Champagne Area Small-Group Tour Including A Top Champagne House & Family Winery

Visiting the prestigious Champagne region is a must for any true wine enthusiast. This small-group tour from Paris offers an immersive experience, showcasing the area’s renowned estates and charming villages. Guests will venture into the historic cellars of Moët and Chandon, savor fine Champagne during exclusive tastings, and explore the birthplace of Champagne, Hautvillers. With a knowledgeable local guide providing in-depth insights, this personalized tour promises a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich heritage and winemaking traditions. Whether you’re a Champagne connoisseur or simply seeking an unforgettable day trip, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

Tour the iconic Moët and Chandon cellars in Epernay and learn about their Champagne-making traditions.
Sample a variety of premium Champagnes at renowned houses, gaining insight into their unique flavors and production methods.
Visit the charming village of Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne, and see the tomb of the legendary Dom Pérignon.
Explore the historic and magnificent Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Experience a personalized, small-group tour with a knowledgeable local guide, allowing for in-depth discussions and a flexible, immersive Champagne adventure.

Full-day Champagne Region Tour

This full-day Champagne region tour from Paris takes visitors on an in-depth exploration of the renowned winemaking area.

Guests will journey by air-conditioned minivan to discover the iconic Champagne houses and picturesque villages that define this celebrated wine region.

The small group size, capped at 8 participants, ensures a more personalized and intimate experience.

During the tour, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the underground cellars of Moët and Chandon in Epernay and savor the flavors of top Champagne houses.

Plus, the itinerary includes a visit to the charming village of Hautvillers, known as the birthplace of Champagne, and the magnificent Reims Cathedral.

Small-Group Tour Experience

The small group size ensures a more personalized and intimate Champagne region experience for guests. Travelers can expect attentive guidance from the tour’s knowledgeable local guide throughout the day’s activities.

With a maximum of 8 participants, the small-group format provides an opportunity for in-depth discussions and the ability to ask questions. This allows guests to gain a deeper understanding of the Champagne-making process and the history of the region.

The intimate group size also enables more flexibility, allowing the guide to cater to the specific interests and pace of the group. The small-group design creates a relaxed and immersive Champagne adventure tailored to the needs of each participant.

Transportation From Paris

Departing from Paris, guests are transported to the Champagne region via an air-conditioned minivan for the full-day tour.

The comfortable vehicle provides a convenient and efficient way to reach the renowned Champagne houses and vineyards. The journey takes approximately an hour, allowing travelers to relax and prepare for the exciting day ahead.

The tour includes the following transportation features:

Return transportation from Paris
Air-conditioned minivan with a maximum of 8 participants
Direct transport to the heart of the Champagne region
Seamless transfers between the various Champagne landmarks and tastings

This efficient transportation ensures a stress-free experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the rich history and world-renowned wines of the Champagne region.

Moet and Chandon Cellars

Guests explore the renowned Moet and Chandon Champagne cellars in Epernay, discovering the exquisite craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most iconic Champagne houses.

They’ll venture underground into the labyrinth of dimly-lit chalk cellars, where millions of bottles age to perfection. The tour showcases Moet’s time-honored traditions, from grape harvesting to the intricate process of riddling and disgorgement.

Guests learn how the blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes creates Moet’s signature taste. They’ll even have the chance to taste some of Moet’s premier cuvees, savoring the crisp, elegant bubbles that have made this Champagne house a global phenomenon.

Champagne Tastings at Houses

After exploring the Moet and Chandon cellars, the tour then takes guests to experience champagne tastings at a top champagne house, such as Moet & Chandon, Mercier, or Taittinger.

Here, visitors can sample a variety of the house’s finest champagnes, learning about the unique flavors, aromas, and production methods that make these wines so exceptional.

The tasting typically includes:

A brut champagne, the classic style known for its crisp, dry finish.
A rosé champagne, with its delicate pink hue and delightful fruit-forward notes.
A vintage champagne, showcasing the characteristics of a particular year’s harvest.
A prestige cuvée, the producer’s most premium and sought-after champagne.

Champagne Tastings at Producer

The tour then takes visitors to a family-owned champagne producer, where they can sample a range of the estate’s own champagnes.

Here, guests have the opportunity to appreciate the unique characteristics and production methods that distinguish these smaller, artisanal champagne houses from the larger, more well-known brands.

The family producer offers a more intimate and personalized tasting experience, allowing guests to engage directly with the winemakers and learn about the traditions and attention to detail that go into crafting these exceptional sparkling wines.

This exclusive access to a family-run operation provides a deeper understanding of the Champagne region’s rich heritage and the dedication of its producers.

Tomb of Dom Perignon

Though largely credited with the invention of champagne, Dom Pérignon‘s tomb stands as a humble reminder of the monk’s modest life and dedication to his craft. During the Champagne region tour, guests will have the opportunity to visit the village of Hautvillers and see the final resting place of this legendary figure.

The tomb itself is a simple affair, lacking the grandeur one might expect for such an influential historical figure. However, this simplicity serves to highlight the following key facts about Dom Pérignon:

He was a Benedictine monk who spent much of his life perfecting the art of winemaking in the Champagne region.

He’s widely recognized as the individual who developed the méthode champenoise, the process that creates the iconic effervescence of champagne.

Despite his significant contributions, Dom Pérignon remained humble and unassuming throughout his life.

Visiting his tomb provides a poignant reminder of the human story behind the renowned champagne we enjoy today.

Reims Cathedral Visit

During the Champagne region tour, visitors will also explore the historic Reims Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that has witnessed centuries of French history.

This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture, including its ornate façade, intricate stained glass windows, and grand interior.

Visitors will have the opportunity to wander through the cathedral’s halls, admiring the fine examples of medieval craftsmanship that adorn the walls and columns.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, the Reims Cathedral is a must-see highlight of the Champagne region tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on guided tours. The tour package typically includes champagne tastings, but does not provide meals. Participants are expected to purchase food and drinks during the tour.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is the same for all participants, regardless of age. Travelers should plan accordingly when booking the tour.

How Long Is the Drive From Paris to the Champagne Region?

The drive from Paris to the Champagne region typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions. The tour provides round-trip transportation from Paris to the Champagne area in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan.

Can I Purchase Additional Bottles of Champagne During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional bottles of champagne during the tour. Many of the champagne houses offer the opportunity to buy bottles after the tastings, allowing guests to take home their favorite champagnes.

Are the Champagne Houses Wheelchair Accessible?

The champagne houses are generally wheelchair accessible, though accessibility may vary between different sites. Visitors should check with the tour operator or champagne houses in advance to ensure accommodations for any mobility requirements.