Discovery Tour Reims and Epernay

Experience the Best of Champagne: Reims and Epernay in One Day

Imagine a day spent exploring Reims and Epernay, two of France’s most iconic towns, filled with history, stunning architecture, and of course, plenty of champagne. For $289.20 per person, this 9-hour guided tour offers a seamless way to soak in the highlights, from the impressive Reims Cathedral to the glamorous Avenue de Champagne in Epernay. Led by knowledgeable guides—like Ghislain, who gets rave reviews—this trip is designed to give you a taste of both heritage and bubbly, with plenty of tastings included.

What really makes this tour shine is its perfect mix of cultural sights, cellar visits, and authentic experiences. We loved how it combines walking through UNESCO-listed sites with the chance to sip two different glasses of champagne at Pommery, and enjoy a traditional French lunch in Epernay. Another highlight? The visits to Hautvillers, the charming village where Dom Pérignon once worked—and where you can enjoy a glass of champagne with a view.

A potential consideration? The timing is quite tight—you’ll be moving quickly between stops, so those who prefer a more relaxed pace might find it a bit rushed. Still, for anyone eager to see the highlights without multiple days in the region, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who love history, architecture, and high-quality champagne, and who want an experienced guide to enhance every moment.

Key Points

• All-in-one Experience: Combines visits to Reims, Epernay, and Hautvillers, covering history, architecture, and champagne tasting.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Ghislain receive high praise for their attentiveness and expertise.
• UNESCO Sites: Visits include Reims Cathedral, Avenue de Champagne, and Hautvillers—each offering rich cultural value.
• Tastings & Lunch: Includes two champagne glasses and a traditional French meal, providing great value for lovers of good food and drink.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned transport for the entire day, making the journey pleasant.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 7) mean more personal attention and a more intimate experience.

A Deep Dive into the Champagne Discovery Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at the Gare Reims Centre Courtyard, right next to the tourist office, making it easy for travelers arriving by train. Starting at 9 a.m., you’re greeted by a small group, which means more personalized attention from your guide. The comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle is a big plus—especially on warmer days—allowing everyone to relax during the scenic drives.

Exploring Reims: Cathedral and Heritage

Your first stops are Reims’ historic center and the famous Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of the cathedral—it’s not just a pretty building but a symbol of French history, as many kings were crowned here. The 45-minute walk around this marvel gives you time to admire its stained glass windows and impressive façade without feeling hurried.

Cellar Tours at Pommery: A Champagne Lover’s Dream

After a quick stroll through the city, the tour heads to the Vranken Pommery estate. Here, visitors get to explore cellars inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, revealing a fascinating glimpse into the art of champagne production. The highlight is the 1 hour 45-minute visit which includes a tasting of two glasses of champagne—a real treat. The reviews are glowing: Karl describes it as “an excellent champagne tasting experience,” and you’ll appreciate the chance to learn about the process while sipping some of the best bubbly around.

Transition to Epernay: Scenic Drive & Cultural Highlights

From Reims, the journey continues by minivan across the Montagne de Reims—a scenic nature reserve—toward Epernay. Along the way, you get a quick overview of the town’s sights, including the Notre Dame d’Epernay church and Salmanazar Theater. This is a good time to soak in the countryside views and start getting excited about the afternoon ahead.

Lunch and Stroll on Avenue de Champagne

Epernay’s highlight is a modern, charming restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a hearty French lunch. This part of the day lets you relax, chat, and savor local flavors before exploring the famed Avenue de Champagne. Walking along this UNESCO-listed street, you’ll see some of the largest champagne houses, with architecture that’s as impressive as the wines they produce. The guided walk here, lasting about an hour, reveals the history and grandeur of the champagne industry.

Hautvillers: The Birthplace of Champagne

Next, you’re off to Hautvillers, a picturesque village perched on a hill, offering stunning views over the vineyards. The stop at the viewpoint and the church where Dom Pérignon once worked make this a must-see. The reviews highlight the beauty of Hautvillers, with Katrina praising Ghislain for tailoring the experience to her group, making the visit memorable.

Final Cheers at Hautvillers

The tour concludes with a final stop at Hautvillers, where you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne while taking in the landscape—the perfect way to end a day filled with sights and sips. The hour spent here is a gentle wind-down, allowing for reflection and photos.

Returning to Reims

Back at the Gare de Reims around 4:30 p.m., you’ll leave with a sense of having experienced both history and the modern-day champagne industry. The small group format means more interaction with your guide, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn about the region.

What’s the Value?

At roughly $289, this tour offers great value considering it includes cellar visits, tastings, lunch, and transport. The small group size enhances the experience—more personalized interaction and less rushing. The guided approach means you get context and stories behind what you’re seeing and drinking, which elevates the overall experience.

While the tour moves quickly through many highlights, it’s ideal for those who want a rundown of Champagne’s cultural and production heartland in one day. It’s especially suited for history buffs, architecture lovers, and champagne enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience with expert guidance.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re eager for a culture combined with champagne tasting, this tour fits you perfectly. It’s a fantastic choice for first-timers to the region wanting to maximize their time. Those who appreciate small-group tours will enjoy the intimate setting, and if you’re traveling with a family or a small group of friends, it offers a relaxed, engaging way to explore.

However, travelers looking for a very leisurely pace or more free time might feel a bit rushed, as the itinerary packs in many highlights within a single day.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 9 hours, starting at 9 a.m. and returning around 4:30 p.m., including travel time and visits.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Gare Reims Centre Courtyard, next to the tourist office, and ends back there too—convenient for travelers using public transport.

Is transportation included?
Yes, your guide provides air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout the day, making it easy to relax between stops.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers cellar tours, tastings, and lunch. Personal expenses and drinks during lunch are not included.

Are children allowed?
Yes, but car seats are available for children aged 2 to 9. Alcohol tasting is only for those 18 and over.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for weather conditions and walking shoes are recommended, especially for vineyard visits and walking along Avenue de Champagne.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date for a full refund.

How many people are on the tour?
The group is limited to 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized, engaging experience.

Final Thoughts

This Discovery Tour of Reims and Epernay offers a well-balanced introduction to France’s Champagne region. With knowledgeable guides, UNESCO sites, and top-notch tastings, it’s a smart choice for those who want to see a lot in a single day without sacrificing depth or authenticity. The mix of history, stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes, and bubbly makes for a memorable experience.

If you’re eager to understand the region’s heritage, sample excellent champagne, and enjoy a smooth, well-organized trip, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those new to Champagne or anyone wanting a comprehensive yet intimate day out, all while savoring the best of what this region has to offer.

Remember: Champagne is best enjoyed with good company and a knowledgeable guide—this tour promises both, wrapped in a day full of sights, stories, and sips.