Discover The Cellars in The Heart of The Countryside in Champagne

Planning a trip to the Champagne region? This highly-rated full-day tour offers a taste of the best champagne has to offer, from legendary houses to picturesque vineyards. We’re here to share what makes this experience stand out, including its highlights, potential drawbacks, and who will love it most.

Three things we love about this tour: the expertly guided cellar visits, the chance to shop at the Moët et Chandon boutique, and the scenic vineyard picnic with local delicacies. These elements combine history, luxury, and authentic regional flavor in a way that feels both indulgent and genuine.

A possible consideration? The price tag of around $1,425 per person can seem steep, especially since it covers multiple exclusive visits, private transport, and a full day of activities. While many find the experience worth the cost, travelers on a tighter budget might want to weigh the value of the included tastings and personalized touches.

This tour suits those who appreciate luxury experiences, want to learn about champagne production, or are simply looking for a memorable day outside Paris filled with stunning scenery and delicious food.

Good To Know

• All-inclusive experience featuring visits to top champagne houses and tastings
• Personalized service with private transportation and small groups
• Authentic tasting sessions in underground cellars and vineyards
• Cultural highlights including Reims Cathedral and regional cuisine
• Excellent guide sharing extensive knowledge and insider tips
• Convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This tour kicks off early—around 7:30am—with hotel pickup, so you’ll start your day feeling well cared for. After about an hour’s drive into the Champagne countryside, the first stop is the Moët et Chandon boutique. Here, you can indulge in a quick but luxurious 25-minute visit. The boutique offers an opportunity for direct purchases, meaning you can pick up a favorite bottle or two, including some exclusive editions.

Guests often rave about this part, mentioning the elegance and atmosphere of the boutique, where you can explore an extensive selection of champagnes. Many reviewers noted that the tasting here provided clear insights into Moët’s craftsmanship, making it a perfect primer for the day ahead. One guest said, “We really enjoyed the knowledge and access to the Champagne region that Raphael shared with us,” highlighting the personalized attention.

Next comes the Mercier cellar tour, which lasts around 1.5 hours. Led by an English-speaking guide, you’ll descend into the underground tunnels where bottles age on racks. Visitors often describe this as fascinating and immersive. The tunnels are adorned with bottles and offer a glimpse into the meticulous process of champagne aging. You’ll learn about grape cultivation, fermentation, and how the cellars maintain their ideal conditions. Multiple reviews emphasize how much guests appreciated the informative and fun guide, with one noting, “The guide was really fun and knowledgeable.”

The second champagne house on the list is Dom Caudron, where you’ll spend about an hour exploring and sampling three different champagnes. Guests frequently comment on the quality of the tastings, describing them as delightful and educational. One reviewer appreciated the chance to taste a variety of styles, remarking that the experience was “authentic and memorable.”

Lunchtime is a highlight—a vineyard picnic in Verzenay, where you can unwind and savor local cheeses, charcuterie, fresh bread, and pastries. The picnic lasts about an hour and offers stunning views of the vineyard landscape. Many comment on how this relaxed part of the day felt like a true regional experience, with one guest saying, “Unwind, savor, and create lasting memories in this idyllic vineyard setting.”

The entire day is rounded off with visits to Reims Cathedral (if you choose to extend your experience), and transport back to your hotel, allowing you to reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Transport and Group Size

The tour includes private transportation, which makes all the difference when traveling between the various sites. The group size is small—limited to 8 travelers—ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. Reviewers frequently mention how this allows for more interaction with the guide and a more relaxed pace.

Timing and Pacing

The schedule is well-balanced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed. The entire experience, including travel, is approximately 10 hours, making it a full but comfortable day. The round trip, which takes around one hour each way, is included in the total duration, so you’re not left wondering about extra costs or confusing logistics.

Pricing and Value

While $1,425.75 per person might seem high at first glance, reviews suggest the tour’s value is justified by the quality of visits, personalized service, and exclusive tastings. Guests often mention that the experience offers a lot more than just a quick tour—it’s a full-day journey into the heart of Champagne with knowledgeable guides and authentic moments.

Reviews: What Actual Guests Say

The consistently high rating of 4.8/5 from 21 reviews reflects broad satisfaction. Guests describe the guide, Raphael, as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, often highlighting how he customizes the experience and goes the extra mile. Comments like “Raphael made the trip memorable” and “He called me within 24 hours for special arrangements” showcase the dedication to guest experience.

Many reviewers mention the stunning views, delicious food, and the opportunity to taste multiple champagnes in beautiful surroundings. Guests also appreciate the small group size that fosters a more personal connection and the inclusion of local regional cuisine—a real plus for food and wine lovers.

However, some note that the cost may be expensive compared to other experiences, but most agree that the quality and exclusivity make it worthwhile.

What’s Not Included

Lunch is not included in the price, but the tour offers a delicious regional meal during the vineyard picnic, which many find worth the extra effort. Bottled water, champagne tastings, and cellar entrance fees are included, making it a fairly comprehensive package.

This tour is perfect for wine aficionados, luxury travelers, or those celebrating a special occasion who want a full-day, immersive experience in the Champagne region. It’s also well-suited for travelers who enjoy small-group tours, personalized attention, and authentic regional cuisine.

If you’re looking for a cultural escape from Paris, combined with expert-led cellar tours and scenic vineyard views, this experience ticks all those boxes.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup at your hotel, making the start seamless.

How long is the drive to the Champagne region? About one hour from your hotel, depending on your location.

Can I buy champagne during the tour? Yes, you can make direct purchases at Moët et Chandon’s boutique.

Are lunch and wine included? Not the main meal, but the vineyard picnic features regional cheeses, bread, charcuterie, pastries, and wines.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Is there a dress code? Casual, but comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for cellar tours and vineyard walking.

Can I customize the experience? The guide, Raphael, is praised for offering various choices and making it flexible.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors? Most travelers of all ages have enjoyed it, especially with the small-group, relaxed pace. However, check with the provider if there are specific mobility concerns.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a camera, and maybe a hat for sun protection during the picnic.

This Champagne tour provides a well-rounded, intimate journey into the world of bubbly. From legendary houses to charming vineyard vistas, you’ll walk away with not only bottles to take home but also stories to tell. The inclusion of small-group dynamics, expert guides, and regional culinary delights makes it more than just a tasting—it’s an authentic escape into the heart of Champagne.

While the price is on the higher side, the quality of experiences, personalized service, and exclusive visits justify the cost for those seeking a premium day out. Perfect for connoisseurs, lovers of luxury, or anyone eager to add a touch of elegance to their French adventure.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a memorable way to see the countryside, this tour offers a compelling blend of education, indulgence, and scenic beauty. Cheers to discovering Champagne’s true essence!