Reims, the heart of Champagne country, offers a captivating blend of history and winemaking excellence. The Veuve Clicquot and Family-Run Winery Day Tour & Lunch promises an immersive journey through this storied region. Guests can expect a guided exploration of Reims, a behind-the-scenes look at the renowned Veuve Clicquot cellars, and a scenic drive along the iconic Avenue de Champagne. But the true highlight may just be the intimate lunch experience at the family-run winery, Le Clos Corbier, where the unique champagnes and local cuisine come together in a delightful celebration of the region’s rich heritage.
Key Points
- Comprehensive champagne experience in Reims, including a tour of the Veuve Clicquot champagne house, a visit to Hautvillers, and a 105-minute lunch at a family-run winery.
- Guided drive through the historic city center of Reims, showcasing the iconic Notre Dame de Reims and the city’s rich history and cultural significance.
- 1.5-hour tour of the Veuve Clicquot cellars, with a tasting of 4 emblematic cuvées, providing insights into the champagne-making process.
- Scenic drive through the Champagne region, including a stop in Hautvillers, the birthplace of champagne, and a visit to the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay.
- Lunch at Le Clos Corbier, a family-run winery, featuring homemade regional specialties and multiple tastings of the family’s unique champagne offerings.
Tour Overview
This Reims tour offers a comprehensive champagne experience, covering the historic city of Reims, the iconic Veuve Clicquot champagne house, and a visit to a family-run winery.
Priced from $335.15 per person, the 7.5-hour tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants and conducted in English.
With free cancellation up to 7 days in advance, the experience starts at Reims Central Train Station.
Highlights include a guided drive through Reims, tours of Veuve Clicquot’s cellars and a family winery, and a 105-minute lunch at a local restaurant.
Achieving an impressive 4.8/5 rating from previous customers, this tour provides an immersive exploration of Champagne’s history and traditions.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a guided drive through the historic city center of Reims, showcasing notable landmarks like the iconic Notre Dame de Reims cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors then head to the famed Veuve Clicquot champagne house for a 1.5-hour tour of the historic cellars and a tasting of four emblematic cuvées.
The journey continues to the birthplace of champagne, Hautvillers, where they’ll visit the church where Dom Pérignon is buried.
After a scenic drive along the prestigious Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, guests enjoy a 105-minute lunch at a family-run winery, Le Clos Corbier, sampling homemade regional specialties and various champagnes.
City Exploration
The guided tour begins with a drive through the historic city center of Reims.
Your guide takes you past the iconic Notre Dame de Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Gothic architecture.
As you explore the city, you’ll learn about its rich history and the role it played in French culture.
The tour provides an opportunity to see the city’s highlights, giving you a well-rounded understanding of Reims before delving into the world of champagne.
This initial city exploration sets the stage for the immersive champagne experience that follows.
Champagne House Visit
After the city exploration, the tour proceeds to the iconic Veuve Clicquot champagne house.
Participants will embark on a 1.5-hour tour of the renowned cellars, where they’ll discover the brand’s rich history and sample 4 of its emblematic cuvées.
If the Veuve Clicquot visit is unavailable, a similar champagne house will be visited instead.
The tour provides an immersive champagne experience, allowing visitors to:
- Explore the Veuve Clicquot cellars and learn about the brand’s heritage.
- Indulge in 4 tastings of the house’s signature champagne varieties.
- Gain insights into the champagne-making process.
- Appreciate the art of artisanal champagne production.
Vineyard Experience
Following the champagne house visit, the tour takes participants on a scenic drive through the Champagne region.
The first stop is the village of Hautvillers, the birthplace of champagne and the resting place of Dom Pérignon. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the local church where this legendary figure is buried.
The tour then continues along the picturesque Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, home to prestigious champagne estates.
This scenic journey provides a glimpse into the heart of the Champagne appellation, setting the stage for the upcoming visit to a family-run winery.
Family-Run Winery
Typically, the tour then proceeds to the family-run winery of Le Clos Corbier in Mareuil-sur-Ay. Guests enjoy a 105-minute lunch featuring homemade regional specialties and various champagnes.
The tour then includes a visit to the family-run winery, providing an insider’s look at their operations:
- Press room visit to see how grapes are crushed and juiced.
- Tank room exploration to observe fermentation and blending.
- Cellar tour to learn about the aging process in oak barrels.
- Multiple tastings to sample the family’s unique champagne offerings.
This intimate winery experience offers a chance to connect with local viticulture and appreciate the artistry behind exceptional champagne production.
Inclusions
The tour includes a local, English-speaking guide who accompanies guests throughout the day.
Air-conditioned minivan transportation is provided to take the group to the various destinations.
Entry fees for visits and tastings at two wineries, including Champagne Veuve Clicquot, are included.
Guests can enjoy a total of 10 tastings during the tour.
Lunch at Le Clos Corbier in Mareuil-sur-Ay, featuring homemade regional specialties and various champagnes, is also part of the package.
The tour concludes by returning to Reims Central Train Station at approximately 5:30 pm.
Important Information
A minimum of 2 participants is required for this tour, with solo bookings potentially needing to be rescheduled or refunded.
The average cellar temperature is a chilly 10°C, so guests are advised to bring a jacket.
Pets aren’t allowed on the shared tours.
Transfers from Paris aren’t available, so the train is recommended as the best way to get to Reims.
Key details:
- Minimum of 2 participants required
- Average cellar temperature is 10°C
- No pets allowed on the tour
- Transfers from Paris not available; train recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Wheelchair Users?
The tour doesn’t seem suitable for wheelchair users. The itinerary includes visits to cellars, vineyards, and a family-run winery, which may have accessibility challenges. No information is provided about accommodations for wheelchair accessibility.
Can I Take Photos During the Winery Visits?
Photographs are typically allowed during winery visits, but it’s best to check with the guide or winery staff first. Some wineries may have restrictions on photography in certain areas for privacy or safety reasons.
What Type of Food Is Served for Lunch?
Lunch at Le Clos Corbier includes homemade regional specialties and various champagnes. It’s a 105-minute meal featuring local dishes and wines at a family-run winery on the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour does not offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, group rates may be available for bookings of 2 or more. Interested customers should inquire about any current offers or promotions when making their reservation.
Can I Purchase Champagne at the End of the Tour?
Yes, participants can purchase champagne at the end of the tour. The tour includes multiple tastings, and visitors will have the opportunity to buy additional bottles of the champagne they sampled during the day.
Sum Up
Explore the charm of Reims on this immersive 7.5-hour journey. Discover the historic city, tour the Veuve Clicquot cellars, and enjoy a scenic drive. Indulge in a delightful lunch and tastings at the family-run Le Clos Corbier winery. This intimate tour with a maximum of 8 participants promises an enriching Champagne experience.