GRAND VINTAGE Ruinart Veuve Clicquot Private Champagne from Paris

A Luxurious Day in Champagne: Private Tour from Paris to Reims

Imagine leaving the bustling streets of Paris behind for a scenic drive through lush vineyards, arriving in the Champagne region to explore two of its most iconic Champagne houses: Ruinart, established in 1729, and Veuve Clicquot, dating back to 1772. For just over 11 hours, this private excursion offers a blend of history, tradition, and tasting that’s difficult to match. The tour is priced at around $792 per person—a premium but justified fee for the personal attention and exclusive access you receive.

What we love about this experience? First, the private Mercedes transport that ensures a smooth, comfortable ride through the countryside, often described as picturesque. Second, the UNESCO-listed cellars, which give a rare glimpse into centuries-old wine storage methods, paired with tastings of some of the finest Champagne. A crafted lunch in Reims, the Champagne capital, adds a local flavor to the day.

A potential consideration? The tour runs around 11 and a half hours, so it’s a long day, especially if you’re not used to extensive travel. But if you’re a Champagne enthusiast or simply want a hassle-free way to indulge in French finest, this trip suits travelers who value comfort, expert-guided visits, and authentic tasting experiences. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate well-organized, all-in-one day trips that combine sightseeing, history, and indulgence.

Most guests who book this tour are those eager to explore Champagne’s legendary houses without the stress of planning. Perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a curated experience with knowledgeable guides and a touch of luxury.

Key Points

• Exclusive Visits: Private tours of UNESCO-listed cellars at both Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot offer behind-the-scenes insights.
• Authentic Champagne Tasting: You’ll sample multiple cuvées, from classic to vintages, directly from these historic houses.
• Cultural Highlights: The self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral adds a touch of French regal history.
• Flexible Options: Choose from different tasting packages, including the Advanced and Premium options, tailored to your level of interest.
• Comfort & Convenience: The private Mercedes vehicle (E220 or similar) and hotel pickup make for a fuss-free day.
• Authentic Experience: Small group sizes (max 12) ensure a more personal, engaging visit.

Exploring the Champagne Region: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Departure from Paris and Scenic Drive

Your day begins early at 7:30 am with pickup from your Paris hotel. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Reims, skimming past rolling vineyards and charming countryside. The journey offers a relaxed opportunity to enjoy the scenery and perhaps chat about what’s ahead. A quick stop at a rest area gives everyone a chance to stretch and appreciate the views.

Visiting Maison Ruinart

Arriving around 10 am, you’ll step into the world’s oldest Champagne house, founded in 1729. The highlight here is the guided tour of the UNESCO-listed underground cellars—a labyrinth of chalk tunnels that extend beneath Reims. These vast, cool caves are where centuries of Champagne have been aging, and walking through them feels like stepping into a living museum.

You’ll have your choice of two tour options:

• The Advanced tour, called “Visite des Crayeres,” focuses on a guided cellar visit with tastings of 2 cuvées of Ruinart. It’s intimate, with a maximum of 12 people, ensuring plenty of personal attention.
• The Advanced Blanc Singulier ups the ante with a tasting of 3 cuvées, including Blanc de Blancs and Blanc Singulier editions, giving a broader taste of Ruinart’s portfolio.

Both options include admission tickets and last around 2 hours. Reviewers like Gregory noted, “We saw three wonderful houses,” emphasizing how these visits are both educational and delicious.

Lunch in Reims

Following the cellar tour, you’ll have about an hour and a half to explore Reims, France’s Champagne capital. You can choose to wander or have a pre-booked restaurant reservation, which is highly recommended if you want to enjoy local cuisine like regional charcuterie, cheeses, or classic French dishes. The flexibility here allows you to soak up the city’s lively atmosphere or relax before the afternoon’s highlights.

Reims Cathedral

At around 1:40 pm, a short self-guided visit to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is on the agenda. This cathedral is where many French kings, including Louis XVI and Charles X, were crowned. The Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows make for a meaningful cultural stop. It’s a chance to appreciate French history beyond the bubbly.

Veuve Clicquot: The Grande Dame of Champagne

The next leg takes you to Veuve Clicquot, founded in 1772, a name synonymous with Champagne luxury. Arriving around 2:15 pm, your guided tour of their UNESCO-listed cellars provides a fascinating look at how they produce over 22 million bottles annually. Veuve Clicquot’s history of innovation, notably the development of the rosé Champagne and the riddling process, makes their visit particularly interesting.

Your tasting options range from the Advanced package, featuring 4 cuvées (including Vintage 2015), to the Premium version, which lasts about 2 hours and is perfect for serious enthusiasts. Guests rave about the guides’ knowledge—Carrie described her experience with “Roman, the driver,” and how “everything was special, smooth and fun.”

Return to Paris

After soaking in the Champagne spirit, you’ll depart at about 7 pm for the return journey, arriving back in Paris late in the evening. This long but rewarding day wraps up with a full belly and plenty of memories.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the price might seem steep, it covers luxury transportation, expert-guided cellar tours, tastings, and entrance fees—elements that can easily add up if you go independently. The small group size and personalized itinerary mean you get a more engaged experience than typical large tours. Plus, the option to customize your tasting experience** ensures you’re not just along for the ride but part of a curated tasting journey.

The expert guides and well-planned itinerary are clear highlights, with many reviews praising the smooth organization and knowledgeable staff. “Roman,” the driver, was described as wonderful—adding warmth and professionalism to the trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for Champagne lovers seeking an in-depth, hassle-free day of tastings and cultural visits. It’s well-suited for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a private, intimate experience with a touch of luxury. Travelers interested in history and French culture will appreciate the cathedral visit and the stories behind these historic houses. If you’re looking for a special occasion or want a stress-free way to indulge in Champagne without worrying about driving, this tour offers excellent value.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children or minors? Yes, minors can participate in the cellar tours, but the tastings are reserved for those 18 and older.

What is included in the price? The tour covers transportation in a private Mercedes, guided visits at Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, self-guided Reims Cathedral visit, bottled water, and all taxes and fees.

Can I choose between different tasting options? Yes, you can select from Advanced, Advanced Blanc Singulier, or Premium packages, with varying durations and number of cuvées.

How long does each part of the tour last? The cellar visits at each house are around 2 hours for Ruinart and 1.5–2 hours at Veuve Clicquot, with additional time for travel, lunch, and sightseeing.

Is this a group or private experience? It’s a private tour for your group only, ensuring more personalized attention and flexibility.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For those dreaming of a day immersed in Champagne’s heritage, this private tour from Paris offers a seamless blend of luxury, education, and tasting. The carefully curated visits to Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot provide rare behind-the-scenes access that makes this experience special. The scenic drive, expert guides, and the opportunity to taste some of the world’s most famous Champagne make it a worthy splurge.

If you value comfort, authentic insights, and a hassle-free way to explore Champagne’s most celebrated houses, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s ideal for enthusiasts who want an intimate, well-organized day that combines history, culture, and bubbly in equal measure.