Paris: Two Reims Champagne Vineyards with Tastings and Lunch

Discovering Reims: Champagne, Culture, and Charm in a Day

This private day trip from Paris offers a well-rounded glimpse into the world of champagne—visiting two renowned vineyards, enjoying tastings of sparkling wines, and exploring the historic city of Reims. For $707 per person, the journey lasts about 10 hours, with most of your time spent savoring top-quality champagne, learning about the craft from knowledgeable guides, and soaking in the stunning rural scenery.

We love how this tour balances wine tasting with cultural sights like the impressive Reims Cathedral, and the fact that it includes a genuine French lunch at a family-run restaurant adds a warm, local touch. Plus, traveling comfortably by high-speed train means you can relax and conserve energy for the day’s adventures.

One potential drawback is that some reviews mention uneven guide knowledge and logistical hiccups—like taxi drops at inconvenient locations. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, are comfortable with some walking, and want a taste of both champagne making and historic Reims in one day.

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Key Points

Authentic Champagne Visits: Explore two famous vineyards with guided tours and tastings.
Cultural Highlights: Visit the outside of Reims Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Convenient Transportation: High-speed train from Paris ensures a quick, comfortable journey.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy a traditional French lunch in a charming family restaurant.
Balanced Experience: Mix of scenic countryside, tasting, and city sightseeing.
Group Size & Flexibility: Private group for a more personalized experience.

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A Deep Dive into the Reims Champagne Experience

Starting in Paris at Gare de l’Est, you’ll board a high-speed train that whisks you to Reims in just about an hour. This efficient rail connection is a major highlight for travelers wanting to maximize their time and avoid long drives. The train’s comfort and speed enable you to start your day relaxed and ready.

Once in Reims, your local guide greets you and begins the exploration with a quick 15-minute tour of La Porte de Mars, a Roman triumphal arch that hints at the city’s ancient roots. From there, you’ll walk a short distance to the Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame, the mesmerizing Gothic church where French kings were crowned. The exterior alone offers intricate stonework and impressive facades that make for great photos, and a guided walk allows you to appreciate its history without the crowds.

Visiting the Vineyards: What to Expect

After soaking up the city sights, your private car takes you into the surrounding champagne country. Here lies the heart of the tour: visits to two premier champagne producers—Champagne GH Martel & Co and Champagne Mailly Grand Cru.

Champagne GH Martel & Co provides a 1-hour guided tour where you’ll learn about the champagne-making process, from grape harvest to the final sparkling product. The guide here is expert, and many guests appreciate the clarity and enthusiasm with which they explain the process. Expect to see the cellars, learn about different champagne styles, and sample some of their finest.

Next, you visit Mailly Grand Cru, where you’ll spend another hour exploring their vineyards and cellars. One review highlights that the tasting includes five glasses of high-quality champagne, giving plenty to savor and compare. These tastings are often described as a highlight, especially for those who enjoy discovering the nuances among different types.

Breathing in the countryside air and walking through the vineyards helps make the tasting experience more tangible. Be prepared for some walking and a few stairs—at one cellar, you’ll go down 130 steps without an elevator, which might be tricky for some.

The Lunch Experience

Midway through your day, you’ll head to Lude, a charming family-run restaurant. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional French lunch, giving you a taste of the local culinary scene in a cozy, authentic setting. The reviews suggest this is a highlight—delicious food served amidst friendly hospitality, a perfect complement to your tastings.

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Exploring Reims City

Back in the city, a quick external visit to Reims Cathedral rounds out the cultural side of your trip. The guide shares insights into its Gothic architecture, and you can imagine the historical significance of the site—where French monarchs were crowned for centuries.

The day winds down with a return to the train station for your one-hour ride back to Paris. The entire journey is designed for comfort and ease, with most of your time spent enjoying the scenery, the wine, and the history.

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Authenticity and Quality: What Travelers Say

Among reviews, many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides—notably, one reviewer mentions that “Sebastian was amazing” and that he made the experience both fun and educational. Others appreciate the stunning vineyard views and the opportunity to taste five glasses of champagne—which they describe as “delicious” and “high quality.”

However, some reviews note that the guide’s knowledge about Reims itself could be improved, and logistical issues have been pointed out—such as taxi drops at inconvenient locations or limited seating at the wineries. These are worth considering if you prefer a flawlessly organized tour.

The value of this experience hinges on your desire to combine wine with culture, and your comfort with some walking and sightseeing. It’s particularly suited for wine lovers, history buffs, or those wanting a taste of authentic French rural life—all in a manageable, day-trip format.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Champagne culture—from the vineyards to the cathedral—without the hassle of planning logistics yourself. The combination of guided tastings, scenic drives, and cultural sights makes for a well-rounded experience. If you’re keen to sample multiple champagnes, enjoy authentic French cuisine, and learn from local guides, this trip hits those marks.

It’s especially appealing if you value small-group intimacy and want to avoid crowded, impersonal tours. The private guide aspect allows for some flexibility and personalized attention, though be prepared for some minor logistical quirks.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to learn about champagne’s production, this tour offers a close-up look at two top vineyards with ample tastings. The visit to Reims Cathedral adds a cultural layer that enriches the experience. The delicious lunch provides a genuine taste of local cuisine, making the day feel complete.

Travelers who appreciate authentic, guided experiences in a relaxed setting will find this trip worthwhile. It’s suited for those comfortable with walking and some stairs, and who don’t mind minor logistical imperfections. The overall value is good for the quality of tastings, the convenience of train travel, and the chance to see both vineyard landscapes and historic city sights** in a single day**.

If your priorities include quality guide interaction, delicious French food, and top-tier champagne, this tour is a strong choice—just keep expectations aligned with the occasional review about guide knowledge and punctuality.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides return tickets by high-speed train from Paris to Reims, along with private transfers to the vineyards and city sights.

How long do the vineyard visits last?
Each vineyard tour lasts about one hour, with tastings of five glasses of champagne included, offering a generous opportunity to taste and learn.

What’s the best part of this tour?
Most travelers rave about the champagne tastings and the guide’s knowledge, which enhances the appreciation of each bubbly glass and the vineyard’s story.

Are there any physical challenges?
Yes, at one cellar, you’ll go down 130 steps, so some walking ability is needed. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

What does the lunch include?
You’ll enjoy a traditional French meal at a cozy family restaurant, providing a genuine local dining experience.

Can I customize the experience?
Since this is a private group tour, there’s some flexibility to ask your guide about specific interests, within the itinerary’s scope.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily focused on wine, the cultural sights and scenic drives could appeal to those interested in history and scenery. Non-drinkers may want to consider the tasting component when booking.

In essence, this private Reims champagne tour offers a tasty blend of history, culture, and sparkling wine—a delightful way to experience France’s famed bubbly beyond Paris. Perfect for those who want a combination of guided education and authentic local flavor, all in a day.