From Paris: Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch

History

The Champagne region, centered around Reims and Épernay, has been synonymous with sparkling wine since the 17th century, when monks like Dom Pérignon refined winemaking techniques, perfecting the méthode champenoise. Its unique chalky terroir and cool climate, cultivated since Roman times, made it ideal for producing the effervescent wines that became a global symbol of celebration. Prestigious houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, founded in the 18th century, elevated Champagne’s reputation, while smaller family estates preserved artisanal traditions.

The region’s cultural significance extends beyond wine, with historic vineyards and cellars recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. This day trip from Paris explores Champagne’s storied legacy, visiting iconic houses and family-run estates, offering a taste of its sparkling history alongside the pastoral beauty of its rolling vineyards.

Highlights

• Discover the Champagne region on a guided shared or private day tour
• Visit a prestigious Champagne house and smaller family producers
• Learn professional wine-tasting techniques in a tranquil vineyard
• Enjoy a French lunch with Champagne at a winemaker’s house or restaurant
• Taste 8 different Champagnes, including Blanc de Blancs and Rosé

Full Description

Embark on a full-day trip from Paris to the Champagne region, blending wine, culture, and cuisine. Enjoy hotel pickup in central Paris and travel in an air-conditioned minivan, savoring fresh croissants as your driver-guide shares insights about Champagne’s history. Arrive at a renowned Champagne house (e.g., Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, or Pommery) for a guided cellar tour, learning about the production process, followed by your first tasting of the day.

Drive through scenic vineyards to a tranquil spot for a wine-tasting lesson led by your expert guide, exploring the region’s unique terroir. Enjoy a traditional French lunch paired with Champagnes like Blanc de Blancs, Rosé, or ratafia at a family-run estate or local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit a smaller producer, such as a family winery or cooperative, for another tasting, discovering diverse approaches to Champagne-making. Return to central Paris (or your hotel for private tours) after a 10-12-hour sparkling adventure.

What’s Included

• Hotel pickup from central Paris
• Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan
• Driver-guide (wine expert)
• Visits to two Champagne houses (one prestigious, one smaller producer)
• Tasting of 8 Champagnes
• Traditional French lunch with Champagne
• Vineyard wine-tasting session

Meeting Point

Meet at your hotel in central Paris for pickup at the time specified in your booking. For shared tours, confirm the exact pickup location in advance. The air-conditioned minivan ensures a comfortable start. Arrive promptly and contact the operator for any specific instructions to ensure a smooth departure.

Price

From $380 per person

Traveler Reviews

• Joel was great! The venues were perfect. Thank you!
• Patrice, our guide, was wonderful. Very accommodating! Super nice. It was an overall great experience!
• It was incredible! A nice mix of activit,y which gave you a great feel for the industry and culture.