Private Full Day Tour to Champagne from Paris, Visit of 2 Champagne Producers

If you’re headed to Paris but craving a taste—literally—of France’s most celebrated sparkling wine, this private day trip to the Champagne region hits all the right notes. For around $831 per person, you’ll spend approximately nine hours touring two renowned champagne houses, visiting the majestic Reims Cathedral, and enjoying the scenic drive through the lush Montagne de Reims. What’s special about this tour? It combines authentic champagne tastings with cultural highlights, all wrapped in the comfort of private transportation, which means no rushing or crowded groups.

Two things really stand out for us. First, the opportunity to meet winemakers and staff at both champagne estates—Taittinger and Michel Fagot—adds a personal touch that makes the experience memorable. Second, the visit to Reims Cathedral, with its stunning stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, provides a fascinating glimpse into French history and architecture.

However, a note of caution: some reviews mention that certain champagne houses, like Taittinger, might be closed off-season, so check availability if you’re especially eager to visit specific estates. This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a well-rounded day that combines culture, scenery, and sparkling wine, perfect for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting a luxurious escape from Paris without sacrificing authenticity.

Key Points

• Fully private experience with transport and fees included for a stress-free day.
• Visit two distinct champagne producers, including a major house and a smaller, independent estate.
• Cultural highlight at Reims Cathedral, featuring Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows.
• Taste top-quality champagnes at each estate, with the chance to learn about winemaking techniques.
• Scenic drive through the Montagne de Reims, offering beautiful vineyard views.
• Flexible time in Reims for exploring the city’s historic sites and lively streets.

A Thorough Look at the Champagne Day Trip

What’s Included and How It Works

For $831.13, this tour offers an all-in-one package: private transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, all fees, and taxes. Your day begins early, with pickup around 7:30am, ensuring you beat the crowds and maximize your time in the region. This means you’ll comfortably visit two champagne houses and explore Reims without feeling rushed.

The Itinerary in Detail

Reims Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece

Your day kicks off with a guided visit to Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims. This isn’t just any church — it’s the site where French kings were crowned for centuries, and its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, completed in 1974, are worth the visit alone. The cathedral’s 1-hour stop allows you to absorb its grandeur and history, while your guide shares stories that bring the space alive.

One reviewer loved this part, noting, “We loved the way the guide explained the significance of the cathedral and the Chagall windows.” It’s a great introduction to French culture and architecture, giving you a sense of why Reims is a city of both faith and monarchy.

Champagne Taittinger: A Major Player

Next, you visit Champagne Taittinger, one of the most recognized names in the business. Here, you will meet the winemakers and staff, who will share insights into their winemaking techniques and what makes their champagne exceptional. The visit lasts around two hours, and the tasting includes some of the most famous champagnes in the world.

Guest reviews highlight the value of this stop: “Fred, our tour guide, was knowledgeable and entertaining,” and “We had wonderful champagnes and learned a lot about the production process.” The atmosphere at Taittinger is elegant yet welcoming, perfect for those interested not just in tasting but also in understanding the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Michel Fagot: A Smaller, Independent Producer

The tour then takes you to Michel Fagot, an independent and confidential champagne producer. Here, you’ll discover how a smaller estate crafts its bubbly, often with more personal attention and a focus on unique styles. After touring the facilities, you’ll enjoy two tastings, which allow you to compare the big-name champagnes with more boutique offerings.

This part of the tour receives high praise for its authenticity and intimate atmosphere. One reviewer described it as “a very small family champagne house, which made the experience special and memorable.”

Scenic Drive and Free Time in Epernay

Finally, your journey takes you through the Montagne de Reims area, with stunning vineyard views. You’ll stop briefly in Epernay, known as the Cradle of Champagne, with its charming streets and seventh-century abbey housing the tombstone of Dom Pérignon, often mistaken as the inventor of Champagne but actually a monk who helped perfect the process.

You’ll have some free time here to stroll, enjoy a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere before heading back to Paris.

What Travelers Say

While most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, one reviewer mentioned the importance of checking ahead about the availability of champagne houses, like Taittinger, which might be closed during certain times of the year. This underscores the value of confirming your plans and being flexible.

Another reviewer summed up the experience as “wonderful,” especially highlighting the diversity of the champagne tastings and the informative guides. It seems that the combination of large producer and small estate visits offers a great balance of scale and intimacy.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At over $800 per person, this is undeniably a premium experience. The value lies in the personalized attention, guided insights, and the convenience of private transport. Compared to self-organized visits, it saves you the hassle of booking multiple tours and navigating public transport.

The inclusions—all fees and taxes—and the private setting make this a hassle-free way to explore the Champagne region. If you’re a wine enthusiast or a history lover, the chance to combine cultural highlights with champagne tastings makes it well worth the investment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a luxurious yet authentic day outside Paris, especially those who appreciate guided tours with personal interaction. It’s ideal for those who value a comprehensive experience—from historic sites to wine cellars—and prefer private transportation over group buses.

If you’re keen to visit renowned champagne houses and enjoy a taste of French royal and religious history, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and palate alike. However, be prepared for the expense and check the availability of specific champagne houses if certain visits are crucial for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 7:30 am and returning to your meeting point in Paris in the evening.

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

Are transportation and fees included?
Yes, private transportation, air conditioning, and all fees and taxes are covered in the price.

Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It requires moderate physical activity, mainly walking in the cathedral and around the champagne estates.

Will I see Taittinger?
It depends on the season; some reviews mention Taittinger may be closed during certain times, so check ahead.

Is it a group or private experience?
It is a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring personalized attention.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is designed as a set experience, but your guide will be able to tailor certain aspects if needed.

What makes Michel Fagot special?
It’s a confidential, small family operation, offering an intimate look at boutique champagne production.

Is there free time in Reims?
Yes, you can explore Reims city, its historic sites, or enjoy local cafes during your scheduled free time.

Final Thoughts

This private full-day tour provides a well-rounded, insider look at the world of Champagne—combining historic sites, world-famous tastings, and scenic drives. It rewards travelers who value personalized experiences and are eager to learn about the craftsmanship behind France’s sparkling jewel. While the cost might seem high, the comfort, exclusivity, and depth of knowledge offered can justify the investment for those looking for a special day out.

Whether you’re a wine lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone wanting to indulge in France’s sparkling legacy, this tour offers an engaging, educational, and delicious escape from the hustle of Paris. Just remember to verify the visit schedule of your preferred champagne houses, and you’re in for a memorable day.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate luxury, authentic experiences, and culture. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to combine a taste of French royalty with the craft of champagne-making—a truly sparkling day to remember.