GRAND VINTAGE Taittinger Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings

A Complete Look at the GRAND VINTAGE Taittinger & Veuve Clicquot Cellars Tour

If you’re dreaming of spending a day exploring some of France’s most iconic Champagne houses while enjoying expert-guided tours, this experience might just be what you need. Designed for those who appreciate quality and authenticity, this private trip takes you from Paris into the heart of the Champagne region. While it’s not a cheap outing, the combination of expert guides, visits to legendary cellars, and three tiers of tastings make it a worthwhile splurge for wine lovers.

What stood out to us—and likely to you—is the personalized service with private transport in a sleek Mercedes, and the insightful guided tours that peel back the layers of Champagne production. Also, the fact that you get to visit both Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot, two giants in the industry, means you’ll leave with a real appreciation of what makes Champagne so special.

A potential consideration? The day is long, around 11 hours, so this is best suited for those who enjoy full-day outings and don’t mind a bit of travel. Also, it’s not designed for children under 6 or wheelchair users, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re traveling with family or friends with mobility needs.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience ideal for serious wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups looking for a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Champagne production. Now, let’s get into all the details.

Key Points

• Private, comfortable transportation in Mercedes E220 or Minivan ensures a stress-free journey.
• Expert-guided cellar visits at Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot provide in-depth insights into Champagne craftsmanship.
• Tiered tasting options allow you to customize your experience, from basic tastings to VIP comparisons.
• Flexible itinerary with self-guided visit at Reims Cathedral and optional restaurant reservations.
• Full-day experience from Paris, ideal for those who want an immersive Champagne day trip.
• Not suitable for children under 6 or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Champagne Day Tour

This tour packs a lot into one day, starting early from Paris with a relaxed ride into the Champagne region. The private Mercedes ensures you travel comfortably, and the scenic drive promises views of lush vineyards and rolling hills—the perfect backdrop to your Champagne adventure.

Morning: Taittinger Cellars and Champagne Tasting

Your day kicks off around 7:30 AM when your driver picks you up from your hotel in Paris. After a roughly two-hour drive, you’ll arrive at Taittinger, known for its elegance and storied history. The guided “Linstant Gourmet” experience, limited to 14 people, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cellars, lasting about 1.5 hours. During this tour, you’ll sample two glasses of Champagne—the Prestige Rosé and Millésimé—while learning about the aging process, the history, and what makes Taittinger special.

The guided tour is highly rated for its insightful narration and the intimate setting, making it a perfect start to your day. Several reviews mention that the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, helping to deepen your understanding of the Champagne-making process. One reviewer appreciated the “great insight into the history and Champagne production method.”

Mid-morning: Reims Cathedral

Next, it’s a short 10-minute drive to Reims Cathedral for a self-guided visit. This site, famous for coronations of French kings, offers a chance to soak in a piece of French history and architecture. While the tour itself doesn’t include a guided explanation, the cathedral’s grandeur speaks for itself, and you might find it a peaceful moment during the busy day.

Lunch Break

Between 12:10 and 2:00 PM, you’re free to explore Reims on your own or have a reservation made at a restaurant. This flexibility is nice—you can relax, enjoy local cuisine, or just wander the charming streets. If you prefer a quick bite, plenty of cafes and bakeries line the streets around the cathedral.

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Afternoon: Veuve Clicquot Cellar Tour & Tasting

The highlight for many is the visit to Veuve Clicquot, established in 1772 and now producing over 22 million bottles annually. The guided tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is led by Veuve Clicquot staff, showing you the cellars listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Here, you’ll learn about the history, production process, and aging of Champagne, while exploring tunnels that stretch beneath Reims.

The tastings are where the experience can be tailored. The tour offers three levels of tasting options:

• Advanced: Four cuvées, including Brut Carte Jaune, Extra Old, Vintage 2015, and Vintage Rosé 2015.
• Premium: A comparative tasting of Brut Yellow Label in Magnum and La Grande Dame 2015.
• VIP: An exclusive experience with four cuvées, including Vintage Brut 2015, Rosé 2015, 2002 Magnum, and Cave Privée 1990, lasting about 2 hours.

Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the tastings, especially those opting for the VIP level, which offers a deeper insight into aging and vintage comparisons. One traveler noted, “The VIP tasting was worth every penny, especially for the in-depth look at vintage Champagne.”

Late Afternoon: Return to Paris

After a satisfying day, you’ll depart from Veuve Clicquot around 4:30 PM for the two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Paris, arriving around 6:30 PM. The journey feels comfortable thanks to the private Mercedes, and you can relax with some bottled water provided along the way. The tour ends with hotel drop-off, making your day seamless from start to finish.

Analyzing the Experience

The value of this tour hinges on the quality of the guided visits, the personalized transportation, and the tiered tasting options. While $802 per person may seem steep, it includes private transport, guided tours at two renowned Champagne houses, tastings, and a self-guided visit of Reims Cathedral. For serious lovers of Champagne or those wanting a thoughtfully curated experience, this price can be justified.

The tiered tasting options are a real plus. If you’re a connoisseur, the VIP package promises an in-depth exploration, which many reviews find exceptionally rewarding. The smaller group size (max 14 at Taittinger and a private group overall) means you’ll get more personalized attention, and chances are you’ll learn more than on larger tours.

One aspect to keep in mind is the long day—from early pickup to late return—so it’s best suited for those ready to spend a full day immersed in Champagne. The tour’s structure allows flexibility, providing free time for lunch and self-guided sightseeing, which offers a good balance between guided and independent exploration.

How does it compare to other tours?

Many similar experiences are available, but this one stands out for its private transport, tiered tastings, and the quality of the cellars visited. The reviews suggest that the guides are particularly knowledgeable, adding significant value. However, some might prefer a shorter, less intense version if they’re not big Champagne fans or have limited time.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for serious wine enthusiasts wanting an in-depth look at Champagne production. It also suits couples or small groups seeking a more exclusive, personalized outing. If you’re traveling from Paris and want to see two major Champagne houses with knowledgeable guides, this is a reliable pick.

On the downside, it’s a full day—so if you prefer shorter excursions or are traveling with very young children or mobility issues, this may not be the best fit. The price may also be a consideration for budget-conscious travelers, but the quality and depth of experience tend to justify the cost.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t designed for children under 6 years old, and it’s not wheelchair accessible. It’s mainly aimed at adults interested in Champagne and history.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers guided tours of Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot cellars, tastings (based on the tier you choose), private transportation, a self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral, and bottled water.

Can I customize the tasting experience?
Yes, there are three tiers of tastings—Advanced, Premium, and VIP—allowing you to choose how in-depth your Champagne tasting will be.

How long is the drive from Paris?
The journey takes about two hours each way, with scenic views of vineyards. The total tour duration is around 11 hours, including travel, visits, and free time.

Are meals included?
No, meals and additional drinks aren’t included, but there’s time for you to have lunch in Reims or bring snacks.

Is this a group tour or private?
It’s a private experience with a maximum of 14 people at Taittinger, and the overall group is private, ensuring a more intimate setting.

In the end, this tour offers a well-rounded, engaging day in Champagne—perfect for those who value guided insights, personalized service, and the chance to taste at two historic houses. It’s a smooth, thoughtfully curated experience that balances wine education, cultural stops, and the joy of tasting some of France’s finest Champagne.

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines scenic drives, historic sights, and top-tier Champagne tastings, this trip from Paris is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: