run French Restaurant

Midday, the tour takes a scenic drive to the village of Lude, where a charming family restaurant awaits. Here, guests indulge in a traditional French lunch, enjoying local cuisine in a cozy, authentic setting. This meal provides a welcome break and a taste of regional flavors, complementing the champagne experience.

The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and home-cooked style dishes make for a relaxing and flavorful pause in the day’s schedule.

Scenic Drive Through Vineyard Countryside

Between visits, the guide takes you on a private car ride through rolling vineyards and countryside, providing scenic views and insight into how the landscape influences champagne production. The drive offers plenty of opportunities for photos and to appreciate the lush Champagne region’s beauty.

This part of the tour emphasizes the peaceful rural setting that nurtures the champagne grapes and contributes to the region’s renowned wines.

Return to Paris by High-Speed Train

After concluding the vineyard visits and enjoying the local lunch, the group heads back to Reims station for the return high-speed train to Paris. The journey takes about one hour, allowing everyone to relax and review the day’s highlights.

Back in Paris, the tour ends at Gare de l’Est, offering easy access to central locations for onward travel or evening plans.

Practical Details and Considerations

This private tour includes 7 hours of guided activities, all arranged with local guides speaking French, English, and Spanish. The price of $707 per person covers train tickets, private car transfers to vineyards, guided tours, tastings, and lunch.

Important to note: guests need to be comfortable climbing 130 steps in one of the cellars, which could pose difficulties for those with mobility limitations. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so travelers with mobility aids should consider this before booking.

The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so visitors must meet at Gare de l’Est and make their own arrangements for return travel.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Champagne Experiences

Several other tours are available, offering different focuses like full-day visits to Champagne houses, several tastings, or luxury options like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot. This tour stands out with its personalized, private format, a delicious regional lunch, and visits to two distinguished vineyards in the countryside.

While reviews note some inconsistencies—such as guide knowledge and logistical hiccups—the core experience of champagne tastings paired with cultural highlights remains a strong point. The knowledgeable guides and beautiful vineyard scenery make this a solid choice for those wanting an intimate look at Reims’ champagne scene.

Final Thoughts on the Reims Champagne Day Trip

This tour offers a balanced mix of culture, scenery, and wine, ideal for those who want a comprehensive day away from Paris. The private format ensures a tailored experience, especially with the inclusion of two vineyards and a local French lunch.

However, the price of $707 reflects a premium level of service and access. For visitors interested in champagne tasting, regional culture, and scenic countryside drives**, this trip provides a satisfying taste of the Reims area.

The experience is best suited for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers who appreciate personalized guided tours and local cuisine. Some limitations—such as the physical demands of cellar stairs and the absence of wheelchair access—are important to consider for those with mobility concerns.

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Paris: Two Reims Champagne Vineyards with Tastings and Lunch

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour price and duration?
The tour costs $707 per person and lasts 10 hours, including train travel, vineyard visits, lunch, and city sightseeing.

Where does the tour depart from?
Guests meet at Gare de l’Est in Paris, specifically at the entrance of Burger King.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include visits to two champagne vineyards, tastings of five glasses of champagne, a guided tour of Reims Cathedral, and a French lunch in a family restaurant.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes return high-speed train tickets and private car transfers to the vineyards.

Are there any physical requirements or limitations?
Guests should be prepared to climb 130 steps in one cellar. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak French, English, and Spanish.

Does the tour include a city tour of Reims?
Yes, it features a guided outside visit of Reims Cathedral and a brief overview of La Porte de Mars.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the traditional French lunch at a family restaurant is part of the package.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring or prepare?
Comfortable shoes for walking, and be aware of the cellar climb if you plan to explore cellar areas.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The physical demands and wine tastings make it less suitable for children or families with mobility restrictions.

This Reims champagne experience offers a well-rounded day combining cultural sights, scenic drives, and premium wine tastings, perfect for those wanting a private, insider look at France’s celebrated champagne region.