Champagne Region Tours
Champagne:
Champagne & Vineyards
The Champagne wine region is a historic province in the northeast of France. The area is best known for the production of the sparkling white wine that bears the region's name. EU law and the laws of most countries reserve the term "Champagne" exclusively for wines that come from this region located about 100 miles (160 km) east of Paris. The viticultural boundaries of Champagne are legally defined and split into five wine producing districts within the administrative province-the Aube, Cote des Blancs, Cote de Sezanne, Montagne de Reims, and Vallee de la Marne. The towns of Reims and Epernay are the commercial centers of the area.
Located at the northern edges of the wine growing world, the history of the Champagne wine region has had a significant role in the development of this unique terroir. The area's close proximity to Paris promoted the regions economic success in its wine trade but also put the villages and vineyards in the path of marching armies on their way to the French capital. Despite the frequency of these military conflict, the regions developed a reputation for quality wine production in the early Middle Ages and was able to continue that reputation as the region's producers began making sparkling wine with the advent of the great Champagne houses in the 17th and 18th century. The principal grapes grown in the region include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in the Aube region and grows very well in Montagne de Reims. Pinot Meunier is the dominant grape in the Vallee de la Marne region. The Cote des Blancs is dedicated almost exclusively to Chardonnay
Dom Perignon at Hautvillers
Hautvillers, was founded in 658 and is known as being the cradle of Champagne. At the age of 28 years old Dom Perignon was appointed cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers. He is often attributed with the invention of Champagne, even if there are earlier recorded instances of the production of sparkling wines by the Champagne method. Dom Perignon is the prestige cuvée of the giant Moët et Chandon Champagne house. It is named after the famous monk, who was the most important early influence in the development of Champagne into the sparkling wine we know today. It was not the first Champagne to use his name, as early in the last century small proprietaire-recoltants (farmer-growers) at Hautvillers, employed it for their wine. Unfortunately for them they did not register the name, Dom Perignon, as a trademark.
Reims
Reims has 4 UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic art, the Cathedral of Our Lady was started in 1211. It was the cathedral of coronations for French kings in memory of the baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi, probably on Christmas Day 498. The left portal on the west front carries the famous Smiling Angel statue.
Tau Palace
The former Archbishop's Palace was built by Mansart and Robert
de Cote in 1690. Today, it houses the cathedral's museum with
tapestries, sculptures and artifacts from the kings' coronations.
The Salle du Tau, once used as a banqueting hall after coronations,
is most noteworthy.
Saint-Remi Basilica
It is the largest Romanesque pilgrimage church in northern France. It was built as a shrine to Saint Remi. The nave was consecrated in 1049 whereas the apse was built in the late 12th century and is an example of early Gothic style.
Saint-Remi Museum
The famous Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Remi, the shrine of the Holy Ampula used for French kings' coronations, is a magnificent building in the classical style. It now houses the city's Museum of History and Archeology with impressive collections from Prehistory to the Renaissance as well as a large military history section. 12th-13th centuries chapter house.
Epernay
Epernay is at the heart of the world's most prestigious vineyards. 20,000 hectares of vineyards stretch all around you, whilst under your feet lie 200 million bottles of champagne ageing in 120 kilometers of cellars carved out of the chalk soil over hundreds of years. The most famous champagne producers amongst the many grand houses and mansions lining the Avenue de Champagne allow Epernay justly to lay claim to the coveted title of the Capital of Champagne.
Champagne Notes
Visit the Cellars at Moet
Moet et Chandon
Moet et Chandon can trace its history back to 1743 when it was established in Epernay by Claude Moet, a wine trader descended from an old family resident in the Champagne region since the 14th century. In the company's archives can be seen an invoice of 1743 when Moet shipped Champagne to Paris for t he first time. The real rise of Champagne was in the reign of Louis XV and became a favorite for romantic suppers for the king and his favorites, including Madame de Pompadour. Moet et Chandon expanded and its Champagne was shipped to new markets: From 1750 to England, then Germany, Spain, Russia, America, Poland, and Bohemia in 1791
In 1794 Claude Moet bought the walls and the vineyards of the former Abbey of Hautvillers, the same Abbey where Dom Perignon founded the method for producing Champagne. Hautvillers is a charming flower-filled wine village with sweeping views of the Marne River valley, and the Abbey has now been converted into a museum describing the process of making Champagne.
Overnight Tours
We plan overnight packages to arrive by TGV in Reims and stay over the first night and return the next day to maximize your time. We can of course pick you up from Paris however it very much depends on the kind of tour you are looking for and the availability of our guides.
Champagne Tours to Reims and Epernay from Paris
Epernay, Reims and Chalons-sur Marne are the three towns most associated with the great Champagne Houses who give tastings and tours of their cellars. Epernay dominates the industry with its Rue de Champagne and premier producers: Moet et Chandon, Perrier Jouet, and Pol Roger.
All private tours are customized to make sure you get the most out of your visit to Champagne.
Want to arrange your trip to Champange on your own and arrive by car or TGV train. No problem. One of our great English speaking guides will meet you there. We offer both private and semi private afternoon tours. More Details
Inquiry Form for Private Tours
Scheduled Classic Day Tours
Visit Reims, capital of Champagne, and city where most Kings of France were crowned. Then Moet et Chandon in Epernay & Avenue de Champagnes.
more details
111€ pp
Classic Coach Tour - Duration: 10 hrs
April 1st to October 31st:
Departure: 7.45 am on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday + saturday from May 1st to October 30th
November 1st to March 31st:
Departure 7.45 am on Friday (+ Tuesday on November, December and March)
Orientation tour of Reims
Visit Mumm Cellars + Tasting
Visit to Moët & Chandon + Tasting
111€pp Secure Online Booking
Enjoy a drive to Reims, capital city of the Champagne region, but also the city of coronations where most of the Kings of France were crowned. Enjoy an orientation tour of Reims including a guided visit of the gothic cathedral followed by a guided visit of "Mumm" champagne "Caves"
Free time for lunch on your own.
In the afternoon we visit Epernay and the prestigious wine cellars of "Moët & Chandon"* and a Champagne tasting.
Return Paris around 6.30 PM.
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Semi Private Guided Tour by Mini Van Duration: 10 1/2hrs
Departures : From April 1st to October 31st: departure 7:30am Everyday except Sunday. From November 1st to March 31st: departure 7:30am Wednesday and Saturday.
Reims Cathedral Visit to Champagne House Visit and Tasting Moët & Chandon cellars
Our minibus will follow the Champagne Route through the heart of champagne country to discover the history and secrets of the mythic drink.
The morning tour begins in the city of Reims, capital of the Champagne region where you will visit the famous Reims Cathedral for guided tour around this gothic masterpiece, where kings of France were crowned.
In the morning, vine growing work is explained before a visit to a local grower situated close to Epernay where you will see the press, vats, stored bottles, and learn about the key stages in making champagne, followed by a tasting session (one glass of champagne).
Lunch at Epernay followed by a traditional set menu (drinks included).
In the afternoon we take you to visit the wine cellars of a world famous champagne maker, Moet & Chandon* where the grape harvest and wine-making process is explained before a visit to the cellars and discussion of the history of the brand and insight into the making of this prestigious label. This is followed by a final free champagne tasting.
Return to Paris via the Marne Valley.
Hotel Pick up and drop off, entrance tickets, lunch and scheduled tastings included.
* or equivalent if unavailable
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Scheduled Vineyard Day Tours
The only scheduled tour which offers an in depth visit to a vineyard. Small groups with transfers by minivan. Tastings and lunch included. Harvest tours sell out 30 days in advance.
more details
Semi Private Guided Tour - Max 7 persons
Daily Departures at 7:30am from your hotel or apartment
To book this tour use the Inquiry Form above.
Available as a customized private tour .
Cost : 169€pp
On this tour you will meet a wine grower, have a traditional French lunch, visit the UNESCO cathedral in Reims and visit a prestigious champagne cellar.
Highlights of your day include :
Hot and cold drinks, croissants, newspapers offered on board.
10:30am Discovery of Champagne vineyard around Reims. Once in the vineyard, the guide will explain the Champagne soil, the three main grape varieties in Champagne, the vines through the seasons from pruning in winter to ripening and harvest in autumn. Followed by a visit and a wine tasting in a small champagne producer.
12:30pm Traditional French lunch in a restaurant in Reims.
2:00pm Guided tour of the Reims cathedral, a gothic masterpiece where the kings of France used to be crowned.
3:30pm : Guided visit of one of the most famous champagne houses in Reims and its underground chalk cellar (Taittinger, Veuve Cliquot, Ruinart) to discover step by step technical wine making "from grape to champagne" through pressing, first fermentation, blending, bottling, second fermentation, remuage, disgorgement, corking and finally labeling. A glass of champagne will be served at the end of this tour.
5:00pm Depart Reims.
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Private Discovery Tour
With a private tour you can select the champagne houses you would like to visit and the restaurants where you want to eat. We can focus on large producers, small or mid size producers or a combination so you can get a sense of the difference. Here are a few options below.
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Grand Tour - Reims & Epernay - 3 tastings
Moet Chandon cellar tour and tasting Tasting in Hautvillers and Tastings at small producers in Reims.
After an hour on the highway heading East from paris, you will take the picturesque Route du Champagne that winds through the vineyards and crosses the villages where Champagne has been produced for centuries. Champagne is home to the fabled drink, with over 19,000 producers.
En route we stop at Chatillon sur Marne for coffee and croissant and see the 25 meter high statue of Pope Urban II from where we have a magnificent panoramic view of the Marne Valley.
1st Stop : We arrive in Epernay where we will do a cellar tour and tasting at the world famous Moet et Chandon on the Avenue de Champagnes or Dom Perignon (DP charges 75euro per person for a private visit).
2nd Stop : As an interesting comparison you will then visit Hautvillers, a picturesque village and home to Dom Perignon, where you will do a multi-tasting of 3 champagnes and a ratafia at a small family producer.
Lunch :We will be pleased to make recommendations to suit all budgets from a picnic to lunch at Les Crayeres.
3rd Stop : A little more than an 30 minutes north is Reims where you will do a final 3rd tasting and end the day with a visit to one of France's great Gothic cathedrals.
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Sommelier's Choice
On these tours you will taste the difference and learn how to identify different Champagne styles. You will be guided by a driver/sommelier who will give you insight into the different grape varieties and lead you on a journey of discovery into the heart of Champagne. These tours are for those wanting in depth expertise at hand, multiple tastings or interested in purchasing.
more details
The principal grapes grown in the region include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in the Aube region and grows very well in the Montagnes de Reims. Pinot Meunier is the dominant grape in the Valley de la Marne. The Cote des Blancs is dedicated to Chardonnay and adds fruitiness to an assemblage. On these tours you will taste the difference and learn how to identify the Champagne style you like
Varietals Tasting Route - 3 producer visits
Pick up 7:45am
En route we stop at Chatillon sur Marne for or Panoramic view of Marne Valley and explanation of Terroir and see the 25 meter high statue of Pope Urban II from where we have a magnificent panoramic view of the Marne Valley and explanation of the terroir.
Morning Tastings - Blancs de Blancs
9:45 Tastings visit at a small family cellar such as Ch. Charpentier
11:30 Quick visit in Hautvillers to visit or a 6 Champagne tasting in the cellar of a Champagne Merchant in Epernay
12:30 Lunch : Cave a la Champagne
Option 1 - Marne Valley
12:30 Lunch at Cave a la Champagne (optional Food & Champagne Pairing Menu)
14:30 Stay in Epernay for a cellar tour and tasting at the world famous Moet et Chandon on the Avenue de Champagnes or Dom Perignon (75euro per person for a private visit).
Option 2 - Montaigne de Reims
12:30 Lunch : Les Boulingrins or Maison de Vignerons
14:30 3rd cellar visit and tasting Veuve Cliquot or Taittinger or with many months advance notice Ruinart and end the day if time for a quick visit to one of France's great Gothic cathedrals.
16:00 Return to Paris
Optional 5th Stop on request: Additional hour for a Grand Cru Tasting : Blanc de Blanc Chouilly or Avize
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Grand Cru Route - 4 producer visits
Pick up 7:45am
En route to Champange you will make a 15 min stop in Chatillon for a panoramic view of the Marne Valley and explanation of Terroir.
Morning Tastings - Blancs de Blancs
Option 1
9:45 2 Grand Cru Tastings in the Blanc de Blanc region
Option 2
9:45 1 Grand Cru Tastings in the Blanc de Blanc region + 6 Champagne Tasting visit in the cellar of a Wine Merchant with possibility to buy.
12:00 Lunch at Cave a la Champagne (optional Food & Champagne Pairing Menu)
Afternoon Tastings - Marne Valley
14:00 2 Grand Cru Tastings - in Ay and Avize
15:45 Quick visit to Hautvillers to see the grave and abbey of Dom Perignon
16:00 Return Paris
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