Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings, Reims and Winery from Paris

Planning a trip to France and craving a taste of its most bubbly export? This Champagne day trip from Paris might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a pretty appealing picture for anyone interested in the region’s finest sparkling wines. It’s a full 11-hour journey packed with visits to renowned wineries, historic landmarks, and plenty of tasting opportunities.

Two things that stand out immediately are the small-group format, capped at just eight travelers, and the variety of experiences—from large Champagne houses to cozy family-run wineries. Plus, the chance to visit the tomb of Dom Pérignon and marvel at the Reims Cathedral makes it more than just a drinking trip—there’s real history and culture woven into the day.

That said, a potential consideration is the long travel time early in the morning, with some reviews mentioning the early start and long drive. It’s an all-day commitment—so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with small children, you might want to think about how that fits into your plans.

This tour seems suited for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and those eager to experience the Champagne region’s highlights in one day. If you love learning about how Champagne is made while sampling top-notch bubbles, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experiences at both a well-known Champagne house and a family-run winery
• Six tastings offering a variety of Champagne styles and flavors
• Rich cultural stops including Reims Cathedral and Dom Pérignon’s resting place
• Beautiful scenery of rolling vineyards and historic sites
• Small group size for a more personal and engaging tour
• Round-trip transport in a comfortable van from Paris

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Early and Setting Out from Paris

The tour kicks off at 7:00 am from a centrally located meeting point in Paris. The early start might seem daunting, but it’s essential to maximize your time in the Champagne region. The drive to Champagne-Ardenne takes about an hour, giving you a chance to get a scenic preview of the landscape even before you arrive.

Exploring Champagne-Ardenne: Vineyards & Grape Varieties

Your first stop is in the picturesque Champagne-Ardenne hills, where you’ll see vineyards dotted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Walking through a vineyard, your guide will explain the nuances of growing Champagne grapes, including different harvesting techniques. Many reviews mention how friendly and knowledgeable guides make these moments engaging and informative. Jessica, one reviewer, appreciated the “pristine” knowledge and the way the guide enhanced the experience.

Nicolas Feuillatte: A Large-Scale Champagne Producer with a Personal Touch

Next, you’ll visit Nicolas Feuillatte, a Champagne favorite in France. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours and includes a tour of the facility and tasting three different Champagnes. This stop offers insight into the more commercial side of Champagne production, but with a welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers like Deborah highlight the “interesting” visit and the exceptional quality of the wines, while noting that it’s a good balance of big producer insights without feeling overly commercialized.

Visiting Dom Pérignon’s Resting Place at Hautvillers Abbey

A quieter, more reflective stop follows with a visit to Hautvillers Abbey, where the legendary Dom Pérignon lived. This UNESCO World Heritage site gives a tangible sense of history—plus, standing at his graveside, you can almost imagine the bubbles forming back in the 1600s. Many visitors find this stop meaningful; Susan mentions how the scenery and history make it a “beautiful” and “stunning” experience.

Reims Cathedral: A Gothic Marvel

The tour then takes you to the impressive 800-year-old Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Its intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows are truly feast for the eyes. Your guide provides a quick historical overview, and you’ll get 20-30 minutes to explore on your own. Jessica notes that the cathedral’s “gorgeous stone carvings” and “stained glass” are highlights, making it a memorable photo stop for many.

Champagne Domi: A Family-Run Gem

Perhaps the most immersive part of the day is the visit to Champagne DOMI, where Stéphane, the owner, gives an authentic look at the Champagne-making process. Expect to see wine presses, cellars, and racks of bottles. You’ll taste 3-4 different Champagnes, and reviewers like Shaina mention how engaging Stéphane is, with “kindness” and “knowledge” bringing the process to life. It’s a more intimate experience compared to larger wineries, and many appreciate the personal touch.

Epernay: The Champagne Capital

Finally, the visit rounds out in Epernay, considered the heart of Champagne production. Your guide will point out notable sights in the historic town, and you’ll have a full hour to explore, grab lunch (not included), and soak in the atmosphere. Many reviewers, like Lisa, loved the beautiful scenery and the chance to stroll through the charming streets. Some found the free time helpful, though a few felt two hours for lunch and exploring might be a bit long.

Value for Money and Overall Impression

At around $266 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience—covering multiple wineries, cultural landmarks, and sightseeing in just one day. The price includes six tastings, access to historic sites, and expert guidance, which many reviewers feel makes it a good value considering what’s packed into the day. For those eager to learn about Champagne production, taste a variety of wines, and see iconic sites, this tour provides a well-rounded package.

Several reviewers praise the quality of guides, with many describing them as knowledgeable, personable, and attentive. The small-group size keeps things intimate, reducing the feeling of being just another tourist and allowing for more personalized attention.

That said, the long drive and early start might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or traveling with small children. It is definitely a full day, and some found the lunch break a bit too long—so bringing snacks or water could be a good idea.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers eager to deepen their understanding of Champagne, as well as those interested in French culture and history. It caters well to travelers wanting an intimate, personalized experience, and it’s perfect for couples or small groups. If you’re curious about how Champagne is made and want to taste a variety of styles while soaking in beautiful scenery and historic landmarks, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for a leisurely, unhurried day or those with very young children due to the early start and long hours. But if you’re prepared for a full day and want a truly immersive Champagne experience, this tour hits many of the right notes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It’s approximately 11 hours, starting at 7:00 am and returning to Paris by late evening.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, six Champagne tastings at two wineries, guided visits of Nicolas Feuillatte and a family-run winery, visits to Reims Cathedral and Hautvillers Abbey, and the services of a knowledgeable guide.

Are tips included?
Tips are not included; guides prefer cash tips but also accept bottles of good wine if you want to show extra appreciation.

Is lunch included?
No, your lunch is not included. You’ll have about an hour in Epernay to grab something at your own expense.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age for participation is 7 years, so it’s generally suitable for families with children old enough to appreciate the experience.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, especially since there are outdoor stops. Consider layers and sturdy shoes for vineyard walking.

Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Same-day cancellations are non-refundable.

How many people are in each group?
This is a small-group tour, capped at 8 travelers, making it more personal and less crowded.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of cultural sites, historic landmarks, visits to both large and family-owned wineries, and six tastings make it a balanced experience for those genuinely interested in Champagne.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an engaging way to explore the Champagne region beyond just buying bottles at a store, this tour offers a solid mix of history, culture, and taste. The small-group setting, experienced guides, and carefully curated stops make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts wanting an immersive day out of Paris.

While it’s a long day and might require some planning—like packing snacks or adjusting your expectations for the early start—the overall experience seems to deliver great value. From the stunning vineyards and iconic cathedral to the intimate winery visits, this trip promises a well-rounded taste of everything Champagne has to offer.

For anyone eager to learn, taste, and see the beautiful French countryside in one go, this tour could become one of your favorite memories from France.

Enjoy your trip, and cheers to discovering your new favorite bubbly!