Thinking about a day trip from Paris that combines history, luxury, and a touch of sparkle? This private tour to Ruinart Champagne Cellars offers just that. Perfect for those who want to experience one of France’s oldest Champagne houses without the crowds, it’s a well-rounded way to spend a day soaking in the sights, flavors, and stories of the Champagne region.

Two things stand out in reviews for this experience: the knowledgeable guides who make the history come alive, and the luxurious comfort of traveling in a Mercedes, which really elevates the day. On the flip side, a potential downside is that the trip can feel a bit long, especially if you’re not a huge Champagne enthusiast or if traffic delays happen.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of culture, scenic landscapes, and a good glass of Champagne. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a private, relaxed experience over larger group tours. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a taste of luxury, this trip offers a blend of education, indulgence, and historical insights.

Key Points

Exclusive Private Experience: You get your own chauffeur and a tailored visit to Ruinart, avoiding large crowds.
Two Tasting Options: Choose between a basic guided tour with two glasses of Champagne or a more premium tasting featuring three glasses of Blanc de Blanc.
Comfortable Transport: Travel in a Mercedes E220 or minivan, ensuring a smooth and stylish ride through vineyard landscapes.
Includes Reims Cathedral: Enjoy a self-guided visit to this historic site, crown of French royalty.
Flexible Schedule: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, with potential to customize timing based on traffic and your preferences.
Cost-Value Balance: At $568 per person, it’s a premium experience, but the personalized service and exclusive tastings often justify the price.

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The Itinerary and What to Expect

The day starts early, with hotel pickup around 7:30 AM. From Paris, it’s about a two-hour drive across scenic French countryside toward the Champagne region. On the way, you’ll enjoy the views of rolling vineyards—an instant mood-setter for what’s to come. The ride is in a plush Mercedes, which makes the journey itself feel special, especially if you’re traveling with someone who appreciates comfort.

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Guided Cellars Visit at Ruinart

Once there, you’ll dive into the heart of Champagne history with a guided tour of Ruinart’s cellars—the oldest Champagne house established in 1729. Ruinart’s UNESCO-listed cellars are a highlight, and the guide’s insights help you appreciate why this house is so revered.

Two options are available, depending on your interest and how much time you want to spend. The “Visite des Crayères” offers a 1.5 to 2-hour tour with tasting of 2 glasses of Champagne. The “Signature Chardonnay” gives a similar duration but ups the ante with tastings of 3 glasses of Blanc de Blanc, including special editions like Ruinart Blanc Singulier Editions from 2017 and 2019.

Travelers consistently mention how engaging the guides are. One review highlighted, “The guides really knew their stuff and made the whole process so fascinating,” which adds a lot to the experience. It’s one thing to sip Champagne, but understanding how it’s made and what makes each cuvée special makes the tasting more meaningful.

Lunch and Reims Cathedral

After the cellar visit, you’ll have about an hour and a half for lunch in Reims. The tour provider can arrange a restaurant reservation if you prefer a sit-down meal, or you’re free to explore on your own. Reims itself is worth a quick walk—its cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most of the French kings were crowned here, so the self-guided visit adds a regal touch to your day.

Return Journey

Post-lunch, the plan is to leave Reims around 2:40 PM for the drive back to Paris, which takes about 2.5 hours. You’ll arrive back in the city around 4:30 PM, with drop-off at your hotel or preferred location. Keep in mind, traffic can affect timing, so flexibility is key.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The personalized nature of this trip is a big plus. With private transportation and guaranteed departures, you won’t have to worry about sharing the experience with strangers. The luxury of traveling in a Mercedes adds a layer of comfort that many travelers appreciate after a morning of sightseeing.

The choice between two tasting experiences allows you to tailor the day to your preferences—whether you’re in it mainly for the history or also want to indulge in a more comprehensive Champagne tasting. The guides’ expertise is frequently praised, making even novices feel like connoisseurs by the end of the tour.

On the downside, the entire trip clocks in at around 10 hours, which might seem long if you’re not a big Champagne fan or if you prefer more relaxed, shorter excursions. Also, since the chauffeur isn’t a guide, some of the historical context relies on the provided guides during the cellar visits, but this can be a plus if you want a more private, focused experience.

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Is It Worth the Price?

At $568, this is definitely a premium experience. But considering the private transport, guided cellar visits, tastings of premium Champagne, and hotel pickup/drop-off, many find it good value. If you’re craving an intimate, educational, and luxurious day out, it’s likely to meet your expectations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more exclusive, relaxed day. It’s perfect for Champagne enthusiasts eager to learn more about the history and production of their favorite bubbly. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just love discovering luxury brands in a private setting, this trip hits the mark.

It’s also suitable for those who appreciate comfortable transportation and personalized service. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer more active, self-guided adventures, there are more economical options out there.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get private transportation in a Mercedes E220 or minivan, a guided tour of Ruinart’s cellars with a choice of tastings, Reims Cathedral entry for self-guided exploration, all fees and taxes, and bottled water.

Can I choose between different tasting options?
Yes, you can opt for either the standard 2-glass tasting or the more extensive 3-glass Blanc de Blanc experience, depending on your interest.

Is hotel pickup included?
Absolutely. Your private chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel in Paris and drop you off at your preferred location after the tour.

How long is the drive from Paris?
The drive takes approximately 2 hours each way, passing through scenic vineyard landscapes.

Is this a group tour or private?
It’s a private experience, tailored to your group, with guaranteed departures.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially since there are walking parts involved during the cellar and cathedral visits.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included in the package, but you can choose to have lunch in Reims or on your own.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since it involves walking and some restrictions on food and drinks in the vehicle, it might be less suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.

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Ruinart Champagne Cellars Tastings Private trip from Paris

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a luxurious, educational, and personalized way to experience Champagne outside Paris, this private tour to Ruinart ticks all the boxes. The combination of guided cellar visits, premium tastings, and cultural stops makes it a well-rounded day.

While it’s on the pricier side, the exclusivity, comfort, and in-depth experience are likely to appeal to connoisseurs or travelers celebrating a special occasion. Just keep in mind that long days and traffic delays are possibilities, so plan accordingly.

All in all, this tour offers a glimpse into Champagne’s elegant world with the right balance of history, taste, and luxury—definitely worth considering if you want to make your trip to France extra memorable.