From Paris: Reims and Champagne Tasting Full-Day Tour

If you’re considering a day trip from Paris that offers more than just sightseeing, this tour to Reims and the Champagne region might be just what you need. With a mix of history, stunning scenery, and the chance to taste some of the world’s most celebrated bubbly, it promises a well-rounded experience.

What we love about this tour is how well it balances the big highlights—like the iconic Reims Cathedral and visits to renowned champagne houses—with more intimate moments, such as tastings at smaller producers. Plus, the guided commentary makes the day both educational and engaging.

One thing to keep in mind: at around 11 hours, it’s a full day, so it requires a fair bit of walking and comfort with a busy schedule. If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely experience, this might feel a bit packed.

This tour suits those who appreciate history, culture, and, of course, good champagne. It’s especially great if you want a rundown of the region without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple visits on your own.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience: Transportation, guided tours, tastings, and lunch are covered, offering good value.
• Expert guides: Multiple reviews praise guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making the day both fun and informative.
• Diverse visits: From grand champagne houses to small estates, you’ll get a range of production styles.
• Iconic sights: The Reims Cathedral is a must-see for its Gothic architecture and historical significance.
• Scenic views: Surrounded by vineyards and countryside, the scenery is a big part of the charm.
• Focus on education: Learn about champagne production, terroir, and the region’s history, not just tasting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

A full-day trip from Paris to Champagne sounds tempting, especially if you’re a fan of bubbly or curious about France’s famous wine region. We’ve read countless reviews of this tour, and the overall sentiment is very positive. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 549 reviews, it clearly resonates with many travelers.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The journey begins with a hotel pickup in Paris, making it convenient to start the day without worrying about public transport or taxis. The ride to Épernay takes about 100 minutes, giving you time to get comfortable and maybe steal a quick nap or enjoy the scenery. The prearranged transportation—an air-conditioned minivan—keeps things simple and comfortable, especially for those who dislike long drives.

Once in Épernay, the tour kicks off with a guided visit to a famous champagne house such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Nicolas Feuillatte, Taittinger, Mercier, or Boizel. The exact house visited will depend on availability, but each provides a behind-the-scenes look at how champagne is made, along with tastings. Several reviews highlight the value of visiting both a large, well-known producer and a smaller estate, offering a nice contrast between mass production and artisanal craftsmanship.

The guided cellar tour is key here. You’ll learn about the champagne-making process, the importance of terroir, and the historical significance of these houses. Many reviewers mention how engaging their guides were, sharing stories and answering questions, which makes the experience more meaningful.

Tasting and Vineyard Experiences

After the first visit, you’ll head to a local restaurant for a 3-course lunch. It’s a surprisingly good inclusion, with many reviewers noting the quality of the meal, often at a restaurant in Épernay or nearby. The guide usually provides context about French gastronomy, enhancing the overall experience.

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a visit to a smaller estate for a second champagne tasting. Some reviewers have enjoyed the chance to try different varieties or learn to distinguish between styles in a blind tasting surrounded by the vines. One reviewer even mentioned the fun of a bottle saber, which adds a theatrical touch to the visit.

The afternoon wraps up with a photo stop at a scenic vineyard and a final tasting. The last stop is often in Reims, where you’ll visit the magnificent Reims Cathedral—famous for its Gothic architecture and historical role in crowning French monarchs. The brief sightseeing here offers a chance to soak in some history and snap memorable photos.

Finally, the journey back to Paris takes about 2 hours, giving you time to relax after a busy day. Many reviews stress how smooth the transfers are, thanks to the well-organized logistics and knowledgeable drivers.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, often describing them as friendly and eager to share their expertise. One reviewer said, “Alex made the trip fun and was extremely knowledgeable,” while another appreciated how their guide, Sebastian, shared fun details that made the day feel like visiting an old friend.

The scenery and visits seem to be a highlight. Travelers love the chance to see the vineyards up close, especially during the final vineyard visit and viewpoint. Many mention that the views are stunning, offering plenty of perfect photo opportunities.

As for the tastings, most say they’re generous and varied. Some even share stories about how certain tastings helped them better understand the differences in Champagne styles—especially the blind tastings that test your palate. Reviewers also appreciate the opportunity to buy bottles directly from the producers, although wine purchases are not included in the price.

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What Could Be Better?

A few reviewers mention the long duration—11 hours can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to full-day tours or have young children. The schedule can feel a bit rushed, with some stops potentially occurring in a different order depending on traffic or availability.

Plus, since children under 16 are not eligible, this isn’t a family-friendly option for younger kids. Also, some reviewers note that the cellars can be cold and damp, so bringing layers is advisable.

The Value of the Tour

At $408 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience: transportation, several guided tours, tastings at multiple champagne houses, and lunch. The reviews suggest that many feel this is a fair price given the inclusions and the quality of the visits. The small-group atmosphere and the expert guides further enhance the value, transforming a simple day trip into a memorable and educational outing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate history, culture, and wine—particularly those with a keen interest in Champagne or wanting a guided, hassle-free way to explore the region. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a busy schedule and want a full immersion in the region’s sights, tastes, and stories. If you’re looking for a relaxed, leisurely day with lots of downtime, this might feel a bit packed.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris, which makes starting and ending the day very convenient.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts about 11 hours, from pickup to return, including travel time and all activities.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, children under 16 years old are not suitable for this tour, mainly because of the alcohol tastings.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there’s walking involved, especially at the cathedral and vineyard stops. Also, layers are advised because the cellars are often cold.

Can I buy champagne during the tour?
While tastings are included, wine purchases are optional and not included in the tour price.

Will I visit both large and small champagne producers?
Yes. You’ll get to see a well-known house such as Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot and a smaller estate, offering a good contrast.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
Lunch is included, and many reviewers noted vegetarian options. It’s best to specify dietary needs when booking.

Does the schedule change based on availability?
Yes, the order of visits might vary depending on availability and traffic, but all key experiences are generally included.

Is this a good value for money?
Based on reviews, most travelers feel it’s worth the cost—especially given the guided tours, tastings, and included lunch.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive, engaging experience for anyone interested in Champagne, history, and scenic France. The combination of guided visits, tastings, and a scenic drive makes it a solid pick for a full day outside Paris, especially if you want to learn about the region without the hassle of organizing multiple visits yourself.

The positive reviews about guides, scenery, and the quality of tastings suggest it’s a well-run, enjoyable outing. While it’s a long day, many find that the mix of sightseeing, tasting, and storytelling makes it worthwhile.

If you’re looking for an immersive, educational Champagne adventure with professional guides and plenty of tastings, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s best suited for those who love to explore with a group, enjoy good food and drink, and want a structured but lively experience.

In short, this tour is a great way to see the highlights of Champagne from Paris in one day, especially if you value knowledgeable guides and a mix of big-name and boutique producers. It’s a memorable trip that balances fun, learning, and spectacular scenery—all in a well-organized package.

You can check availability for your dates here: