GRAND VINTAGE Taittinger Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings trip

A Hands-On Champagne Experience: Visiting Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot from Paris

Imagine a day where you swap the busy streets of Paris for the peaceful vineyards and storied cellars of the Champagne region. This private tour, offered by Clewel Travel, whisks you from your Paris hotel in a sleek Mercedes for an immersive journey through two legendary Champagne houses—Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot—plus a trip to the iconic Reims Cathedral. The price is around $792 per person, and the full experience lasts about 11 hours.

What we love about this trip is the chance to see inside world-famous cellars with guided visits that highlight both history and craftsmanship. The high-level tastings give you the opportunity to compare a range of champagnes, from classic brut to vintage rosé and even older, rarer bottles in the premium options. Plus, the visit to Reims Cathedral adds a cultural touchstone to the day, giving you a sense of French regal tradition.

One consideration to keep in mind is the price point — while it’s a premium experience, the value lies in the VIP treatment, expert guides, and exclusive tastings. If you’re a wine lover or passionate about French history, this tour aligns well with your interests.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, behind-the-scenes access to Champagne production, enjoy a mix of cultural sites and tastings, and are comfortable with a full day of exploration. It’s especially appealing if you prefer private, personalized experiences over group tours.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Traveling in a Mercedes E220 or minivan ensures comfort and style throughout the day.
• Expert-Guided Visits: Guided tours at Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot provide in-depth insights into Champagne-making.
• High-Level Tastings: Options range from tasting iconic blends to comparing aged champagnes with food pairings.
• Cultural Stops: Reims Cathedral offers a glimpse into France’s regal history as the site of royal coronations.
• Flexible Options: Choose between advanced and premium tastings for a tailored experience.
• Private Tour: Only your group participates, making it more intimate and customizable.

A Deep Dive into the Champagne Day Trip

This tour begins bright and early—7:30 am—with hotel pickup in Paris, setting the tone for a smooth, hassle-free day. The two-hour drive to the Champagne region is scenic, and you’ll pass through rolling vineyards and charming countryside, a gentle reminder of what makes Champagne so special. It’s nice that a stop at a rest area is included, giving you a chance to stretch your legs before the day’s tastings.

First Stop: Taittinger Champagne Cellars

Arriving around 10:00 am, your visit to Taittinger is a highlight. The “Instant Gourmet” guided tour (for a maximum of 14 people) lasts about 1.5 hours, offering an intimate look into the cellars—some of the most iconic in the Champagne region. Expect to learn about the history of the house, their unique methods, and the importance of aging for quality. The tasting features prestige blends like the Rosé and Brut Millésime, paired with canapés crafted specifically to complement each champagne.

This is not just about sipping; it’s about understanding the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The reviews highlight the guides’ knowledgeable and friendly approach, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. One reviewer, Lyndsey, said, “we loved the stop-off at Reims Cathedral, but the highlight was the Taittinger visit with canapes,” emphasizing its appeal.

Reims Cathedral: A Touch of History

From Taittinger, it’s a quick drive to Reims Cathedral, where most French kings were crowned. The self-guided visit allows you to explore at your own pace, marveling at the Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass, and historical significance. The time here is brief—around 30 minutes—so plan your visit to focus on the highlights. Visitors often comment on the “stunning building” and the chance to see an actual church service happening, adding a layer of authenticity.

Lunch Break in Reims

After the cathedral, you have about an hour and twenty minutes for lunch. You can explore the town on your own or opt for a pre-booked restaurant reservation. Reims offers plenty of charming cafes and traditional bistros, perfect for sampling local specialties or simply relaxing before the afternoon.

Afternoon: Veuve Clicquot Champagne House

By 2:00 pm, it’s time for the Veuve Clicquot visit. Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot is one of the biggest producers worldwide—over 22 million bottles annually—and a true icon in Champagne. The UNESCO-listed cellars are impressive, and the guided tour by Veuve Clicquot staff provides a fascinating look at the history, production, and aging process.

Here, you have three options for tastings:

• Advanced (“Une Seule Qualite”): 1.5 hours with four champagnes, including Brut Carte Jaune, Extra Old, and vintage options, paired with tasting canapés.
• Premium (“L’art du vieillissement”): 2 hours of comparative tasting of four different vintages, including a Magnum and a 1990 Cave Privée, with a focus on aging and flavor development.
• VIP: Slightly longer at 1.5 hours, offering the same premium tasting experience with a more personalized touch.

The reviews note that the guided cellar visits are educational, providing insights into techniques used to develop vintage champagnes, which is perfect for enthusiasts.

Returning to Paris

The day wraps up with a 6:30 pm return to Paris, giving you time to reflect on a full, rich day of discoveries.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Transportation and Comfort: Traveling in a private Mercedes ensures plenty of space and comfort, crucial after a long day of walking and tasting. The journey is about two hours each way, but the scenic route makes it enjoyable rather than tiring.

Guided Cellar Visits: Whether at Taittinger or Veuve Clicquot, guides share stories that bring the history of each house alive. Expect to learn about champagne blending, aging, and the unique qualities of each blend. The small group size at Taittinger enhances the experience, fostering conversations and personalized attention.

Tastings: The tastings are the core of this tour. The advanced options at Veuve Clicquot allow comparison of vintage champagnes, demonstrating how aging affects flavor. The canapés served at Taittinger enrich the tasting, making each sip more memorable. Reviewers mention the quality of the champagnes and the guides’ expertise as major plus points.

Cultural and Historical Highlights: The quick visit to Reims Cathedral offers a necessary cultural stop, allowing you to appreciate French history and architecture. Some travelers find this a perfect complement to the wine-focused part of the day.

Flexibility and Choice: The tiered tasting options mean you can tailor the experience to your interest and budget. The VIP option, while more expensive, offers the most comprehensive tasting, including older vintages and private cellars, making it ideal for true connoisseurs.

What the Tour Does Well and What Could Be Improved

Strengths: The authenticity of guided cellar visits, the exclusivity of small-group experiences, and the depth of tastings stand out. The knowledgeable guides make complex topics accessible, and the opportunity to compare vintages adds a layer of education many tours skip. The beautiful scenery during the drive and the visit to Reims Cathedral are included bonus points.

Possible Drawbacks: The price may be a barrier for some, but considering the VIP treatment, private transportation, and top-tier tastings, many will find it reasonable. The time constraints at the cathedral and lunch mean travelers need to be efficient in planning their visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers who are passionate about champagne or French history will find the tour highly rewarding. It’s perfect if you want an exclusive, guided behind-the-scenes look at two of the most famous Champagne houses, combined with cultural sightseeing. Also, those who value comfort and personalized attention will appreciate the private nature and small-group format.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, educational day trip that blends wine, culture, and scenic beauty, this tour offers excellent value and a chance to deepen your appreciation of French craftsmanship.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into the world of Champagne, combining guided cellar visits, tastings of premium vintages, and cultural highlights like Reims Cathedral. It’s ideal for those seeking an elegant, private day away from Paris, with a focus on education, quality, and comfort. While the cost might seem high, the exclusivity, expert guides, and memorable tastings justify the price for serious enthusiasts or those celebrating a special occasion.

If you want to learn about Champagne’s secrets and enjoy a personalized, refined experience, this trip will serve you well. It’s a perfect way to indulge your senses and learn the stories behind the bubbles.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 can participate in the cellar tours but must be at least 18 to taste champagne.

Are meals included?
Meals are not included; you’ll have time for your own lunch in Reims or you can choose to make a reservation.

What is the duration of the entire trip?
The total experience lasts about 11 hours, including transportation, visits, and free time.

Is pickup from my hotel included?
Yes, hotel pickup is included, and you’ll be driven comfortably in a private Mercedes.

Can I customize the tastings?
Yes, there are different tasting options—Advanced, Premium, and VIP—allowing you to select the level of experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 43 days in advance on average, to secure their preferred date and tiered tasting options.

What makes Veuve Clicquot’s cellars special?
Their cellars are UNESCO-listed, and the guided tour offers behind-the-scenes insights into their aging and production techniques.

Is the trip worth the price?
Considering private transport, expert guides, exclusive cellar visits, and high-level tastings, many find the experience to be a very good value for a luxury day trip.

This private Champagne tour from Paris offers a chance to see, taste, and learn about some of the most famous houses in a way that many group tours can’t match. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or just want a memorable day soaking in the sights and tastes of France’s sparkling jewel, this experience ticks many boxes.