Discovery Tour Reims and Epernay

The Discovery Tour in Reims and Epernay offers a captivating nine-hour experience that immerses visitors in the rich heritage of Champagne. Departing from the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station, guests can visit renowned Champagne houses, explore the stunning Reims Cathedral, and savor a delightful lunch. With expert insights into the champagne-making process and scenic views, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of one of France’s most renowned wine regions.

Key Points

• Discover the champagne region with a 9-hour guided tour from Champagne-Ardenne TGV station, priced at €225 per person.
• Visit either Maison Veuve Clicquot or Maison Pommery for a 105-minute tour and tasting of iconic champagne brands.
• Explore the Gothic architecture and stained glass of the UNESCO-listed Reims Cathedral during a 30-minute self-guided tour.
• Enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch featuring local Champagne-inspired cuisine at the Théâtre restaurant in Epernay.
• Conclude the tour with a scenic champagne tasting in Hautvillers and a stroll along the Avenue de Champagne.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Discovery Tour: Reims and Epernay offers visitors a comprehensive nine-hour experience, priced from €225.00 per person.

The tour’s group size is limited to 7 participants and is available in French and English. Cancellations qualify for a full refund if made 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The tour includes transportation in a Volkswagen minivan, one champagne house visit and tasting, a 3-course lunch, and pick-up/return at the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station. Comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended, as the tour explores Gallo-Roman cellars.

A minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to operate.

Itinerary Highlights

The Discovery Tour begins with departure from the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station at 9am.

Guests visit either Maison Veuve Clicquot or Maison Pommery, touring their Gallo-Roman cellars and enjoying a wine tasting for 105 minutes.

Next, they explore Reims Cathedral for 30 minutes on a self-guided tour.

Lunch follows at the Théâtre restaurant in Epernay, lasting 1.5 hours.

The tour then continues to Hautvillers, where guests savor a glass of champagne at a viewpoint for 30 minutes.

Finally, they stroll along the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay for another 30 minutes before returning to the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station at 6pm.

Departure and Transportation

The Discovery Tour departs from the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station in Bezannes at 9am.

Guests are transported in a comfortable Volkswagen minivan with air conditioning, accommodating a maximum of 7 participants.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from the train station.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, as the cellars can be cool.

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

The transportation and amenities provided ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience as guests explore the highlights of Reims and Epernay.

Visit to Maison Veuve Clicquot or Maison Pommery

After departing the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station, the tour visits either Maison Veuve Clicquot or Maison Pommery, both renowned for their Gallo-Roman cellars.

Guests will:

• Tour the historic cellars, learning about the unique chalk-based environment ideal for aging champagne

• Enjoy a tasting of the iconic champagne brands, experiencing the distinct flavors and aromas

• Gain insider knowledge about the champagne-making process and the influential figures who shaped the region’s wine legacy

The visit lasts approximately 105 minutes, providing an immersive champagne experience.

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Self-guided Tour of Reims Cathedral

Next, the tour participants move on to the self-guided exploration of the iconic Reims Cathedral.

They’ll have 30 minutes to admire the magnificent Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and ornate sculptures that adorn this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Constructed over 800 years ago, the cathedral is renowned for its unique rose window and grand nave.

Participants can wander at their own pace, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and impressive scale of the edifice.

This self-guided visit offers an opportunity to appreciate the cathedral’s rich history and architectural significance in an independent manner.

Lunch at Théâtre Restaurant in Epernay

Participants indulge in a 1.5-hour lunch at the Théâtre restaurant in Epernay. The restaurant, housed in a charming building, offers:

• A 3-course meal featuring local Champagne-inspired cuisine, such as pan-seared scallops, roasted duck, and a decadent Champagne-infused dessert.

• An extensive selection of regional Champagnes to pair with the meal, allowing guests to sample the finest offerings from the area.

• A relaxed, elegant atmosphere that complements the overall tour experience, providing a delightful respite before continuing the exploration of the Champagne region.

After the leisurely lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the historic village of Hautvillers.

Visit to Hautvillers and Avenue De Champagne

The tour now moves on to the historic village of Hautvillers, where participants can enjoy a glass of champagne at a scenic viewpoint.

The historic village of Hautvillers offers a scenic viewpoint to savor a glass of champagne.

This 30-minute stop offers a chance to take in the picturesque setting and learn about the village’s connection to Dom Pérignon, the legendary Benedictine monk who’s credited with developing the champagne production method.

After the Hautvillers visit, the group heads to Epernay to explore the famous Avenue de Champagne.

They can stroll along this prestigious street, lined with grand champagne houses, and admire the impressive architecture at their own pace.

Important Information

While the tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate, the group size is limited to 7 people.

The meeting point for the tour is the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station in Bezannes.

Visitors should come prepared with:

• Comfortable shoes to navigate the cellars and walk the streets

• A jacket, as the cellars can be quite cool

• No pets allowed on the tour

The itinerary is subject to change, so participants should remain flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is a flat rate of €225.00 per person, regardless of age or student status. Reservations can be made online with no upfront payment required.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but guests can request modifications or additional activities within the given timeframe. The tour operator works to accommodate reasonable requests while ensuring the quality and core experience of the Discovery Tour.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Champagne Glasses?

No, you don’t need to bring your own champagne glasses. The tour includes a champagne tasting at one of the champagne houses, and the proper glassware will be provided for you to enjoy the wines.

Are There Any Additional Activities or Optional Extras?

The tour doesn’t offer any additional activities or optional extras. It covers the key highlights of the Champagne region, including visits to champagne houses, Reims Cathedral, and scenic areas like Hautvillers and Avenue de Champagne in Epernay.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends 105 minutes at the champagne house, 30 minutes at Reims Cathedral, 1.5 hours for lunch, 30 minutes in Hautvillers, and 30 minutes on Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, for a total duration of 9 hours.

Recap

The Discovery Tour in Reims and Epernay offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the rich heritage of Champagne. From guided tours of renowned maisons to a self-guided visit of Reims Cathedral and a delightful lunch, the tour provides an insightful and scenic journey through the heart of this iconic wine region.

You can check if your dates are available here: