From Reims: Day Trip to Veuve Clicquot Family Grower & Lunch

Planning a day trip from Reims to explore the Champagne region? This tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining iconic champagne visits, a charming local family estate, and a tasty French lunch. It’s a great way to see the area without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how much it balances the big-name champagne houses with more personal, family-run estates. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional French meal adds a nice touch. On the flip side, the tour’s schedule is quite packed, so if you’re after a leisurely day, it might feel a bit rushy. Still, if you’re a wine lover or curious about Champagne’s history and production, this trip is worth considering.

This tour appeals most to those who want a comprehensive Champagne experience without breaking the bank. Perfect if you’re keen to visit Veuve Clicquot, taste several champagnes, and see some of the picturesque vineyards—all in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major champagne houses, a family estate, and Reims city highlights.
• Expert guides who are knowledgeable, engaging, and speak fluent English.
• Tastings included at Veuve Clicquot and a family-run winery, offering a variety of Champagne experiences.
• Delicious local lunch providing insight into regional cuisine and culture.
• Convenient transportation in a small group setting, which enhances the experience.
• Good value for the price considering all the inclusions, especially tastings and guided visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour’s Components

Starting off at Reims Station

The day kicks off at around 9:20 AM in front of Reims train station. This is a practical meeting point if you’re already in Reims or arriving by train. The group stays small—limited to 8 people—which makes for a more intimate experience and easier interaction with your guide.

Visiting Veuve Clicquot

The highlight for many is the visit to Veuve Clicquot’s estate, where you get a guided tour to learn about the house’s history, production, and unique qualities. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours, and you’re tasting four different glasses of champagne. Reviews praise guides like Radames, Pierre, and others for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and fluency in English, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

One thing to note is that the tour includes entrance fees, so the cost really covers the full experience—no sneaky extras needed. Many guests mention how much they appreciated the opportunity to taste multiple champagnes and learn about what makes Veuve Clicquot special.

Exploring Reims

After Veuve Clicquot, you get a quick 20-minute sightseeing drive through Reims, the city famous for crowning French kings and its stunning Gothic cathedral. The Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral gets about 30 minutes for a guided visit, and the reviews highlight how beautiful and historically significant the building is. Guests typically enjoy the stained glass windows and Gothic architecture, making this a worthwhile stop.

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French Lunch

Post-city sightseeing, the tour takes you to a local restaurant for a leisurely 1.5-hour lunch. While the reviews are mostly positive, some mention that the restaurant experience can be hit or miss—some found the menu a bit limited or the dishes simple, with one reviewer noting a lack of vegetarian options. Still, overall, it offers a taste of regional life and cuisine, providing a break in the busy schedule.

Scenic Vineyard Drive

In the afternoon, there’s a scenic drive through Montagne de Reims vineyards, passing through notable Grand Cru villages like Verzenay and Mailly. You’ll stop for photos and hear about how terroir affects grape quality. This part of the tour is beloved for the views and insights into Champagne production. The guide’s commentary makes the landscape come alive, and many travelers find it inspiring.

Visiting a Family Estate

Next, the tour visits a family-owned champagne estate—a chance to see a more personal side of the industry. Reviews describe this as a highlight, appreciating the genuine hospitality and the chance to taste high-quality Champagne from a smaller producer. This contrasts nicely with the larger Veuve Clicquot visit and offers a different perspective on Champagne making.

Final Tasting & Return

After the estate visit, there’s another Champagne tasting session, bringing the total to seven glasses of bubbly for the day. The tour wraps up around 5:45 PM at the train station, ready for your onward travel.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is well-suited for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Champagne’s history, production, and tasting nuances. It’s also great for those who want a structured, guided day that covers both big-name and family-run champagne houses. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which many travelers find valuable.

However, if you’re looking for a very relaxed, unhurried day, the packed schedule might be a bit much. Also, if you have dietary restrictions or prefer very specific culinary experiences, the lunch options could be a consideration.

It’s worth noting that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so check accessibility if that’s relevant to you.

The Value in This Experience

At $386 per person, this tour offers a lot—guided visits, multiple tastings, scenic drives, and a hearty lunch. Many reviews highlight that guides like Radames, Pierre, and others make the day special with their knowledge and friendliness. The small group atmosphere adds to the comfort and allows for more meaningful interactions.

While the lunch might be more basic than some gourmet experiences, it still provides a valuable taste of local cuisine and culture. The visits to Veuve Clicquot and a family estate give you a well-rounded look at Champagne production, from the large-scale to the personal.

Why You Might Want to Book

• You’re interested in Champagne and want to visit both a famous house and a family estate.
• You prefer guided tours with experts who can explain the nuances.
• You enjoy scenic drives and picturesque vineyard views.
• You want a full-day experience that covers city, countryside, and winery visits.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

• The tour departs early from Reims station—plan your arrival accordingly.
• If you’re coming from Paris, you might consider catching a TGV train to Reims early in the morning (the tour recommends specific trains).
• The group size is limited, so booking in advance is wise to secure your spot.
• Remember, hotel pickup isn’t included, so plan your own transfer to Reims station.
• The tour’s flexible cancellation policy makes it less risky if your plans change.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t specifically aimed at families or children and involves quite a packed schedule. If traveling with kids, consider their comfort with long days and the busy itinerary.

How many glasses of champagne will I taste?
You will taste a total of 7 glasses—4 at Veuve Clicquot and 3 at the family estate. The tastings are included in the price.

What is the lunch like?
The lunch is at a local restaurant and lasts about 1.5 hours. Guests generally find it a good regional experience, although some note limited vegetarian options and simple dishes.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise guides for their passion, fluency in English, and ability to enhance the experience with stories and insights.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is fixed in schedule and content, designed to give a rundown of Champagne and Reims. Customization isn’t typically offered.

What if I have train delays?
The tour departs at a set time, and while the provider isn’t responsible for train delays, it’s best to plan your journey to minimize the risk of missing the start.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to get a full, balanced glimpse into Champagne wine country without the stress of self-planning, this tour offers excellent value. You’ll visit iconic names like Veuve Clicquot, enjoy scenic vineyard views, and discover a more personal side of Champagne production at a family estate. The small group and knowledgeable guides make the experience both intimate and informative, appealing to folks who value authentic insights and good company.

Keep in mind that it’s a busy day—so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a structured, engaging itinerary and are ready to sample quite a bit of bubbly. For those who want a taste of both history, scenery, and fine Champagne in a manageable day, this trip is certainly worth considering.

Note: Always check the current availability and confirm the meeting details when booking, as schedules can change. Cheers to planning your perfect Champagne adventure!

You can check availability for your dates here: