Paris: Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tour by Mercedes

If you’re thinking about a day trip from Paris that combines luxury, history, and a taste of France’s most iconic bubbly, this Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tour might be just what you’re after. While we haven’t personally taken this exact journey, based on the details and reviews, it offers a well-rounded glimpse into the world of Champagne with a comfortable private chauffeur experience.

What really catches our eye about this tour are the exclusive visits to historic Champagne houses like Ruinart, which dates all the way back to 1729, and Veuve Clicquot, established in 1772. Plus, the option for Grand Vintage Tastings makes it clear this isn’t just about sightseeing, but about experiencing the wines at a high level. On the flip side, the price tag of $802 per person is not cheap, but for the included visits, tastings, and private transportation, the value might be worth it if you’re passionate about Champagne.

That said, it’s a full, long day—about 11.5 hours—and not necessarily geared for those on a tight schedule or with very young children. This experience suits travelers who want a luxurious, guided exploration of the Champagne region, especially if you’re eager to learn about the history and production process of these celebrated houses.

Key Points

• Luxury Transport: Travel in style with a Mercedes E220 or minivan, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
• Historic Champagne Houses: Visit Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house, and Veuve Clicquot, a major producer with a fascinating history.
• Tastings & Tours: Enjoy guided cellar visits with multiple tasting options, from basic to high-end DeLuxe experiences.
• Included Hotel Pickup: Convenient pick-up and drop-off at your Paris hotel means no stress about logistics.
• Self-Guided Reims Visit: Explore Reims Cathedral at your own pace, adding a touch of cultural sightseeing.
• Flexible Experience Levels: Choose from different tasting options, including exclusive vintages and aging showcases.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Your Day: From Paris to Reims

The day kicks off early with a hotel pick-up in Paris, typically around 7:30 AM. You’ll hop into a cozy Mercedes, either a business-class E220 for smaller groups or a minivan if you’re traveling with friends or family in a larger party. The two-hour drive to Reims unfolds along scenic countryside roads, giving you your first glimpses of the Champagne vineyards. We love the thoughtfulness of this setup—having a private vehicle means no rushing, just relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

A quick stop at a rest area allows everyone to stretch and maybe grab a coffee before arriving in Reims around 10:00 AM.

The Ruinart Champagne House: A Historic Gem

Your first stop is Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house, established in 1729. The guided tour here takes you underground into UNESCO-listed cellars, which are as much a part of the experience as the wine itself. You’ll learn about the house’s origins, and the guide’s stories make the history feel alive. The tasting includes two glasses, giving you a taste of the house’s signature style.

Travelers mention the guided cellar visit as a highlight, with one reviewer noting they appreciated the “great insight into Champagne production” and the chance to see the historic underground tunnels. Even if you’re not a wine expert, the setting alone is worth it—cool, dark, and evocative of centuries of tradition.

Lunch in Reims: Flexibility and Local Flavors

After the Ruinart visit, you’ll have about an hour and a half for lunch. The tour offers the option to explore on your own or have a reservation made at a local restaurant. Reims is a lively city with plenty of options, from traditional bistros to more upscale eateries. If you’re into food and wine pairing, this is a good chance to soak in the local atmosphere and maybe indulge in some regional specialties.

Reims Cathedral: A Short Self-Guided Visit

Next, you’ll take around 30 minutes to explore Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame at your own pace. This Gothic masterpiece is where most French kings were crowned, and the architecture alone is impressive. The self-guided nature allows you to focus on what interests you most—whether that’s the intricate stained glass or the history of French royalty.

More Great Tours Nearby

Veuve Clicquot: A Major Player With a Storied Past

The afternoon is dedicated to Veuve Clicquot, founded in 1772. The guided tour here is comprehensive, taking you into the cellars and offering insights into how this brand became one of the largest Champagne producers worldwide (more than 22 million bottles annually). The tour guides are knowledgeable, and the experience is both educational and indulgent.

One reviewer mentioned that the guided cellar visit at Veuve Clicquot provides a “great insight into history and Champagne production,” which is exactly what you want if you’re curious about the craft behind the bubbly.

Tasting Options: From Basic to Luxury

This is where the tour gets customizable. You can choose from several tasting experiences:

• The “Une Seule Qualite” option includes four different cuvées over 1.5 hours, such as Brut Carte Jaune and Vintage Rosé 2015.
• The “Madame Clicquot” tasting compares the Brut Yellow Label in Magnum with La Grande Dame 2015, perfect for those who want a side-by-side comparison of signature styles.
• The “L’art du vieillissement” (highest level) offers four vintages, including a rare Cave Privée 1990, with a two-hour duration.
• The “La Grande Dame” experience is the most exclusive, spanning four hours with visits to vineyards and cellars, culminating in tastings of three top cuvées.

Depending on your budget and interest level, you could end up experiencing a truly premium tasting that showcases the aging potential and craftsmanship behind Veuve Clicquot’s prestige bottles.

Wrapping Up and Heading Back to Paris

Around 4:30 PM, the group departs Veuve Clicquot for the journey back to Paris, which takes about two and a half hours. The driver typically drops you off at your hotel around 7:00 PM, completing a long but rewarding day.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The package covers guided tastings at both houses, private transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all fees and taxes. Bottled water is also provided. However, meals and additional drinks are not included, so plan to either bring snacks or enjoy the local cuisine during your lunch stop.

How the Experience Has Been Rated

With an average rating of 4.2 based on five reviews, feedback is generally positive. Travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the tastings. One reviewer even noted that when the Ruinart visit was postponed, they quickly found an alternative experience, including a free extra tasting and a vineyard tour—highlighting the flexibility and customer-focused approach of the provider.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine lovers, history buffs, or those who want a luxurious, educational day in Champagne without the hassle of organizing transportation and visits themselves. It’s less ideal for children (not suitable for those under 6), and the long day may be tiring for some, so travelers should be prepared for a full itinerary.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of historic visits, premium tastings, and comfortable travel, all wrapped in a private setting. While the price might seem steep, it covers a lot of ground—with expert-guided insight, exclusive tastings, and a seamless experience from start to finish.

If you’re someone who values quality over quantity and enjoys delving into the stories behind iconic brands, this trip is likely to meet your expectations. It’s especially good if you want a private, curated day focused solely on Champagne, away from the crowds.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 6 years due to the nature of the visits and adults-only tastings.

What type of transportation is used?
You’ll travel in a Mercedes E220 business-class vehicle for smaller groups or a Mercedes minivan if more people are booked.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included in the price?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there is an option for lunch in Reims during the day.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts about 11.5 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

What tasting options are available?
You can choose from several levels, from basic tastings of four cuvées to high-end experiences like “L’art du vieillissement” and “La Grande Dame.”

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are best, especially since there are walking parts during the cellar visits and the self-guided cathedral visit.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins with hotel pickup in Paris and ends back at your hotel around 7:00 PM.

If you’re after a luxurious, educational Champagne day trip with a personal touch, this private tour from Paris offers a compelling blend of history, tastings, and comfort. Perfect for those wanting to indulge in France’s bubbly heritage while enjoying the convenience of door-to-door service.

You can check availability for your dates here: