Epernay and Vineyards with Champagne Tasting

If you’re dreaming of sipping champagne while soaking in scenic vineyard views in the heart of France’s Champagne region, this tour could be just right. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have, and I think you’ll find it offers a fun, relaxed way to experience some of the area’s highlights.

What really stands out about this experience is its unique double-decker bus—imagine cruising past the most expensive avenue in France with the city’s iconic champagne houses right outside your window. Plus, the shared tastings in a lively, festive atmosphere make it feel more like a celebration than a formal tour. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it doesn’t include a visit inside the champagne houses, which some may be expecting.

This tour suits those who want a casual, social way to explore Epernay and its surroundings without the fuss of a more structured, behind-the-scenes experience. If you’re a fan of scenic views, good company, and toasts with bubbly, this could be a good pick—just keep your expectations aligned with a more relaxed, party-like atmosphere.

Key Points

• Unique double-decker bus offers great views and a fun ride through Champagne’s landscapes.
• Shared tastings with lively commentary create a festive, social vibe.
• Stunning vistas from the Imperial terrace give you a bird’s-eye view of the UNESCO-listed avenue.
• No cellar visits means you won’t go behind the scenes but will see the most iconic sights and houses.
• Flexible options for those wanting a relaxed, sociable Champagne experience.
• Good value for the price, especially considering multiple tastings and the scenic route.

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

When you’re planning a trip to the Champagne region, the idea of a dedicated, immersive visit to famous houses like Bollinger or Deutz can be appealing. However, this tour takes a different approach—more of a celebratory cruise with plenty of sights, tastings, and good vibes, but without the inside access to cellars. This might be perfect if you’re after a lively, social outing rather than an in-depth wine education.

Starting from Épernay’s central location, the journey kicks off on the impressive rooftop of L’Impériale, affording spectacular views over the Avenue de Champagne. This avenue is a UNESCO World Heritage site, lined with some of the world’s most renowned champagne houses. Sitting on the double-decker bus with music in the background, you get a sense of the elegance and exclusivity of this place, even if you’re just passing by.

From there, the tour moves along the picturesque vineyard-lined roads, with explanations about the region’s history and champagne production. As you glide past the vineyards, you’ll hear stories and anecdotes that help bring the landscape to life—adding some flavor that pure sightseeing can’t quite deliver.

The Stops: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Champagne Houses and Tasting at Bollinger
The first highlight is passing in front of some big names like Champagne Deutz and Bollinger. Here, you’ll have the chance to stop briefly in front of Bollinger for a quick tasting, complete with a saber demonstration—a fun, theatrical way to open a bottle. This stop lasts around 20 minutes and includes a little nibble to accompany your bubbly, making it a relaxed introduction to the region.

Review Insight: One traveler mentioned that the tasting and the saber were highlights—”a little nibble and champagne flowing,” which adds a festive touch.

Stop 2: Additional Champagne Tasting at Bollinger
Next, the bus pulls up again at Bollinger’s estate for more photos and another tasting. This isn’t included in the ticket price, but it’s part of the experience if you choose to stay. This stop is brief—around 15 minutes—but offers a chance for some good photos and comments on the estate.

Stop 3: Hautvillers and the Viewpoint
The next stop is at Hautvillers, known as the “cradle of Champagne,” where you’ll find a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Marne Valley. Here, you get another tasting with sabering, in a lovely setting that’s especially popular with visitors. This piece of the tour provides a mix of scenic beauty and local culture, with about 20 minutes to soak in the view and enjoy the bubbles.

Review Highlight: One traveler loved this stop, calling Hautvillers a “famous viewpoint” and appreciating the “little gossip” about the land.

Stop 4: The Champagne Route
Finally, your bus will follow the Route Touristique du Champagne, giving you a sense of the vineyard landscape and the UNESCO-listed site on a scenic drive. This lasts roughly 15 minutes and is more about the visual experience than detailed explanations.

Inside the Experience: What It All Means

The scenic views from the rooftop are definitely a highlight, giving you a sense of the grandeur of the Champagne region. The music and lively atmosphere turn the trip into more of a party than a traditional tour, which some reviewers really enjoy. For instance, one noted that “even in a storm,” the energy remained high because of the fun and friends they made along the way.

The tastings are a key part of the experience, offered in a cheerful setting, with three flutes of champagne—carefully selected to ensure quality. The inclusion of Soda/Pop ensures minors or non-drinkers can join the fun, making it a more inclusive experience. The snacks provided vary depending on the time of day, adding a little local flavor to the day.

The saber demonstration is a memorable moment, giving the experience a bit of flair and making for good photos. Several reviews describe it as entertaining and part of what makes the tour special.

What Travelers Appreciate Most

Multiple reviews praise the views and the champagne, calling the experience “fabulous” and “great.” One reviewer noted that “the views were great, and champagne flowing,” which sums up the general sentiment. Others appreciated the festive atmosphere, suggesting that bringing your own music, laughter, and good company can turn this into a memorable day.

The Downsides

On the flip side, some travelers found the music too loud or the information somewhat lacking. One reviewer expressed disappointment about not visiting inside the champagne houses, which might be what some expect when signing up for a champagne tour. This is more of a sightseeing and tasting trip rather than a behind-the-scenes visit.

Another point worth noting is the duration—about 2 hours and 15 minutes—which is ideal for a quick overview but might feel a little rushed if you’re looking for an in-depth experience. Also, no hotel pickup or cellar visits are included, which might be a downside if you prefer a more comprehensive exploration.

Price and Value

The tour is priced at $118.68 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the multiple tastings, scenic stops, and lively atmosphere. While it doesn’t include visits inside the champagne houses, the value lies in the experience of the landscape, the festive ambiance, and the tastings, all in a compact, well-organized package.

For those who want a fun, social introduction to Champagne, it’s good value. You get to see iconic sights, enjoy multiple tastings, and participate in some fun demonstrations—all without the expense or time commitment of private cellar visits.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, sociable outing. If you’re after scenic views, champagne tastings, and a cheerful atmosphere, you’ll probably love it. It’s particularly good for couples, friends, or groups who enjoy a lively vibe and don’t mind the absence of behind-the-scenes cellar visits.

However, if you’re seeking a more educational, in-depth wine tour with insider access, this might not be the right fit. It’s more about having fun, enjoying the scenery, and celebrating with bubbles.

Final Thoughts

The Epernay and Vineyards with Champagne Tasting tour offers a cheerful, scenic, and social way to get a taste of the Champagne region. You won’t find in-depth cellar visits here, but if lively commentary, stunning viewpoints, and good champagne in a festive setting appeal to you, this trip delivers. It’s especially suited for those who want a less formal, more entertaining experience.

The price is fair for what’s included, and the overall vibe tends to be upbeat, making it a memorable part of your trip to France. Just remember—if you’re looking for quiet, insider knowledge or private visits to champagne houses, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or minors?
Yes, since soda and soft drinks are available as alternatives to alcohol, minors can participate comfortably.

Does this tour include a visit inside champagne houses?
No, it only passes in front and offers tastings outside. It does not include cellar visits.

How long is the tour?
The approximate duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
You get three flutes of champagne, snacks (varies by time of day), a saber demonstration, and scenic stops with commentary.

Are the tastings good quality?
Yes, the tastings include champagne selected by L’Impériale de Marie Antoinette, and the atmosphere makes it feel celebratory.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, it’s free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the best part of the tour?
Many find the views from the Imperial terrace and the festive atmosphere to be the highlights.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, a maximum of 20 travelers ensures a more intimate, social experience.

Are the stops wheelchair accessible?
The tour is near public transportation and accessible for most travelers and service animals are allowed.

Can I bring my own music?
While not explicitly stated, bringing your own music could enhance the lively, party atmosphere travelers enjoyed, but check with the provider beforehand.

If you’re after a cheerful, scenic, and bubbly adventure in Epernay, this tour offers a lively way to soak in the sights and tastes of Champagne—perfect for those who want fun, views, and good company without the fuss.