Champagne Day tour with Veuve Clicquot and 2 other big wineries

Experience the Charm of Champagne in Reims

This 6-hour Champagne day tour from Reims offers a balanced mix of history, tasting, and beautiful scenery. For about $560 per person, you’ll visit iconic houses like Veuve Clicquot and Pommery, plus explore Taittinger’s historic cellars. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to gain insight into the Champagne industry while enjoying some of the best bubbles France has to offer.

Two features we love: first, the balance between guided and self-guided experiences—you get expert insights at Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger, but the modern art exhibits and self-paced Pommery tour let you explore at your own speed. Second, the combination of cellar visits and a delicious, Champagne-inclusive three-course lunch makes this a well-rounded day.

A possible consideration is the lack of private guide and the fact that you’re expected to navigate each visit on your own or with front desk assistance. If you prefer a more personalized, chauffeur-driven experience, this might feel a little hands-off.

This tour suits first-time Champagne visitors who want a comprehensive introduction without the rush of a large group, and who appreciate a mix of guided history and flexible exploration.

Key Points

• Iconic Visits: Tour Veuve Clicquot’s vast cellars, Pommery’s historic and modern art exhibits, and Taittinger’s medieval cellars.
• Tastings & Lunch: Enjoy a total of 8 glasses of Champagne with guided tastings and a 3-course lunch at a Michelin-starred brasserie.
• Flexible Experience: Self-guided components allow you to explore each house at your own pace, ideal for those who love a relaxed schedule.
• Educational Value: Learn about Champagne aromas, production, and history from expert guides and informative materials.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation and easy to reach by Uber, with a maximum group size of 20 for a more intimate feel.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to separate visits, the combined tour offers good value—especially with tastings and lunch included.

A Detailed Look at the Champagne Day Tour

Starting Point: Veuve Clicquot’s Iconic Cellars

Your day begins at Veuve Clicquot’s visitors center in Reims, where you’ll meet your assistant or guide. Known for its large, 30-meter deep cellars, Veuve Clicquot is a perfect place to start because of its historical significance and iconic reputation. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, including a guided walk through the aging cellars, where you’ll learn how the company’s signature yellow label came to be.

What we love here: the exposure to the scale of the operation—these are some of the most impressive cellars in Champagne. The guide’s insights into the aromas of Champagne help deepen your tasting experience. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained the aromas; it made the tasting so much more meaningful.”

Champagne Tasting & Lunch at Brasserie Le Jardin

Next, a delightful break with a 3-course lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant’s brasserie, paired with a glass of Champagne. This is a wonderful chance to relax and refuel, especially after the morning’s cellar visit. The included meal is well-structured, with enough time to enjoy each course and soak in the atmosphere.

Why we appreciate this: it combines gastronomy with Champagne, elevating the experience from mere tasting to a true culinary treat. One guest said, “The lunch was fantastic—delicious food and Champagne, all served in a lovely setting.”

Pommery’s Historic & Modern Art Cellars

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Pommery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its gothic-style cellars and a modern art exhibit, Pommery offers a distinctive experience. The visit is self-guided, either through an app or an information sheet, allowing you to explore on your own pace.

Enjoy a double Champagne tasting here, enhanced by the chance to wander through the fascinating combination of history and contemporary art. One review highlights: “The modern art exhibit was unexpected but really added a unique layer to the visit. The cellars are stunning in their scale and history.”

Taittinger’s Medieval Cellars

Your final stop is Taittinger, where you’ll explore medieval-style cellars dating from the Middle Ages. The guided tour culminates in another chance to taste two different Champagnes, making for a fitting finale to the day.

A guest raved: “The guides were engaging, and drinking Champagne in those ancient cellars made us feel like we were part of history.”

Practical Details & What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size:

No private transport is included, but public transportation and Uber are recommended and easily accessible. The maximum group size is 20, which strikes a good balance between intimacy and social atmosphere.

Tour Timing & Pacing:

Starting at 10:00am, the schedule spreads out visits and lunch comfortably, allowing you to enjoy each experience without feeling rushed. The self-guided parts give you the freedom to linger or move quickly, depending on your mood.

Cost & Value:

At $561.73, the tour includes 8 glasses of Champagne—roughly $70 per glass if you do the math—but that’s typical for Champagne tastings at the big houses. The lunch and guided visits add significant value, especially for first-timers who want a rundown.

A notable point from reviews: “If you want to visit the houses separately, it could cost more than this tour, especially considering tastings and lunch.”

What’s Not Included:

No private guide or pickup service—you’re expected to check in at each house independently, but the front desk staff are helpful. This setup allows for flexibility but requires a little planning on your part.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

Many travelers highlight the knowledgeability of the staff. One reviewer mentioned, “Stephane, the guide, knew a lot about the Champagne region, making the tour both informative and fun.” Others appreciated the stunning views of the cellars and the chance to sample some of the finest Champagnes in a relaxed setting.

However, some found the self-guided aspects a little impersonal, especially if they prefer a more curated experience. One reviewer noted, “The app was helpful but I wished for more guidance, especially at Pommery.” For those seeking deep, personalized insights, this might be a minor drawback.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see multiple renowned houses in one day without the chaos of large groups. It’s also great for Champagne enthusiasts looking for a mix of guided history and the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

If you appreciate a relaxed yet informative schedule with fantastic tastings, this tour hits the right notes. On the other hand, if you’re after a luxury chauffeur-driven experience or private guide, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Who’s This Tour For?

For those wanting to get a broad yet authentic taste of Champagne, this tour offers an excellent introduction. The visits to Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger provide a well-rounded picture of the region’s most famous houses, with enough flexibility to enjoy each stop comfortably. The lunch and tastings supplement the visits perfectly, making this a satisfying full-day experience.

Travelers who value knowledgeable staff, stunning cellars, and a mix of guided and solo exploration will find this tour especially rewarding. It’s well-suited for first-timers and those who enjoy a balanced mix of education and leisure.

While it’s not a private, chauffeur-driven experience, the manageable size and accessible logistics make it a practical choice for most travelers looking to discover Champagne’s sparkling treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll meet at the Veuve Clicquot visitors center, and Uber or public transit can be used to reach each stop.

How many glasses of Champagne will I taste?
You will enjoy a total of 8 glasses of Champagne across all stops—Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Since tastings are part of the experience, non-drinkers may want to consider if they’re comfortable with alcohol. However, the tour is mainly about the visits and history, so non-drinkers can still enjoy the sights and stories.

How long is each visit?
Each major visit lasts between 1.5 hours and the lunch break, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each part of the day without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The schedule is fixed, but the self-guided elements at Pommery allow some flexibility in how long you spend there.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, but keep in mind the focus on Champagne tasting and history, which might be less engaging for very young children.

What language is used during the tour?
This tour is typically conducted in English, with materials available in other languages depending on the house.

Are there any hidden costs?
All major costs—tastings, lunch, and entrance fees—are included. Personal extras, like additional drinks or souvenirs, are on your own.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a sense of curiosity. It’s worth bringing a small umbrella if the weather looks uncertain, as some parts are outdoors or in cellar areas.

This Champagne day tour from Reims balances history, taste, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy France’s bubbly at its best, it offers a well-rounded and authentic glimpse into the sparkling world of Champagne.