Private Day Trip Paris to Champagne: Lunch+Tastings with Producer

Discover the Charm of a Private Champagne Day Trip from Paris

This private day trip offers an immersive experience just outside Paris, combining French gastronomy, scenic vineyard walks, and a rare Champagne tasting at a local estate. Priced at $153.57 per person and lasting approximately 7 hours, the tour provides a personalized journey through one of France’s most celebrated wine regions. The tour starts at 9:30 am from Paris, with flexible transportation options including private pickup or independent travel via train or car. The guides, Julien and Jorge, are friendly hosts who ensure a warm, private experience away from crowded tourist spots.

One notable strength of this tour is its exclusive Champagne tasting at a local producer’s estate—something rarely available to visitors. The tour also includes a delicious two-course French lunch with wine, cheese, and coffee, along with a scenic walk through the vineyards and a charming village stroll. While the tour is well-suited for those with moderate physical fitness, it offers a perfect mix of relaxation, gastronomy, and cultural discovery. A key consideration is that guides are not professional sommeliers, but their warmth and local knowledge make for an engaging experience.

Key Points

• Private Tour with personalized attention in the Champagne region
• Includes a two-course French meal with wine, cheese, and coffee
• Exclusive Champagne tasting in a local estate in Saulchery
• Scenic walk through vineyards and the French village of Saulchery
• Flexible transportation options, including private pickup or independent travel
• Duration of around 7 hours, perfect for a day trip from Paris

Convenient Travel from Paris to Champagne in Under 2 Hours

Reaching the Champagne region from Paris is straightforward, with 1 hour 25 minutes by car or direct train in 57 minutes costing around 3.30 euros. The tour starts at 11:00 am in the village of Saulchery, with options for private transport arranged either through a mid-range vehicle or self-organized travel. The train option departs from Gare de l’Est at 9:17 am or 9:49 am, leading to a pleasant 10-minute walk to the mansion. For those preferring private transport, the tour provider offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making the journey seamless.

Travelers using Uber or Uber Reserve should plan for up to 130 euros one way for four people, while renting a mid-range car costs approximately 150 euros for two days. Regardless of the chosen method, clear instructions and local tips help make the trip smooth. The location in Saulchery is easily accessible, and the tour’s flexible logistics accommodate different preferences.

Exploring the Manor and the Village of Saulchery

Upon arrival in Saulchery, the tour begins with an inspection of the 19th-century mansion, owned by Julien and Jorge. Guests explore the historic property and learn about its history, setting the tone for a personalized experience. The hosts then welcome visitors with a drink and appetizers, creating a relaxed atmosphere to start the day.

Saulchery itself is a quaint French village characterized by its traditional charm and surrounding vineyards. A scenic 1-mile walk with the hosts takes visitors through vineyards and local streets, offering a glimpse of everyday village life and the stunning scenery of the Champagne countryside. The stroll is gentle and suited for most physical fitness levels, allowing ample opportunities for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

Walking Through Champagne Vineyards and Village Streets

The vineyard walk takes place just across the street from the mansion, providing an intimate look at Champagne grape cultivation. The guides share insights into the local viticulture practices, which add depth to the experience. The scenic walk lasts about 30 minutes, and is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, scenic outing.

This part of the tour emphasizes the tradition and beauty of the Champagne landscape, with lush vines and charming farmhouses. While the walk is not strenuous, visitors should have moderate physical fitness to enjoy the stroll and explore the surroundings comfortably.

Tasting Champagne at a Local Estate in Saulchery

The highlight of the experience is the private Champagne tasting at a local producer’s estate, conducted with the hosts. The producer is a local expert, offering a close-up view of Champagne-making traditions. Guests sample different varieties directly from the estate, gaining firsthand insight into Champagne production.

This exclusive tasting lasts about an hour and is a rare opportunity to experience Champagne in an authentic, personal setting. Because the tasting occurs at a private estate, it provides a more intimate and genuine experience compared to commercial tours. No professional guiding is included—hosts share their knowledge and facilitate the tasting, but do not act as official sommeliers.

Enjoying French Cuisine and Local Flavors

Lunch is a significant part of the tour, with hosts preparing a two-course French meal that includes wine, cheese, and coffee. The gourmet meal reflects the UNESCO-listed gastronomic tradition of France, offering an authentic taste of regional cuisine. Guests are treated to a welcome drink and appetizers before the main meal, adding a social and relaxing element to the experience.

The lunch duration is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy the food, wine, and conversation. The wine served during lunch complements the meal, making it a well-rounded culinary experience.

Walking the Vineyards and Village in the Afternoon

Post-lunch, a second walk with the hosts takes guests through more of Saulchery’s streets and vineyards. This additional 30-minute stroll allows visitors to further appreciate the area’s scenic beauty and local charm. The walk traverses the vineyards and village, offering views of classic French countryside and a chance to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

This leisurely walk complements the earlier vineyard exploration, rounding out the experience with more scenic views and an authentic sense of place.

Logistics, Flexibility, and Practical Tips

The tour offers flexible transportation options to suit different preferences. Guests can choose the included private pickup or organize their own travel via train or car. For self-organized travel, detailed instructions are provided, including ticket options for the train from Gare de l’Est, with departures at 9:17 am and 9:49 am.

Travelers should note that guides are not professional sommeliers, but their warm, engaging manner and local knowledge enhance the experience. The tour ends back in Paris around 3 pm, making it a practical full-day activity with enough time for dinner or evening plans.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This experience is ideal for food and wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic, personalized Champagne experience. It suits those who prefer a relaxed pace, enjoy beautiful scenery, and want to learn about local Champagne production firsthand. The small group atmosphere and private estate visit make it appropriate for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a meaningful day outside Paris.

While it offers moderate physical activity, it remains accessible for most with average fitness levels. Travelers should be comfortable with walking and standing for parts of the day, and be prepared for a full day of cultural and gastronomic discovery.

Private Champagne Day Trip from Paris: A Personal Taste of France’s Finest

This tour emphasizes personalized attention, authentic experiences, and beautiful scenery, making it a compelling choice for visitors seeking more than a typical tourist outing. The exclusivity of the Champagne tasting, combined with delicious French cuisine and a charming village setting, creates a well-rounded adventure.

While guides are not professional sommeliers, the hosts’ warm hospitality and local insights ensure an engaging day. The flexible transport options and short travel time from Paris make this tour practical for a full day of exploration.

This private trip provides a taste of Champagne’s elegance, blending gastronomy, scenery, and local culture into a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It’s especially suited for culinary lovers and those wanting to discover Champagne in an intimate, off-the-beaten-path way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers an optional private pickup and drop-off in a mid-range vehicle or van. Alternatively, travelers can organize their own transportation using train or car.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, starting at 9:30 am from Paris and ending around 3 pm back in the city.

What is included in the price?
The price covers lunch with wine and cheese, snacks, a Champagne tasting at a local estate, a walk through vineyards and the village, and a tour of the mansion. Transportation is optional, depending on the chosen package.

Are guides professional sommeliers?
No, Julien and Jorge are ordinary hosts with general knowledge about Champagne, not professional sommeliers, but they are attentive and engaging.

Can I visit the vineyards on foot?
Yes, the tour includes a scenic walk through the vineyards just across the street from the mansion, lasting about 30 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking and some standing during vineyard strolls and the village exploration.

Do I need to book transportation in advance?
It is recommended to book UBER or train tickets in advance for the easiest experience, especially if you choose to travel independently.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour begins in Saulchery at 11:00 am, with instructions provided after booking for those organizing their own transportation.

Is there an age restriction?
Alcoholic drinks are only served to people over 18 years old.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suited for walking, with moderate physical activity in mind, is advisable.