Private Champagne Day Trip to Vineyards of Reims with French Lunch from Paris

A Closer Look at the Private Champagne Day Trip to Reims from Paris

Starting early in the morning, this tour offers a seamless blend of luxury, education, and authentic regional charm. For $719.22 per person, you’ll spend roughly 10 hours exploring famous vineyards, Reims city highlights, and the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, all with the comfort of a private guide and included train tickets. Led by friendly guides like Pablo or Brenda, this is a chance to really get beneath the surface of the Champagne region — and to do it in style.

We particularly appreciate two things about this tour: first, the carefully curated visits to two different wineries, each with guided tours and 6 exclusive tastings, giving you insight into Champagne’s complex process. Second, the combination of city sightseeing and vineyard visits offers a well-rounded experience that balances cultural landmarks with behind-the-scenes wine education.

A possible consideration is that this is not a “VIP” or ultra-exclusive experience — the tastings are with other guests, and some might find the 130-step cellar climb a bit strenuous. But for those who enjoy authentic, genuine experiences without exorbitant costs, this tour hits the sweet spot. It suits travelers who want quality over quantity, and who appreciate knowledgeable guides sharing stories and history along the way.

If you love history, good wine, and a bit of French culture, especially in a relaxed setting, this tour provides a fantastic day trip from Paris. Perfect for first-time visitors or wine enthusiasts eager for a taste of Champagne’s best, all wrapped up in a day that’s manageable and packed with memorable moments.

Key Points

• All-inclusive transportation ensures a smooth trip from Paris to Reims by high-speed train.
• Guided winery tours provide expert insights into Champagne-making, with six glasses of bubbly to taste.
• City exploration of Reims includes a visit to its stunning Gothic cathedral and other historical landmarks.
• Authentic French lunch in a family-owned restaurant offers regional flavors paired with local Champagne.
• Private group experience means more personalized attention from your guides.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if you change your mind 24 hours in advance.

The Full Breakdown: What to Expect from This Champagne Adventure

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off bright and early at Gare de l’Est in Paris at 8:00am. From there, you’ll hop on a high-speed TVG train, which whisks you comfortably to Reims in about an hour. We love the convenience this offers — no long bus rides, just quick, relaxed travel. Your guide will meet you at the station, so no worries about navigating unfamiliar transport systems.

Once in Reims, a private vehicle will transfer you to the vineyards. This combination of speed and comfort ensures that most of your day is spent enjoying the experience rather than stressing over logistics.

Vineyard Visits and Champagne Tastings

The heart of the tour is the guided visits to two wineries. The first stop, at 1 Rue de Chigny, introduces you to the cellars of an ancient castle and its vineyards. Here, you’ll learn about the champagne production process from seasoned guides, who share insights into the craftsmanship behind each bubbly. Expect to taste five high-quality glasses of champagne, each offering a different taste profile.

The second visit, at 1 Rue des Vignes, takes you to a family-run winery — a more intimate setting that lets you really appreciate the nuances of smaller producers. Another glass of champagne here, along with in-depth explanations from your host, rounds out this part of the day.

According to reviews, guides like Pablo and Brenda excel at balancing educational commentary with friendly conversation. Nathan M praises Pablo for not only sharing detailed info but also providing a history lesson on Reims and its cathedral, making the day both fun and informative.

Lunch in Ludes

Midday, you’ll stop in the village of Ludes for a traditional French lunch. The meal is served in a charming family-owned restaurant, where you can enjoy regional dishes paired with local Champagne. Reviewers like Sherylkhill appreciate the thoughtful pairing of food and wine, describing the lunch as delicious and authentic.

This stop is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive taste of local life, away from tourist crowds. The relaxed pace allows plenty of time to savor your dishes and chat with your guides about French culture and cuisine.

City Tour of Reims

Post-lunch, you’ll explore the historic city of Reims. Highlights include the famous Reims Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture where French kings were crowned. The guides do a good job of highlighting Reims’ medieval past and its significance during WWII. Travel writer Nathan M mentions that the city’s cathedral was “beautiful and awe-inspiring”, confirming that the scenery and history are worth the visit.

Reims Cathedral

A dedicated visit to the Notre-Dame of Reims offers a chance to admire one of France’s premier Gothic structures. With its intricate façade and stunning stained glass, it’s a highlight for architecture lovers. Expect to spend about an hour here, soaking in the craftsmanship and history.

Return to Paris

The tour wraps up with a return by high-speed train from Reims back to Gare de l’Est, arriving around 7:00pm. This relaxed schedule means you can reflect on your day over dinner in Paris, with plenty of stories and new knowledge to share.

The Experience in Detail: Why It Works

This tour really shines in its combination of learning, tasting, and sightseeing. The guided visits to the vineyards give you a behind-the-scenes look at Champagne production — something that’s hard to replicate on your own. The expert guides make the process engaging, sharing stories and answering questions, which adds depth to the tasting experience.

The city tour of Reims and the visit to the cathedral make this more than just a wine tasting — it’s a journey through French history and culture. The lunch in a family restaurant provides an authentic flavor of regional life, giving you a break from the more polished tourist spots.

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Pablo or Brenda significantly enhance the experience with their knowledge and friendliness. Nathan M describes Pablo as “the most wonderful guide,” emphasizing how a good guide can make all the difference.

The Value of the Price Tag

While $719.22 per person might seem steep, it covers everything — train tickets, private transfers, wine tastings, meals, and guided city tours. This all-inclusive approach simplifies planning and ensures you won’t be surprised by hidden costs. It’s a fair deal for those who want a high-quality, hassle-free day with expert insights and authentic experiences.

Considerations for Travelers

One point to keep in mind is that the tastings are shared with other guests, so it’s not a totally private experience. Also, there’s a 130-step climb in one of the cellars, which might be tiring for some. But these are minor considerations compared to the overall value and richness of the experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-time visitors to Paris who want a relaxed, enriching day trip. It’s also perfect for wine lovers eager to understand Champagne’s craft without the fuss of organizing multiple visits. If you appreciate guided storytelling and authentic local food, you’ll find this tour well worth the cost.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a luxury or VIP experience, as the tastings are with other guests, and it’s designed to be accessible and fun rather than ultra-exclusive. Those with mobility issues should note the 130-step cellar climb.

The Sum Up

This private Champagne day trip offers a well-rounded, informative, and genuinely enjoyable experience that balances wine tasting, history, and local culture. The combination of fast train travel, expert guides, beautiful vineyards, and a charming city makes it a smart choice for anyone wanting to explore the heart of France’s Champagne region without the hassle of self-organizing.

The quality of the wineries and knowledgeable guides consistently receive praise, and the inclusion of a French lunch adds a flavorful touch. Overall, it’s an excellent value for those looking to deepen their understanding of Champagne while enjoying a memorable day in Reims.

If you’re a curious traveler eager to learn, taste, and see, this tour will leave you with happy memories and a fresh appreciation for France’s bubbly heritage.

FAQ

• How long is the entire tour?
  Approximately 10 hours, including train travel, vineyard visits, lunch, city sightseeing, and return.

• What is included in the price?
  Return high-speed train tickets, private transfers to vineyards, guided tours of two wineries, six tastings of champagne, and a French lunch.

• Are the tastings private?
  No, the tastings are shared with other guests, but the overall experience is private in terms of group size and guide attention.

• Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or specific dietary needs?
  While specific dietary accommodations aren’t detailed, the included lunch is in a family restaurant, so you may want to inquire directly.

• Does the tour involve a lot of walking?
  Most of the walking is in Reims city and at the cathedral. The vineyard visits include some stairs — notably a 130-step cellar climb.

• Can I cancel this tour?
  Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

• What time does the tour start and end?
  It begins at 8:00am at Gare de l’Est and typically returns around 7:00pm.

• Is this tour good for wine novices?
  Absolutely — guides are known for making complex processes understandable and engaging.

• Are the vineyard visits very touristy?
  Not at all; the visits focus on genuine family-run wineries and historical cellars, not commercialized operations.

• How steep is the climb in the cellar?
  It involves descending 130 steps, which may be tiring for some but adds a real adventure element.

This detailed review should help you decide if a day in Reims, exploring champagne and French culture, fits your travel style. It blends comfort, education, and authenticity — a true taste of France’s sparkling heritage.