Exploring the rolling hills and gorgeous vineyard covered landscapes of the Champagne region is an experience you don’t want to miss. And the cool part is that it’s only a short journey away from Paris. So when you’re visiting France’s top city, you can take a train to the Champagne houses. You don’t even have to do any work to put the excursion together, because there are plenty of great tours to book.
Champagne tours from Paris are a great way to go. Not only will you get to do some tastings, you’ll learn about the art of winemaking, and have a chance to stroll through the historic cellars of Champagne.
» Visiting soon? Check out our France travel guide. You might be interested in visiting the gorgeous town of Annecy, France for amazing food, as well as the Savoie wine region and these three jaw-dropping destinations in the French Alps. Here are our guides to the most beautiful cities to visit in France, and the top French wine regions.
Whether you choose a small group outing or a more intimate private tour, the experience will definitely be memorable. We love both the city of Reims and the heart of Champagne, Epernay. I’m sure you’ll love them too.
Top Three Private Champagne Excursions
- VIP Champagne Day Journey: An exclusive getaway featuring a Michelin-starred luncheon and visits to renowned Champagne houses.
- Private Champagne Tour: Tour the heart of the Champagne region with an exclusive visit of a prestigious Champagne house (Veuve Clicquot or Mercier or Moët & Chandon or Pommery or others) in Reims or Épernay.
- Champagne & Reims Experience: Delve into the highlights of Reims with tastings at prominent cellars.
Planning your trip to Reims?
- Rent a car from the Paris airport through Discover Cars to drive to Reims.
Where to Stay in Reims:
- Hotel Continental – Very nice high end hotel in the city centre
- Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix – mid-range, great location
Best Tours and Experiences in Rome:
- Small Group Full Day Tour – Visit 3 Champagne houses, where you’ll try a variety of champagnes. There’s also an included three-course lunch. (8 hours)
- Private Full Day Tour – Visit 3 Champagne houses, visit Hautvillers where Dom Perignon created Champagne, and have a 3-course restaurant lunch. (8 hours, 2 people minimum)
Selecting the Perfect Champagne Tour from Paris
When choosing a Champagne tour from Paris, consider the type of experience you seek and the duration that fits your schedule. These aspects are crucial in determining the enjoyment and depth of your Champagne discovery.
Private vs Small-Group Options
For a more personalized experience, a private champagne tour allows for a tailor-made itinerary and the undivided attention of an expert guide. It’s ideal if you prefer a more intimate setting or exclusive insights into the Champagne-making process.
In contrast, a Small-Group champagne tour can offer a social dynamic and the chance to meet fellow wine enthusiasts, often at a reduced cost. Both options can provide luxury enhancements if desired, so consider your preferences and budget.
Full-Day vs Half-Day Excursions
A full-day excursion maximizes your time in Champagne, offering comprehensive visits to multiple estates, cellar tours, and extensive tastings. With this option, you’re more likely to enjoy a leisurely lunch and deeper interaction with your guide.
On the other hand, half-day excursions are great if you are pressed for time or wish to combine the tour with other activities in Paris. These tours still provide a satisfying glimpse into the region’s sparkling wines, but expect a faster pace and potentially fewer tastings.
7 Best Tours to Take
1. Private Champagne Experience with Gourmet Michelin Dining
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
Indulge in a premium champagne journey that begins at renowned producers like Moët & Chandon, Taittinger, or Veuve Clicquot. Accompanied by a wine expert, delve into their storied cellars and grape varieties. Relish a Michelin-star meal in a resplendent château, paired with exquisite wines. Continue to the historic Reims Cathedral and visit a smaller vineyard for an intimate tasting session.
- Duration: 11 hours
- Highlights: Private guide, Michelin star lunch, visits to major and boutique Champagne houses
- Travel from Paris to Champagne by private black car or luxury minivan with a private driver-guide
2. Exclusive Champagne Region Discovery from Your Paris Hotel
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10-12 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
Embark from your Paris lodging on a tailor-made champagne escapade featuring tastings at Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, or Pommery. Explore the intricate processes in the underground cellars, engage with a local vineyard owner, and taste his signature vintage. Journey through the picturesque landscapes, uncover local markets and pay homage to Dom Pérignon’s historical abbey.
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Highlights: Personalized itinerary, vineyard and producer visits, cultural insights
- Visit the village of Dom Perignon, its vineyards and seventh century abbey.
3. Champagne & Reims Culinary Exploration Day Trip
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10-12 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
Experience a blend of history and refined tastes with this all-encompassing day trip. Visit Reims’ UNESCO-listed sites including the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral. Journey to Épernay for exclusive Champagne house tours with tastings. Savor a gourmet three-course luncheon and meet the passionate vintners of smaller estates.
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Highlights: Heritage sites, Champagne tastings, historical insights
4. Custom Grand Champagne Houses Excursion
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
Skip the planning and be whisked away to the Champagne region for a private cellar tour of esteemed wineries like Mumm and Mercier. A knowledgeable guide will showcase iconic producers in Reims and Épernay. Sip on various champagnes, learn the finer points of tasting, and enjoy a sumptuous local lunch.
- Duration: 7 hours
- Highlights: Exclusive cellar tours, extensive tastings, and educational wine sessions
- This preplanned wine trip with a private guide takes you to six of the houses of Champagne with cellar visits, production insights, lunch, and, of course, samples of Champagne.
5. Moët & Chandon and Premier Epernay Houses Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
Design your perfect champagne day trip, touring leading Champagne houses including the esteemed Moët & Chandon. Uncover the secrets of champagne production, enjoy several tastings, and immerse yourself in the culture that surrounds this famous bubbly.
- Duration: 7 hours
- Highlights: House tours, extensive tastings, and expert guidance
6. Intimate Day Trek to Veuve Clicquot
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
Journey to the heart of the Champagne region and experience the legacy of Veuve Clicquot. With personalized attention, this tour offers insights into the brand’s history and craft. Enjoy a curated tasting of their renowned sparklings and learn what makes this label a symbol of quality in the champagne world.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Highlights: Exclusive Veuve Clicquot insights, tasting session
7. Reims Small-Group Champagne Encounter with Tastings and Lunch
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
Embrace the charm of Reims in a small group setting. Begin with the magnificent Reims Cathedral, followed by an exploration of selected wine cellars. Enjoy food-pairing luncheons and exclusive tastings that showcase the diversity of Champagne’s offerings.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Highlights: Cultural landmarks, cellar explorations, group lunch
Planning Your Visit
When you’re setting out to explore the celebrated vineyards of the Champagne region, a well-orchestrated plan enhances your experience. From pinpointing the optimal season to sorting out your travel and stay, each detail plays a critical role in crafting an unforgettable journey.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal period to tour the Champagne houses is between April and October. During these months, the weather in France is generally mild, making your day trips to Champagne comfortable under temperate skies. The grapes’ harvest time, usually in late September, can be particularly fascinating, offering a unique insight into the production process.
Where to Reims
See all hotel options
- Hotel Continental – Very nice high end hotel in the city centre
- Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix – mid-range, great location
5 Top Tips on Tasting Champagne
When indulging in the exquisite effervescence of champagne, a few tips can enhance your experience. Here’s your concise guide to savoring this prestigious bubbly:
- Grasp the Stem: To maintain the ideal temperature and avoid overheating, always hold your champagne glass by the stem. Doing so keeps the taste profile intact.
- Observe with Care: Before you sip, pause to appreciate the visual allure of champagne. Look for persistent, minuscule bubbles that gracefully ascend to the surface.
- Scent with Intent: Approach the aroma of the champagne with a gentle sniff. Detect the delicate balance of fruity, nutty, and possibly yeasty notes for a rich sensory experience.
- Savor the Flavor: Drink in moderation, allowing the champagne to meander across your palate. This practice unveils the intricate layers of its flavor.
- Progressive Pairing: Begin your tasting journey with lighter champagnes and gradually progress to the bolder ones to respect the subtle nuances of each variety.
FAQs on Champagne Excursions from Paris
Travel Time by Train
Distance to Champagne Region:
- Paris to Champagne: Roughly 145 kilometers (90 miles)
- Average train journey duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Closest Destination:
- Épernay, featuring the well-known Avenue de Champagne
Pricing of Champagne in France
Expense Expectations:
- Range: Typically from €30 to €300+
- Factors influencing cost: Brand and vintage
Cost Comparison:
- Generally more affordable than elsewhere, especially if bought directly from local producers
- Broader selection and competitive pricing within France
Fun Facts About Champagne
Nestled in France’s northeastern territories lies the only area authorized to produce genuine Champagne. This distinguished beverage owes its name to the region endowed with a rich tapestry of vineyards and captivating landscapes. Without roots in this cherished countryside, a sparkling wine, no matter its similarity, shall never don the title of Champagne.
A cornerstone of this vinous marvel is its exclusive double fermentation process, which imparts the signature effervescence renowned worldwide. Initially, vintners craft a still wine, and only through a second fermentation does the wine become vibrantly bubbly.
Known for its picturesque Gothic architecture, Hautvillers is a historic village nestled within the Montagne de Reims. This scenic location is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring the cultural and historical significance of the Champagne-making tradition. Amidst this setting, one can stroll the famed Avenue de Champagne, overshadowed by marquee Champagne houses and vast cellars cradling innumerable, silently ripening bottles.
As for the grapes, the key varietals that contribute to the delicate yet profound complexity of Champagne include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Each brings a unique character to the blend, from refined elegance to rich fruitiness.
Be Prepared For Travel
Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:
🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home
- Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
- Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner)
- Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
- Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)
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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.