Champagne and Reims Tasting Day Trip From Paris

Discover the renowned Champagne region with a day trip from Paris. Enjoy the UNESCO-listed town of Reims, where you’ll tour a renowned winery, learn about the traditional Champagne-making process, and indulge in a gourmet lunch paired with regional wines. This comprehensive tour provides an in-depth introduction to the history and celebrated wines of Champagne, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the art of crafting this iconic bubbly. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this day trip promises to captivate and delight.

Key Points

• This tour offers a day trip from Paris to the renowned Champagne region, including a visit to the UNESCO-listed town of Reims and its iconic Gothic cathedral.
• Participants will tour a renowned Champagne house, learn about the traditional Champagne-making process, and enjoy a tasting of the region’s celebrated wines.
• The tour includes a gourmet three-course lunch featuring local specialties and Champagne-infused dishes, providing an immersive culinary experience.
• Due to the Olympics, hotel pickup and drop-off services are not available from July 18th to 26th, and travelers must meet at the centralized pick-up location.
• The tour is led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide, who will provide insights into the rich history and cultural significance of the Champagne region.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Paris whisks travelers to the world-famous Champagne region, where they’ll visit the UNESCO-listed town of Reims and explore its iconic Gothic cathedral, the coronation site of many French kings.

At a renowned winery, they’ll learn about the traditional Champagne-making process and taste four different varietals of exquisite Champagne.

The tour also includes a multicourse gourmet lunch of regional specialties.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, an experienced guide, and all entrance fees covered, this comprehensive day trip offers an immersive introduction to the rich history and celebrated wines of Champagne.

Inclusions

The day trip includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Tickets and access to all houses
• A 3-course gourmet lunch of regional specialties
• An experienced and knowledgeable guide
• Bottled water
• A tour of the cellars and a tasting at one of the famous Champagne houses
• A Champagne tasting

Gratuities and additional drinks or orders at the restaurant are excluded.

Due to the Olympics, the hotel pickup and drop-off services won’t be available from July 18th to 26th, and the centralized pick-up location will be at the Metro station Saint-François-Xavier in the 7th Arrondissement.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.

Exclusions

Besides the inclusions, the tour also excludes gratuities as well as any drinks and additional orders at the restaurant. While the tour provides a comprehensive experience, there are a few things not covered in the price.

Gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t included, allowing guests to tip based on their satisfaction with the service.

Any drinks ordered beyond the included Champagne tasting are an additional cost.

Guests are responsible for any extra food items or orders placed at the restaurant during the included gourmet lunch.

The tour doesn’t cover transportation to and from the central meeting point at the Saint-François-Xavier Metro station.

Meeting and Pickup

Due to the Olympics, hotel pick-up and drop-off services won’t be available from July 18th to 26th.

Travelers must instead meet at the centralized pick-up location at Metro station Saint-François-Xavier in the 7th Arrondissement.

From there, the air-conditioned vehicle will depart for the Champagne region.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, so at the end of the day, travelers will be dropped off at the same metro station.

This centralized meeting point ensures a smooth start and end to the day’s activities, allowing participants to focus on the highlights of the Champagne and Reims experience.

Champagne-Making Process

As part of the tour, travelers learn about the traditional Champagne-making process at a renowned winery. The guide provides an in-depth explanation of the intricate steps involved in crafting this iconic sparkling wine, from grape harvesting to the renowned méthode champenoise fermentation.

Guests gain insights into:

1. Grape selection and pressing to extract the precious juice.

2. The first and second fermentation processes that give Champagne its distinctive bubbles.

3. The careful aging and riddling techniques that develop the wine’s complex flavors.

4. The final disgorgement and dosage steps that balance sweetness and acidity.

This hands-on experience offers a newfound appreciation for the centuries-old traditions behind every bottle of Champagne.

Gourmet Lunch

After exploring the nuances of Champagne production, the tour includes a delectable multicourse gourmet lunch showcasing the region’s renowned culinary specialties.

Guests will indulge in a three-course feast of local delicacies. The meal might start with a creamy Champagne-infused soup or a fresh salad featuring seasonal produce.

For the main course, diners can expect hearty regional dishes like coq au vin or beef bourguignon, paired perfectly with the tour’s featured Champagne tastings.

To finish, a decadent dessert like a classic crème brûlée or a fruit tart will delight the palate.

The gourmet lunch provides a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to savor the full breadth of Champagne’s exceptional cuisine.

Notre-Dame De Reims

The tour includes a visit to the iconic Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as the coronation site for many French monarchs over the centuries.

This magnificent Gothic structure, dating back to the 13th century, is renowned for its exquisite architecture and intricate sculptural details. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s interior, admiring the stunning stained-glass windows and learning about its rich history.

The tour provides an opportunity to take in the cultural heritage of the region and gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of this architectural masterpiece.

Some key features of the Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral include:

1. Iconic Gothic architecture with flying buttresses and ornate facades.
2. Impressive collection of stained-glass windows dating back to the 13th century.
3. Site of the coronation of French kings for centuries.
4. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and historical importance.

Additional Information

Due to the Olympics, hotel pick-up and drop-off services won’t be available from July 18th to 26th. The tour meeting point is at the centralized location of Metro station Saint-François-Xavier in the 7th Arrondissement. Participants must confirm their booking at the time of reservation, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. Infants are allowed but must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Most travelers can participate, and the legal drinking age is 18 – those under 18 will be offered non-alcoholic grape juices instead. Finally, the visit to the major champagne houses is subject to availability.

Inclusion	Exclusion
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Gratuities
Air-conditioned vehicle	Drinks and additional orders at the restaurant
Tickets and access to all houses

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is not specified. The tour is open to individual travelers, though group sizes may vary. Travelers should confirm the minimum group size, if any, when booking the tour.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. Private tours offer flexibility and a personalized experience. Customers can customize the itinerary and schedule to suit their group’s preferences.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring any special equipment. The tour includes all necessary items such as tickets, transportation, and tasting glasses. Just dress comfortably and bring a camera to capture the beautiful Champagne region.

Are There Any Health Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour has certain health restrictions. Pregnant travelers and those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions are not recommended to participate. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

The tour generally has a fixed itinerary, but guests can contact the provider to inquire about customization options, such as adding or substituting activities based on their preferences, if available. However, any changes may affect the tour price.

Recap

The Champagne and Reims Tasting Day Trip from Paris offers an immersive experience in the renowned Champagne region.

Visitors will explore Reims, tour a winery, learn about Champagne-making, and enjoy a gourmet lunch and tastings.

With transportation, guided visits, and admission included, this day trip is a comprehensive and enriching way to discover the treasures of this iconic wine region.