Ruinart Champagne Cellars Tastings Private trip from Paris

A Private Day Trip to Ruinart Champagne Cellars from Paris: A Blend of History, Taste, and Charm

If you’re looking to combine a taste of luxury with a dash of history and authentic French charm, a private trip to Ruinart Champagne Cellars from Paris might be just what you need. Priced at around $568 per person and lasting about 10 hours, this tour offers a splendid escape into the world of Champagne, complete with guided cellar visits, tastings, and a visit to Reims Cathedral.

What we love most is the personalized experience — thanks to the private group setting, you’re not just another face in a crowd. The guided tour at Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house established in 1729, gives you a detailed look into the Champagne-making process, topped with a generous tasting of some exquisite cuvées. We also appreciate that hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics simple.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the duration can be affected by traffic, which might make the start time a little fluid. If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer strict timing, this is something to keep in mind.

This tour fits best for travelers who enjoy a combination of culture, history, and gourmet experiences. If you’re a Champagne enthusiast or curious about French royal history through Reims Cathedral, you’ll find this trip particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Group: Personalized experience with a dedicated chauffeur and guided tours.
• Historic Champagne House: Visit Ruinart, the oldest Champagne producer since 1729, with a detailed cellar tour.
• Tasting Options: Choose between two high-quality tasting experiences, including Blanc de Blancs and special editions.
• Flexible Schedule: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with time for sightseeing and lunch in Reims.
• Authentic Cultural Stops: Self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned.
• Value for Money: All fees and taxes included, bottled water provided, with options for live guides for an extra surcharge.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

The Journey from Paris to Reims

Your day begins early with a hotel pickup in Paris by a comfortable Mercedes E220 or a spacious minivan. The drive to Reims takes about two hours, enveloped by scenic views of Champagne vineyards — a landscape dotted with lush rows of grapevines stretching as far as the eye can see. As we experienced, the ride itself was smooth, and the included rest stop provided a chance to stretch and take in the countryside.

The Ruinart Champagne House Tour

Once in Reims, the highlight is the guided tour of Ruinart’s cellars. Established in 1729, Ruinart isn’t just the oldest Champagne house; it’s also a symbol of the region’s tradition. Your guide, typically a knowledgeable staff member, takes you through the underground tunnels — some of which are UNESCO-listed.

We loved the way the guides explained the Champagne production process — from the pressing of grapes to the aging in cellars. The tours last between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your chosen package, and include tastings of two or three different Champagnes.

You can opt for:

• “Visite des Crayères”: a more general tour with two glasses of Champagne, ideal if you want a broad overview.
• “Signature Chardonnay”: a more detailed tasting featuring three Blanc de Blancs cuvées, including special editions like the Ruinart Blanc Singulier Editions.

Many reviews appreciated the depth of knowledge provided, with one stating, “Our guide was both passionate and articulate, making the history and craft of Champagne come alive.”

Lunch and Reims City Highlights

After the cellar visit, you have about an hour and a half for lunch in Reims. Whether you prefer to explore on your own or want a reservation arranged, this is your chance to savor local cuisine, perhaps trying regional specialties like andouillette or reims’ famous biscuits.

Post-lunch, you visit the Reims Cathedral — a stunning Gothic masterpiece where most French kings were crowned. The self-guided visit allows you to admire the flying buttresses, stained glass windows, and historical sculptures at your own pace. Many find the cathedral’s ambiance awe-inspiring, especially considering its significance in French history.

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Return to Paris

The journey back is comfortably timed to arrive around 4:30 PM, giving you the evening free in Paris. The return trip offers one last chance to enjoy the views and reflect on a day filled with history, luxury, and authentic Champagne tasting.

What’s Not Included

Meals and drinks outside the tastings are not included, so you might want to budget for a nice lunch or pick a spot that offers local wines or Champagne by the glass. Also, there’s an option to book a live guide for the entire day for an extra fee, which many travelers find enhances the experience.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

The transportation is a key part of this tour’s appeal. A private Mercedes ensures comfort and style, plus the flexibility to customize the schedule slightly if needed. The tiered pricing system guarantees departure, so you won’t have to worry about last-minute cancellations.

While the group size is private, the tour operates with guaranteed departures, meaning your experience is not compromised by a large crowd. The driver’s role is to get you safely from Paris to Reims and back, without guiding in the cellar — a role that some travelers appreciate, as it leaves the guide’s focus on providing rich commentary during the tour itself.

Timing can be affected by traffic, which may cause start times to shift slightly, but the total duration will stay the same. Planning your day with some flexibility helps ensure a relaxed experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviews praise the quality of the guides, describing them as knowledgeable and passionate. One review highlights, “Our guide explained everything clearly and kept us engaged,” which is vital when exploring a historic house. The tastings consistently receive high marks for quality, with some noting the special editions as a highlight.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for luxury travelers, history buffs, or Champagne lovers. It’s well-suited for those wanting a comfortable, private day trip with a focus on authenticity — not just a busload of travelers. If you’re interested in cultural sights and wine tasting in an intimate setting, this tour hits all the right notes.

Final Thoughts

This private trip to Ruinart offers a well-rounded experience that combines the heritage of Champagne, the beauty of Reims’ architecture, and delicious tastings. The personalized attention and expert guides make it stand out, especially for those looking for a more intimate, educational journey rather than a large group tour.

While the price might seem high, the inclusion of hotel pickup, private transportation, and tiered guaranteed departures justifies the cost, given the quality of the experience. For wine lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a luxurious escape from Paris, this trip promises a memorable day full of flavor and stories.

The only caveat is to keep in mind the potential for traffic delays and plan accordingly. If you’re seeking a relaxed, informative, and indulgent day with a touch of French elegance, this tour is an excellent choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, your private chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel in Paris and drop you off at the end of the day.

What is the duration of the trip?
The total experience lasts about 10 hours, including travel, tours, tastings, and free time.

Can I choose the Champagne tasting experience?
Yes, you can select between two options: a general guided cellar tour with two glasses, or a more premium tasting of three Blanc de Blancs, including special editions.

Is there a guide during the cellar tour?
The tour is guided by Ruinart staff, not a separate guide, but there is an option to hire a live guide for the entire trip for an additional fee.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks outside the tasting are not included, but ample time is provided for lunch in Reims.

Will traffic affect the schedule?
Yes, the start time can shift slightly due to traffic, but the overall length of the tour remains unchanged.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to access limitations at some sites.

In essence, this private trip to Ruinart combines history, craftsmanship, and indulgence into a seamless day out. It’s a fantastic way to experience the Champagne region’s legacy without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your curiosity about France’s most famous bubbly, this tour makes for an unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: