Champagne Private Tour -Reims from Paris in a minivan

Discover the Champagne region on a day trip from Paris in a comfortable minivan with a private guide. For around $1,400 per group (up to two people), you’ll spend roughly 11 hours exploring Reims, its majestic cathedral, and the famous Champagne houses, with stops in charming villages and tastings that bring the sparkling wine world to life.

What we love about this experience is how it balances the grandeur of historic sites like Reims Cathedral with intimate visits to local Champagne cellars, including the opportunity to taste authentic Champagne at multiple stops. The small, private group size ensures a personalized experience, and the flexibility to enjoy Reims at your own pace makes it feel more like a trip with friends than a tour.

A possible consideration is the travel time — about two hours each way — which means some travelers might find the day a bit long, especially if they prefer a slower pace or more relaxed exploration. However, if you’re eager to see the heart of Champagne country in a single day, this tour packs in a lot without feeling rushed.

This tour is ideal for couples, friends, or small traveling parties who want a deep dive into Champagne’s cultural and production history, coupled with enough free time to wander Reims and its surroundings at leisure. If you’re curious about the making of Champagne and love authentic, hands-on experiences, this trip offers a well-rounded introduction.

Key Points

Comfortable Private Group: A small, private tour ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
Historic Highlights: Visit Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned, and explore the charming village of Hautvillers.
Multiple Tasting Opportunities: Enjoy guided tours of renowned Champagne cellars like Martel or Mumm, plus a visit to Champagne Roger Manceaux.
In-depth Learning: Gain insights into the Champagne production process directly from experts, with tastings included.
Flexible Free Time: Reims is yours to explore at your own pace after the guided highlights.
Travel Comfort: About 2 hours in a minivan each way, with a focus on comfort and efficiency.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Review of the Champagne Private Tour from Paris

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A Perfect Balance of Culture and Bubbles

This private tour offers a fantastic way to get a comprehensive taste of Champagne country without the hassle of planning. Departing from Paris, you’ll be driven comfortably in a minivan, which means you avoid the stress of navigating regional roads or crowded buses. The 11-hour itinerary is designed to give you a balanced experience — a mix of awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, intimate cellar visits, and picturesque villages.

What makes this tour stand out is the blend of history, production insights, and tastings. You’ll visit Reims Cathedral, an architectural marvel, and the coronation site of French monarchs, setting a regal tone for the day. Later, you’ll explore Hautvillers, the tiny village famously associated with Dom Pérignon, giving you a glimpse of rural Champagne life that feels authentic and unpretentious.

Another highlight is the guided visit to either Martel or Mumm cellars, where you’ll learn about the Champagne-making process. The opportunity to taste Champagne on-site—usually two different varieties—adds a delicious and enlightening layer to your understanding of what makes Champagne so special.

First Impressions and Transportation

The journey from Paris in a private minivan allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery. While the approximately 2-hour drive each way might seem long, it’s a small trade-off for the comfort and exclusivity of a private experience. We appreciated how the guide shared insights about the region during transit, making the travel time part of the immersive experience.

Visiting Reims Cathedral

The visit to Reims Cathedral is a highlight that real history buffs will appreciate. As a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it’s both visually stunning and historically significant. You’ll learn that it’s the site where French kings were crowned, adding a layer of grandeur and importance to your visit. The guided tour typically lasts around an hour, giving you enough time to admire its soaring stained glass windows and intricate stonework.

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Champagne Cellar Tours and Tastings

Next, your tour will take you inside prestigious Champagne houses like Martel or Mumm. Here, the guided tour reveals secrets of traditional Champagne production, from grape harvest to bottle aging. Expect to see ancient cellars with towering stacks of bottles, some dating back decades, which give you a real sense of the craft and patience involved.

The tastings are a real treat, often featuring two different Champagnes. Reviewers mention that the quality and clarity of the tastings are excellent, offering a good sense of how different styles of Champagne can vary. The guided nature of these visits helps you understand nuances you might overlook on your own.

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Free Time in Reims

After the cellar visits, you’ll have free time to explore Reims. Some visitors choose to stroll the lively streets, visit local shops, or relax at a café. Reims offers a lively mix of history and modernity, with plenty of charming cafes and boutique shops to explore at your own pace.

Champagne Roger Manceaux

A lesser-known but equally worthwhile stop is the Champagne Roger Manceaux production site. Here, you’ll taste two Champagnes onsite, and learn about smaller producers who often focus on traditional methods. This visit adds an authentic touch, especially if you’re interested in craftsmanship beyond the big houses.

The Village of Hautvillers

On the return trip, a concise stop in Hautvillers is included, giving you a taste of rural Champagne life. This tiny village is famed as the place where Dom Pérignon developed his famous method of producing sparkling wine. The quiet streets, historic abbey, and scenic views of vineyards are the perfect backdrop for photos and reflection.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

The appeal of this tour lies in its personalized approach and well-rounded itinerary. It combines cultural highlights with educational insights into Champagne production, all in a single day. For those who value quality over quantity, the focus on small-group visits and private transportation enhances the experience.

While the price might seem steep, consider the value — private tours often include in-depth guides, tastings, and exclusive access to cellars that large groups might not enjoy. The inclusion of multiple tastings and a leisurely pace makes it worth the cost for wine enthusiasts or curious travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for small groups or couples looking for an intimate, informative, and luxuriously relaxed day outside Paris. It’s perfect for those who appreciate history, architecture, and wine, and want to avoid the crowds typical of larger tours. Non-drinkers or those with mobility issues should note that some walking is involved, especially at the cathedral and village stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Paris to Reims?
The drive takes approximately two hours each way, making for a full but comfortable day.

Are the tours suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years, likely due to the walking involved and adult-oriented tastings.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s designed for a private group of up to two people, ensuring a personalized experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guided tours of Reims Cathedral, visits and tastings at Martel or Mumm cellars, free time in Reims, a visit and tasting at Champagne Manceaux, and a stop in Hautvillers.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or enjoy a meal during your free time in Reims.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended to stay comfortable and capture the scenic moments.

The Sum Up

This private Champagne tour from Paris offers an excellent mix of history, culture, and delicious tastings, all in the comfort of a private vehicle. It’s ideal for those who want to learn about Champagne’s roots, see iconic sites like Reims Cathedral, and enjoy multiple tastings at both renowned and smaller producers. The flexibility and intimacy allow for a personalized experience that larger, more commercial tours might not match.

While the drive is a bit lengthy, the route’s scenic beauty and the opportunity to explore Champagne’s highlights make it worthwhile. The stops in Hautvillers and the visits to different Champagne houses ensure you’ll leave with both knowledge and a few bottles in hand.

If you’re a small group or couple seeking a cultured, delicious day outside Paris — with the chance to see historic landmarks and taste world-class Champagne — this trip is a smart choice. It’s also a good pick for those who value authenticity and an in-depth look at Champagne production, all while enjoying a relaxed, private atmosphere.

Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or simply curious about the bubbly that celebrates life’s special moments, this tour promises a memorable, enriching day in France’s sparkling heart.