GRAND VINTAGE Moet et Chandon Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings

Planning a day trip from Paris that combines luxury, history, and authentic champagne tasting? This private tour to the Champagne region promises precisely that, offering a blend of world-famous champagne tastings, picturesque villages, and historic sites. We’ve gathered all the juicy details so you can decide if this experience hits the right notes for your trip.

What we love about this tour? First, the comfort and style of traveling in a Mercedes Mercedes E220 or Minivan makes the day feel special right from the start. Second, the carefully curated visits to Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, two giants in the champagne world, give you a genuine insider look into champagne making, coupled with guided tastings.

A potential consideration? The tour’s hefty price tag—$793.65 per person—is certainly an investment. It’s worth considering whether the costs align with your interest in premium experiences and private transportation. It’s more suited for those who value comfort, expert insights, and a comprehensive look at the region rather than a budget-friendly outing.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a luxury experience with a focus on champagne and cultural sights. It’s ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate detailed guided visits, or those celebrating special occasions and looking to indulge in style.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Travel comfortably in a Mercedes, with hotel pickup, ensuring a smooth start and end to your day.
• Expertly Guided Cellar Tours: Choose from two high-level experiences at Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, with insightful guided tastings.
• Historic and Scenic Stops: Visit the Reims Cathedral, a site of coronations, and the charming Hautvillers village famed for Dom Perignon.
• Authentic Champagne Tastings: Sample top cuvées, with options ranging from classic to aged vintages, paired with cheeses.
• Flexible Itinerary: The tour includes free time for lunch in Épernay and optional restaurant reservations.
• All-Inclusive Value: Entrance fees, bottled water, and travel are covered, making the day worry-free.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Pickup and Departure from Paris

Your day begins bright and early at 7:30 am with hotel pickup—no need to worry about figuring out transportation. The two-hour drive to Champagne is part of the experience, with scenic views of vineyards and rolling hills along the way. Having a private driver means you can relax and enjoy the countryside without the hassle of public transit or self-driving. One stop at a rest area offers a quick break to stretch and take photos.

Moët & Chandon Experience

Arriving around 10 am in Epernay, the heart of Champagne production, you’ll dive into guided cellar tours at the iconic Moët & Chandon. This house produces more than one bottle of champagne every second, a staggering fact that highlights its global influence.

The two available experiences — the “Grand Vintage” and “Moët Collection” — are designed to suit different preferences. The Grand Vintage experience, limited to 10 guests, offers a closer look at vintage champagnes like the Blanc and Rosé. Meanwhile, the Moët Collection provides a slightly more exclusive tasting of 6 guests, emphasizing vintage and collection cuvées.

During the tour, you’ll walk through underground cellars, where bottles age in the cool, dark depths—an experience that’s both visually impressive and educational. The guided tastings feature two glasses of champagne, allowing you to savor and compare the nuances of different vintages. One reviewer noted that “every second one bottle of Moët et Chandon Champagne is being opened,” underlining its vast scale.

Lunch and Exploration in Épernay

After the tasting, you’re free to explore Épernay, famous as the Champagne Capital of France. The Avenue of Champagne is lined with historic houses, boutiques, and cafes. We recommend taking time to stroll and soak in the lively yet elegant atmosphere. You can opt for a restaurant reservation, which is a thoughtful service offered by the tour, or simply enjoy the local vibe with a picnic or quick snack.

Hautvillers and Dom Perignon

A short drive brings you to Hautvillers, a village synonymous with champagne’s history. Here, you can visit the Abbaye Saint-Pierre, founded in 665, where Dom Perignon perfected champagne-making techniques. The abbey’s church and the panoramic viewpoint over vineyards offer great photo opportunities and a sense of stepping back into the roots of modern champagne.

The viewpoint provides sweeping vistas over the rolling vineyards and the Marne River, making it a highlight for anyone wanting a picture-perfect moment. One reviewer appreciated the “best panoramic views,” describing it as a “must-see stop.”

Veuve Clicquot Cellars and Tastings

Next, your journey takes you to Veuve Clicquot, established in 1772. As one of the biggest champagne producers, this house offers impressive cellar tours with insightful guides explaining the champagne-making process and history.

The tour offers two options: the “Une Seule Qualite” tasting, featuring four cuvées, or the “Art of Aging” experience, which dives deeper into vintage and aged champagnes, paired with cheeses. The guided cellar walk and tasting are often highlighted as the trip’s most memorable part. One guest raved that the guides’ knowledge made the visit stand out.

Reims Cathedral

The day concludes with a self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned for centuries. The cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance make it a fitting end to the trip. It’s only a 5-minute drive, so you can take your time exploring before heading back to Paris.

Return to Paris

By 8 pm, you’ll be back in your hotel, tired but enriched with a deeper understanding of champagne’s craftsmanship, history, and the beautiful landscapes that produce it. The two-hour ride offers a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights and share photos.

Evaluating the Cost and Value

At nearly $800 per person, this experience isn’t cheap. But it includes private transportation, expert-guided cellar tours, tastings, and all fees—an all-in package that removes the guesswork and stress of planning. For champagne enthusiasts, this level of access and comfort makes the price feel justified, especially when considering the quality and exclusivity of the tastings.

One review noted, “It was a great way to see outside of Paris and enjoy champagne at the same time,” emphasizing the value of combining sightseeing with tastings in a private setting. The small group sizes and guided experiences are a big plus, ensuring personalized attention and a richer understanding of champagne production.

Who Will Love this Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want to indulge in luxury and learning—wine lovers, special occasion travelers, or anyone looking to treat themselves. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate guided expert insights and comfortable transportation. If you’re someone who prefers self-guided tours or has a tighter budget—this might be too premium.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is part of the tour, making it easy and convenient to start your day.

What are the available tasting options?
You can choose between two high-level experiences at both Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, focusing on vintage and collection champagnes with guided tastings.

How long is the drive from Paris to Champagne?
The journey takes about 2 hours each way, with scenic views along the way.

Can children participate?
Children under 18 can join the cellar tours but must be 18 or older for tastings.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience with dedicated attention.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all relevant entrance fees for the cellars, cathedral, and viewpoints are included.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Expect about 2 hours at Moët & Chandon, 1.5 hours in Épernay, 30 minutes at Hautvillers, and 2 hours at Veuve Clicquot.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, but the tour can reserve a restaurant for you or you can plan your own.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and a sense of curiosity about Champagne!

Final Thoughts

This private Champagne day trip from Paris offers an ideal blend of elegance, education, and authentic local flavor. Traveling in style, you’ll visit iconic champagne houses, explore historic villages, and admire stunning vineyard views—all in a comfortable, small-group setting. It’s a memorable way to elevate a trip to France, especially if you’re passionate about champagne or celebrating a special occasion.

While the price is on the high side, the inclusions of private transport, expert-guided tours, and premium tastings make it a solid value for connoisseurs and aficionados. If you’re after a luxurious, all-encompassing day in Champagne that combines culture and bubbles, this tour is hard to beat.

In summary, this tour is best for those who want a premium experience with expert insights and enjoy the comfort of private transportation. It’s worth the splurge if you’re looking to indulge in the finest champagnes while exploring a region full of history and charm. For travelers who cherish memorable, well-organized outings and are eager to learn about champagne’s story, this trip hits all the right notes.