Epernay is a fantastic base for exploring France’s Champagne region. Its famous Avenue de Champagne is lined with grand cellars and iconic champagne houses, making it a natural starting point for short, memorable tours. We particularly love the Champagne experience with a vintage van because it combines the thrill of vintage travel with intimate visits to family-run wineries, plus a chance to learn about the entire production process. If you prefer a more relaxed, scenic experience, the solar boat cruise offers a tranquil way to glide through the vineyards, enjoying stunning views and plenty of comfort. Both options showcase different facets of Champagne—whether in a vintage vehicle or aboard a solar-powered boat—giving you a taste of this region’s charm and craftsmanship.
Below, we’ve rounded up the top 3-hour tours in Epernay, each offering a unique way to experience the heart of Champagne. From exploring hidden vineyards to cruising on a solar-powered boat, these options cater to varied interests and travel styles.
1. Champagne experience with a vintage van from Epernay – 3 hours
At number one, the Champagne experience with a vintage van stands out because it offers an authentic, small-group adventure that’s both informative and fun. For just around $92.89 per person, you’ll hop into an iconic Renault Estafette van and cruise down the famous Avenue de Champagne, passing by legendary houses like Moët & Chandon, Pol Roger, and Mercier. The tour then takes you to the villages of Aÿ-Champagne and Oger, both classified as Grand Cru, which aren’t usually on the regular tourist map. Here, you’ll learn about vineyard work such as pruning and harvest, and enjoy scenic views that Instagram would envy.
A highlight is visiting a family-run winery, where you’ll tour the cellar and taste three different champagnes. This tour is particularly well-suited for wine lovers who want a deeper, more personal look at Champagne production. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness—”Maeva was fantastic,” one wrote—and the small size (max seven people) makes it feel tailored and exclusive. Compared to larger tours, this one offers a more intimate experience at a very reasonable price.
Bottom Line: If you want to explore smaller wineries and enjoy a laid-back but immersive champagne experience, this tour is a superb choice.
2. 3 Hours Semi Private Solar Boat Cruise in Champagne
Second on our list is the semi-private solar boat cruise, which offers a completely different way to see the vineyards. For around $198 per person, you’ll sail aboard the only solar-powered house boat in the Grand Est region, traveling through the UNESCO-listed Champagne vineyards. This tour lasts approximately three hours and gives you the chance to relax as you glide past lush vines and historic villages like Bisseuil and Aÿ, enjoying the serenity of the water.
The boat features a solarium, sofa, and toilet, making it a comfortable and eco-friendly way to spend your afternoon. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic views without the hustle of walking or driving. Plus, sailing through the vineyards provides a unique perspective on the landscape that you can’t get from land-based tours. While reviews don’t list specific feedback, the fact that this is the only solar boat option makes it a distinctive experience, especially for environmentally conscious travelers or those seeking a tranquil escape.
Bottom Line: For a peaceful, scenic, and eco-friendly way to experience Champagne’s landscape, this boat cruise offers a memorable and relaxing alternative.
3. Explore Champagne in a vintage van or sail on a solar boat
Both tours offer distinct ways to see and taste Champagne in just three hours. The vintage van tour is perfect for those who want a more hands-on, intimate experience with visits to small wineries and charming villages. Meanwhile, the solar boat cruise is ideal if you prefer a laid-back, scenic journey across the water, soaking in views of the vineyards from a different perspective.
How to Choose the Best 3-Hour Tour in Epernay
When deciding between these experiences, consider your interests and travel style. If you’re eager to learn about Champagne production from passionate, local producers and enjoy exploring small villages, the vintage van tour (see more here) is a great fit. It combines scenic drives with authentic tastings.
For those seeking relaxation and a more contemplative experience, the solar boat cruise (review here) offers a quiet way to see the vineyards from the water, perfect for eco-minded travelers or anyone who enjoys peaceful scenery.
Budget is another factor: the vintage van experience is more affordable at about $92.89, while the boat cruise is roughly double that but includes a sustainable, unique journey. Think about whether you want to explore vineyards on foot and in a van or prefer floating through the landscape on a solar-powered boat.
Final Thoughts
Both of these 3-hour tours in Epernay provide memorable ways to experience Champagne’s beauty and craftsmanship. The vintage van tour is best for travelers who want to explore local vineyard stories and taste authentic bubbly in a small-group setting. The solar boat cruise offers a tranquil, environmentally friendly alternative, perfect for those who value scenery and relaxation.
For most visitors, booking early is advisable, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and group size. Whether you choose the vintage van adventure or the peaceful boat cruise, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Champagne—and plenty of great stories and photos to share.
