Exploring the renowned Champagne region from Reims is a journey of unparalleled indulgence. This captivating day trip offers an immersive experience, revealing the rich heritage and exquisite craftsmanship behind the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine. Travelers will explore the prestigious legacy of Veuve Clicquot, discover the iconic Cathedral of Reims, and uncover the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards. But the true charm lies in the intimate visit to a family-owned Champagne house, where the nuances of small-scale production await. With transportation, tastings, and a local lunch included, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the Champagne’s enchanting allure.
This experience made our list of the 11 Best Lunch Experiences In Reims.
Key Points
- A comprehensive champagne-focused day trip from Reims that includes a guided tour and tasting at the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate.
- Exploration of the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards and a visit to a family-owned Champagne house for an intimate look at small-scale producers.
- Guided tour of the iconic Cathedral of Reims, a stunning Gothic masterpiece, as part of the itinerary.
- Transportation provided via an air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking driver-guide to accompany travelers.
- Lunch at a local restaurant included in the tour package.
Tour Overview
The full-day tour in Reims, the Champagne capital of France, offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s renowned champagne heritage.
Travelers will visit the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate for a guided tour and tasting, seeing the brand’s rich history and winemaking process.
The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Cathedral of Reims, a stunning Gothic masterpiece.
Later, guests will drive through the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards before enjoying a lunch at a local restaurant.
The day culminates with a visit to a family-owned Champagne house, providing an intimate look at the region’s small-scale producers.
Throughout, a knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide ensures a personalized and enriching experience.
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Inclusions
This full-day tour in Reims includes a local English-speaking driver-guide to accompany travelers throughout the experience. An air-conditioned minivan will provide comfortable transportation to the various sites on the itinerary.
Entrance fees for the tours and tastings at both the Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate and the family-owned Champagne house are also covered. Travelers will enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant as part of the tour.
The tour includes:
- A visit to the Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate with a tasting.
- A visit to the Cathedral of Reims.
- A visit to a family-owned Champagne house for additional tastings.
Exclusions
While the tour includes numerous amenities, it doesn’t cover personal expenses, gratuities, or any additional drinks beyond what’s specified in the inclusions.
Travelers are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to and from the meeting point at the Reims train station if they aren’t staying in the city.
Any other incidental costs incurred during the day, such as souvenirs or extra snacks, are also not included in the tour price.
The tour focuses on providing a comprehensive experience of Reims’ champagne heritage, but allows travelers the flexibility to customize their spending as desired throughout the day.
Meeting and Pickup
The meeting point for the tour is the Office de Tourisme du Grand Reims – Site Gare (Train Station). If travelers aren’t staying in Reims, transportation to this meeting point isn’t included in the tour.
Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a prompt start.
Look for the tour guide holding a sign or wearing branded apparel to easily identify them.
If you need any assistance finding the meeting location or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the tour operator for support.
Veuve Clicquot Champagne Estate
After meeting the tour group at the Reims train station, the first stop on the Reims Champagne Day Trip is the iconic Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate.
Guests will spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring the historic vineyards, production facilities, and tasting rooms of this renowned Champagne house.
They’ll learn about Veuve Clicquot’s rich heritage and pioneering spirit, dating back to 1772 when the company was founded.
The tour culminates in a tasting session, where visitors can sample the house’s renowned Champagne varieties.
From the lush green vineyards to the meticulously crafted cuvées, the Veuve Clicquot experience provides an in-depth look at the art of Champagne making in the heart of the Champagne region.
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Cathedral of Reims
Next, the tour group heads to the iconic Cathedral of Reims, spending approximately 1.45 hours exploring this historic landmark.
Constructed over a period of more than a century, the Cathedral boasts stunning Gothic architecture and is renowned for its intricate stained glass windows and ornate sculptures. Visitors marvel at the cathedral’s imposing facades, learning about its significance in French history as the traditional site of French royal coronations.
The cathedral features:
- Breathtaking rose windows, considered some of the finest examples of 13th-century stained glass.
- Elaborate carved portals depicting biblical scenes and figures.
- The hallowed Hall of the Kings, where French monarchs were crowned for centuries.
Montagne De Reims Vineyards
Often, the tour group drives through the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards, a renowned winegrowing region in the Champagne area.
Nestled among gentle slopes and rolling hills, these vineyards produce some of the world’s finest Champagne grapes, including the three main varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
As the van winds its way through the lush, verdant landscape, passengers can appreciate the meticulous care and attention lavished on these precious vines.
The region’s unique terroir, with its chalky soil and cool climate, is ideal for growing the grapes that will eventually be transformed into the effervescent, world-famous Champagne wines.
This scenic drive offers a glimpse into the heart of the Champagne-making process.
Family-owned Champagne House
Toward the end of the tour, visitors are welcomed into a family-owned Champagne house, where they’ve the opportunity to delve deeper into the rich traditions and time-honored techniques that give birth to these effervescent libations.
The tasting at this intimate estate allows guests to sample the family’s exclusive Champagne blends, each bottle a unique expression of the terroir and the winemaker’s expertise.
They’ll learn about the intricate process of blending reserve wines, the importance of barrel aging, and the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. This immersive experience showcases the passion and craftsmanship that goes into creating the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine.
Exclusive tasting of the family’s signature Champagne blends
In-depth explanation of the traditional Champagne production methods
Opportunity to connect with the passionate winemakers behind the label
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour’s group size is small, though the exact minimum and maximum are not specified. This ensures a personalized experience for guests as they explore the Champagne capital of Reims on this full-day excursion.
Are Children Allowed on This Tour?
The tour is suitable for children, as it includes family-friendly activities like visiting the Champagne estates. However, the tour operator may have age restrictions or require children to be accompanied by an adult.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not explicitly described as wheelchair accessible. However, the small-group size and use of an air-conditioned minivan suggest the tour may accommodate wheelchair users, but travelers should confirm accessibility details with the tour operator prior to booking.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. The provider is happy to make arrangements for vegetarian, vegan, or other special meal requests when booking the tour. Guests should communicate any dietary needs in advance.
Are Audio Guides Available for the Cathedral of Reims Tour?
The Cathedral of Reims offers audio guides to provide visitors with a more immersive and informative experience during the tour. These self-guided audio tours allow guests to explore the cathedral at their own pace and learn about its rich history and architecture.
Recap
This comprehensive Champagne Day Trip from Reims offers an immersive exploration of the region’s renowned heritage.
Highlights include a guided tour and tasting at the prestigious Veuve Clicquot estate, a visit to the iconic Cathedral of Reims, and a drive through the picturesque Montagne de Reims vineyards.
Travelers will also visit a family-owned Champagne house, providing an intimate look at small-scale production.
The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a local lunch, delivering an enriching experience in the heart of the Champagne region.
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