Paris: Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tour by Mercedes

Imagine a day where you escape the bustle of Paris to indulge in the world of champagne, visiting historic houses with centuries of tradition. This private trip, priced at around $802 per person, takes you on an 11.5-hour journey to the Champagne region, focusing on two iconic houses: Ruinart, established in 1729, and Veuve Clicquot, founded in 1772. Guided in English, with comfortable Mercedes transport, this tour offers an intimate look into the sparkling wine’s birthplace, complete with guided cellar tours and Grand Vintage tastings.

What we love about this experience is how it balances luxury and authenticity. First, the personalized transport—whether a sleek E220 business class or a spacious minivan—makes the journey feel special without sacrificing comfort. Second, the choice of premium tastings at Veuve Clicquot allows wine lovers to deepen their appreciation for vintage and special cuvées, making each sip a memorable moment.

A potential drawback? The full day can be quite packed, especially because of the timings and the depth of the visits. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore additional vineyards, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. This tour suits travelers who are eager to combine luxury, heritage, and craftsmanship in a single day, especially those who enjoy guided visits and are comfortable with a busy itinerary.

Key Points

• Expert-guided cellar visits at two historic Champagne houses provide insight into the production process.
• Luxury transportation in Mercedes ensures both comfort and style during the 2-hour ride to Reims.
• Tiered tasting options at Veuve Clicquot cater to wine enthusiasts seeking varying levels of depth and exclusivity.
• Self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral adds a cultural touch to the day.
• The tour is ideal for discerning travelers who want a private, curated experience with guaranteed departures and hotel pickup.
• The full-day schedule demands good energy and punctuality but offers a comprehensive Champagne experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Champagne Day Trip

Starting the Day: Paris to Reims

The journey begins early with a hotel pickup in Paris, where you’ll be whisked away in a luxurious Mercedes. Depending on your group size, you’ll ride in either a sleek E220 business class car or a spacious minivan that caters to groups of up to seven. The ride itself takes about two hours, and the route offers a panoramic view of the rolling vineyards and lush Champagne landscapes. We appreciate the quick rest stop at a rest area, giving everyone a chance to stretch legs and enjoy the fresh country air.

Visit to Ruinart: The Oldest Champagne House

Your first stop is the Ruinart Champagne house, which has been producing champagne since 1729. Walking through their UNESCO-listed underground cellars is like stepping into a living museum of sparkling wine. The guided tour here usually lasts about two hours, during which you’ll learn about the unique processes that make Ruinart’s champagne stand out. You’ll see how the cellars are carved into chalk, providing the ideal conditions for aging, and hear stories from the guide about the house’s long history.

The tastings at Ruinart typically include two glasses, allowing you to appreciate the subtle differences in each cuvée. We loved the way the guide explained the nuances of each, turning what could be a simple tasting into an educational experience.

Lunch and Cultural Sights in Reims

After the cellar visit, you’ll have around an hour and a half for lunch. Whether you prefer to explore on your own or have a restaurant reservation arranged, Reims offers plenty of options—from traditional French bizzeries to modern cafes. The city itself is a treasure chest of history with its famous Reims Cathedral, where most French kings were crowned.

A self-guided visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral is highly recommended. It’s worth noting that the cathedral is a 30-minute stop, but you might find yourself wishing for more time to admire its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

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Veuve Clicquot: Champagne’s Modern Icon

After lunch, your journey continues to Veuve Clicquot, established in 1772. Known for its bold yellow label and innovation, Veuve Clicquot produces over 22 million bottles annually and has a reputation for quality and style.

The guided cellars tour at Veuve Clicquot lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, with a focus on history, production, and aging techniques. The tastings are a highlight, with several options depending on your chosen experience.

• The “Une Seule Qualite” option provides four different cuvées, including vintage and rosé options, perfect for appreciating the house’s craftsmanship.
• The “Madame Clicquot” presentation compares the Yellow Label in magnum with La Grande Dame 2015, showcasing the house’s range.
• For those seeking the most exclusive experience, the “L’art du vieillissement” offers a 2-hour comparative tasting of vintage cuvées, some in magnum or aged bottles, providing insight into the aging process.

We loved the clarity of the explanations, which turned each glass into a story of tradition and innovation. The tastings are generous and carefully curated, making for a real educational treat.

Return to Paris

Post-visits, the group departs around 4:30 PM for the two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Paris. The ride offers one last chance to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. Expect to arrive back at your hotel around 7 PM, tired but full of memorable tastes and stories.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given its luxurious transport, guided cellar tours, and premium tastings, this tour offers excellent value for champagne enthusiasts and those looking for a special day trip. The tiered tasting options mean you can tailor the experience to your level of interest, whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a connoisseur.

The reviews echo this sentiment—many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, well-organized schedule, and delicious tastings. One reviewer even appreciated the flexibility when a visit to Ruinart was postponed, quickly shifting to an extra winery visit and a church tour—highlighting the attention to customer experience.

However, keep in mind the full-day pace. If you prefer a more relaxed exploration, this might feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger at the sights. Also, the price point reflects the luxury experience, making it more suitable for travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity rather than budget-conscious visitors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits wine lovers, luxury travelers, or anyone eager to understand the heritage and craftsmanship behind champagne. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy private, guided trips with hotel pickup and drop-off included. If you value premium tastings, comfortable transportation, and a well-curated itinerary, this will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Summary: The Value of a Champagne Day Tour

For those wanting a comprehensive, intimate exploration of France’s most famous sparkling wines, this tour ticks many boxes. It combines history, culture, and tasting in a way that feels both luxurious and authentic. The exclusive cellar visits and tiered tastings make it a good choice for travelers looking for depth, not just surface-level sights.

The luxury transport adds a special touch, turning the journey into a part of the experience rather than just a commute. Plus, the flexibility in experiences at Veuve Clicquot ensures you can customize your day to match your curiosity and palate.

While it’s a full, active day, the expert guides and well-organized schedule help keep it enjoyable from start to finish. If you’re after a high-end, educational champagne adventure with a touch of history and culture, this trip from Paris will serve you well.

FAQs

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

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks besides the tastings are not included, but you have ample time for lunch at your own cost during the visit to Reims.

What are the transportation options?
Depending on your group size, you’ll travel in a Mercedes E220 business class or a spacious minivan for groups up to seven.

How long is the drive from Paris?
The trip to Reims takes approximately two hours, with a similar duration back, making it a full and busy day.

Can I choose different tasting experiences?
Yes, Veuve Clicquot offers tiered options, from a standard tasting of four cuvées to more exclusive masterclasses focusing on aging and vintage selections.

Is this suitable for children or wheelchair users?
No, due to the nature of the visits and the physical requirements, it’s not suitable for children under 6 or wheelchair users.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially if you wish to explore Reims Cathedral or walk around the vineyards briefly.

What if one of the visits is unavailable?
The provider offers a suitable alternative or a higher-level experience, free of charge, ensuring flexibility and satisfaction.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some peace of mind if your plans change.

In sum, this private Champagne tour offers a balanced mix of luxury, education, and authentic heritage. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the best of Reims’ champagne culture in style and comfort. If you enjoy guided, curated experiences with a focus on quality and detail, this trip is likely to be a sparkling highlight of your Paris visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: