Paris – Ten Wines and Ten Cheeses Tasting in a Royal Cellar

Thinking about adding a culinary twist to your Paris trip? This wine and cheese tasting in a historic underground cellar offers a chance to enjoy some of France’s finest flavors in a setting fit for royalty. Set in a cellar once used by the King of France, this experience isn’t just about sampling wine and cheese; it’s about engaging with France’s rich tradition in a cozy, intimate environment.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the personalized guidance from knowledgeable sommeliers and the unique ambiance of the 18th-century cellar. Also, the fact that it includes a free visit to Les Caves du Louvre adds extra value. But, like any experience, it’s not for everyone—if you’re more into quick tastings or looking for a lively party atmosphere, you might find this more subdued than some other options.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is designed for adults, given the focus on alcohol. Also, it’s roughly two hours long, which is perfect for a relaxed, educational stop rather than a wild night out. Overall, if you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious foodie eager to learn about France’s wine regions and cheese varieties, this tour is likely to hit the spot.

Key Points

• Intimate setting in a historic royal cellar enhances the experience
• Expert guidance makes learning about wine and cheese approachable and fun
• Includes 10 wines and 10 cheeses, offering a broad taste of French terroirs
• Small group size (max 12) ensures personalized attention
• Free access to Les Caves du Louvre adds extra value
• Two-hour duration fits well into a sightseeing day without feeling rushed

Exploring the History and Setting

First off, the location is pretty special. You’re in Les Caves du Louvre, an underground wine cellar dating back to the 18th century—used by the French king himself. This isn’t just a tasting room; it’s a piece of history. The ambiance is quiet, with stone walls and an old-world feel that transports you away from the bustling streets above. Many reviews highlight the stunning environment as a major plus, with one reviewer mentioning, “a very cool, beautiful cellar in an underground area.” It’s a setting that elevates the tasting from ordinary to memorable.

This environment is especially appreciated by those who enjoy a bit of atmosphere while indulging in their wine. Plus, the fact that it’s away from the tourist crowds means you can relax, ask questions, and really focus on the experience.

The Experience Itself: What You’ll Taste and See

The core of this tour is the pairing of 10 wines with 10 cheeses. The guide walks you through each wine, highlighting its region, grape variety, and what makes it special. The selection includes 4 whites and 6 reds, giving you a good overview of France’s diverse wine regions.

The cheeses are classic French varieties like Brie, blue cheese, and goat cheese. The tasting is described as generous, and the reviews repeatedly mention how delicious and plentiful the offerings are. One guest raved, “the cheeses and wine were superb and plentiful.” The pairing isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding how different wines complement different cheeses, which can totally change your perspective on both.

Plus, you’ll learn about the history behind the wines and cheeses, adding context that makes the tasting more meaningful. Several reviews mention how knowledgeable the guides are—“Willie was an amazing sommelier who was so knowledgeable about wine and cheese and their history in France.” This educational component is what really sets this experience apart.

The Guides and Group Size

What guests consistently praise is the expertise and friendliness of the guides. Being a relatively small group—capped at 12 people—means you get more personalized attention and can easily ask questions. The reviews are full of mentions of guides being engaging, knowledgeable, and entertaining.

One reviewer even said, “Jasmina was fantastic,” emphasizing that the guide’s storytelling and friendliness made a big difference. This personal touch makes the experience both fun and educational, perfect for those who appreciate a guide who can share interesting tidbits without sounding like they’re reading from a script.

The Value for the Price

At around $129 per person, this isn’t a cheap outing, but it’s important to consider what’s included. You’re getting 10 wines and 10 cheeses, plus a guided experience and free entry to Les Caves du Louvre. That’s quite a lot of tastings for a couple of hours.

Compared to other wine tastings that might only include a handful of wines, this extensive tasting offers a broad overview of France’s wine regions. The reviews suggest that the quality of both the wine and cheese is top-notch, and many guests say they left with not just a fuller belly but also a better understanding of French wine etiquette and pairing.

If you’re someone who loves to learn about wine and cheese and enjoys a cozy, historic environment, this purchase feels like good value. It’s a comprehensive experience that goes beyond just drinking—it’s about appreciating French craftsmanship.

Practical Considerations

Timing-wise, it starts at 12:15 pm, which fits nicely into a Paris day plan. The tour lasts about two hours, making it manageable even if you have other sightseeing plans afterward. Since it’s an adult-only experience, kids aren’t allowed, but that’s typical for wine tastings.

You’ll need to walk or take public transportation to the starting point at Les Caves du Louvre, as transportation isn’t included. The venue is near public transit, making it accessible if you’re coming from somewhere central.

The small group size also means it can feel more exclusive, but it’s worth booking in advance because the reviews show it’s quite popular—booked over five times just last week!

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy wine, cheese, and learning in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal if you’re a foodie, a wine novice wanting to learn more, or simply someone looking for a memorable activity that’s a bit more refined.

It’s especially good for those who appreciate history and atmosphere, since drinking in a royal cellar makes the experience extra special. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who enjoys tasting and chatting, you’ll find this a perfect fit. However, if you’re after a wild, lively night or a quick tasting, this might feel a bit slow-paced for your taste.

The Sum Up

All in all, this wine and cheese tasting in the historic cellar offers a well-rounded, educational, and atmospheric experience. You get to taste a wide variety of wines and cheeses, learn from passionate guides, and enjoy a setting that transports you back centuries. It’s especially recommended for anyone truly interested in French wine, cheese, and history, or those seeking a more intimate and relaxed tasting experience.

While the price might seem high at first glance, the quality of the offerings and the expertise involved make it a worthwhile splurge. If you’re looking for a tasting that balances education, indulgence, and ambiance, this one checks all those boxes.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the tour has a minimum age requirement of 18 years due to alcohol consumption.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, transportation to and from the venue isn’t included, but the location is near public transit.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, which is perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the price?
You get to taste 10 different wines, 10 cheeses, and receive guidance from an English-speaking wine expert. Entry to Les Caves du Louvre is also included.

Are the wines local?
Yes, the wines are locally produced and representative of various French regions.

Is this experience good for those new to wine?
Absolutely. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making it accessible for beginners.

What’s the environment like?
It’s a stunning 18th-century cellar with a cozy, historic vibe, away from the crowds above ground.

Can I buy wines afterward?
Many guests do purchase bottles during the event, so you might want to bring some extra cash or a card.

If you’re in Paris and have even a small interest in wine and cheese, this tour promises not just a tasting, but an engaging journey through France’s storied culinary traditions—an experience you’ll remember long after your trip.