Explore Reims’ Champagne Region with Confidence: A Full-Day, All-Inclusive Tour of Two Legendary Houses and an Authentic French Lunch
Imagine spending a day in the heart of France’s Champagne region without the hassle of planning logistics yourself. This exclusive tour takes you to two renowned Champagne houses, such as Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon, with tastings at each, plus a relaxing lunch at a well-known restaurant. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll also visit the Abbaye of Hautvillers to see the tomb of Dom Pérignon, the monk credited with pioneering Champagne’s signature sparkle. With a duration of around 8 hours and a price of $831.13 per person, this experience is designed for those wanting a seamless, educational, and delicious day.
What we love about this tour is how it takes care of the details, so you can truly enjoy the experience—focusing on the sparkling wines and the stunning scenery. The famous Champagne houses and the lunch at Royal Champagne are real highlights, especially for first-timers eager to learn and taste their way through the region. Plus, the small group size ensures a more intimate experience, making it easier to connect with guides and fellow wine lovers.
One potential consideration is the price—while it’s a significant investment, the all-inclusive nature and access to prestigious houses make it a strong value, especially for those seeking a comprehensive Champagne adventure. Keep in mind that booking must be done around 75 days in advance, so planning ahead is essential.
This tour will suit those who want a luxurious, well-organized day that combines history, tasting, and sightseeing. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a stress-free, informative experience** with plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best Champagne the region has to offer.
Key Points
- All-inclusive experience with visits to two top Champagne houses and a gourmet lunch
- Expert-guided tour that offers insights into Champagne making and regional history
- Visits include Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, and possibly Taittinger depending on availability
- A short visit to the Abbaye Hautvillers, home to Dom Pérignon’s tomb
- Modern transportation with air conditioning and bottled water for comfort
- Private group experience, making it more personalized
In-Depth Review of the Exclusive Champagne Tour
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The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect
This tour offers a carefully curated line-up of stops, each showcasing a different facet of the Champagne region’s heritage and production. Starting early at 9:00 am, your adventure begins with a visit to Veuve Clicquot. Here, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed cellars, where centuries of Champagne aging happen in subterranean silence. The tour includes tastings, giving you a chance to savor that signature Veuve Clicquot style—rich, crisp, and perfect for celebrating.
A highlight for many is the option to visit Taittinger (subject to availability). Guests love the prestige of these houses, but what makes the experience stand out is how the admission fee is included, removing stress and surprise costs. According to reviews, guides like Gwendal are praised for making the process smooth and engaging.
After an engaging morning, you’ll stop for a lunch at Le Spa Royal Champagne, a well-known restaurant where you can relax and enjoy French cuisine while soaking in views of the vineyards. The lunch duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time to unwind and savor the flavors without feeling rushed.
Post-lunch, you’ll visit Moët & Chandon, another iconic Champagne house. The tour here delves into the history of the house, its cellars, and of course, includes more tastings. This stop is often described as the highlight of the day, with many reviewers noting the quality of the Champagne and the expertise of the guides.
The final stop is the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, a picturesque village where Dom Pérignon’s tomb resides. This short visit (roughly 20 minutes) is a meaningful nod to Champagne’s spiritual father, and many visitors find it a touching conclusion to the day.
The Transportation and Logistics
The tour provides pickup options, and the transportation is modern, comfortable, and air-conditioned, perfect for relaxing between stops. Bottled water is supplied, which is especially appreciated on warm days or for those who want to stay hydrated while learning about Champagne.
The group size is limited to ensure a more personalized experience, and the mobile ticket system simplifies last-minute planning. It’s clear that the tour operators focus heavily on making the logistics as seamless as possible, letting you focus on tasting and exploring.
Authenticity and Quality of Experiences
Based on reviews, guides like Gwendal and Lucas are lauded for their knowledgeable, friendly demeanor. Guests frequently mention how guides make the experience educational without being overwhelming, blending history, production techniques, and regional stories effortlessly.
What truly makes this tour stand out is the careful curation of Champagne houses. Guests are not just rushed through a commercialized experience; they get authentic tastings and insightful behind-the-scenes glimpses into Champagne production—valuable for both novices and connoisseurs.
The lunch at Royal Champagne also receives high praise, often described as fabulous with outstanding views. The company’s flexibility in tailoring the experience—like visiting Dom Pérignon’s tomb or adjusting tastings—adds to its appeal.
Value for Money
At $831.13 per person, this tour is not cheap, but it offers a high level of exclusivity and access. The all-inclusive nature — covering visits, tastings, and lunch — simplifies budgeting and ensures no surprise expenses. Numerous reviews emphasize the quality of the Champagne, the expert guides, and the well-organized itinerary as worth the price.
Travelers who prioritize educational value, comfort, and exclusive access will find this tour a worthwhile splurge. For those seeking a more flexible or budget option, other tours might be more suitable, but few deliver the same comprehensive, luxury experience.
The Reviews Speak Volumes
The consistent 5-star ratings across 32 reviews show that this experience hits the mark for most travelers. Guests mention the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, excellent wine, and good value for the quality. Many describe it as “the best day” of their trip, with some noting how Gwendal, the guide, made the day memorable with his friendliness and expertise.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Champagne who want a trustworthy, rundown of the region. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to taste top-tier Champagne and learn how it’s made, especially given the inclusion of prestigious houses.
Travelers who appreciate luxury and convenience will find this tour’s seamless logistics and small-group vibe particularly appealing. It also suits those with a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, given the focus on quality and exclusivity.
FAQs
What is included in the tour price?
The price covers visits and tastings at two major Champagne houses, admission fees, lunch at a well-known restaurant, bottled water, and transportation.
How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, with a full day of Champagne house visits, lunch, and sightseeing.
Are the Champagne house tours private?
Yes, this is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized experience.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll walk through cellars and historic sites.
Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
Guides like Gwendal are praised for their flexibility and willingness to tailor parts of the experience, such as visiting Dom Pérignon or adjusting tastings.
What if I want to visit other houses?
The tour includes two main houses, but depending on availability, you might visit a third, like Taittinger.
Can I book this tour last minute?
Most travelers book about 75 days in advance, so last-minute reservations could be challenging, especially during peak seasons.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, making it easy to reschedule if plans change.
Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While primarily wine-focused, non-drinkers can still enjoy the sightseeing, scenery, and the historical aspects of the visit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a luxurious, educational, and convenient way to experience Champagne’s most famous houses, this tour is hard to beat. It offers a well-rounded look at both the history and art of Champagne-making, paired with delicious food and stunning views. The guides’ reputation for being knowledgeable and personable, plus the small-group setting, makes this a memorable day out—especially if you want to avoid the hassle of planning and logistics.
For travelers seeking an authentic, high-quality Champagne experience that balances education, indulgence, and comfort, this tour delivers. It’s best suited for those willing to invest in a premium day of tasting and sightseeing, and who appreciate a well-organized journey with expert guidance.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to treat yourself to the best the region has to offer, this tour promises a day full of bubbles, history, and beautiful scenery.
More Wine Tours in Reims
- Lunch with Champagne & Ratafia champenois
- 100% Champagne LOVER Tour:1 Iconic house visit+3 tastings & Lunch
- Champagne tasting, panoramic walk in the vineyards
- Private Champagne Tour: Iconic & Boutique Champagne+ restaurant
- From Reims Full day Electric bike Champagne and lunch
- Ruinart champagne special tour
More Tours in Reims
- 100% Champagne LOVER Tour:1 Iconic house visit+3 tastings & Lunch
- Private tour: Full Day Veuve Clicquot to Reims or Epernay region
- Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Reims with official tour guide
- Private Champagne Tour: Iconic & Boutique Champagne+ restaurant
- Ruinart champagne special tour
- World War I Tour of Northern France; the Argonne Forest
More Tour Reviews in Reims
- A unique sensory experience in the vineyards
- Lunch with Champagne & Ratafia champenois
- 100% Champagne LOVER Tour:1 Iconic house visit+3 tastings & Lunch
- Private tour: Full Day Veuve Clicquot to Reims or Epernay region
- e-Scavenger hunt Reims: Explore the city at your own pace
- Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Reims with official tour guide
More Reims experiences we've covered
- Lunch with Champagne & Ratafia champenois
- 100% Champagne LOVER Tour:1 Iconic house visit+3 tastings & Lunch
- Private tour: Full Day Veuve Clicquot to Reims or Epernay region
- e-Scavenger hunt Reims: Explore the city at your own pace
- Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Reims with official tour guide
- Champagne tasting, panoramic walk in the vineyards
- Private Champagne Tour: Iconic & Boutique Champagne+ restaurant
- From Reims Full day Electric bike Champagne and lunch
- Ruinart champagne special tour
- Let’s take a walk in the vineyards
- Reims or Epernay: Full day Champagne Mumm, family grower & lunch
- World War I Tour of Northern France; the Argonne Forest