10 Best Champagne Tours From Paris in 2023 (+ Insider Tips)
Are you looking for the best Champagne Tours from Paris? Then you are in the right spot!
My husband and I have just returned from such a trip to the Champagne region – and we absolutely loved it.
There are so many different day tours from Paris to the Champagne region available that it is impossible to choose.
To make the choice a bit easier for you, I have created a list with detailed reviews for the best Champagne Tours from Paris.
And of course, I have included some insider tips you need to know before embarking on your first wine tour to Champagne.
Please keep in mind that we may receive a commission when you click on our links and make a purchase. This, however, has no bearing on our reviews and comparisons.
Table of Contents
- 1. Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings, Reims Cathedral & Family Winery from Paris
- 2. Champagne VIP Day Trip from Paris With Local Wine Expert PRIVATE
- 3. Champagne Tour From Paris to Reims With Tasting
- 4. Champagne Region Private Day Trip From Paris
- 5. Veuve Clicquot Tour From Paris
- 6. Champagne Tour in Epernay & Champagne Tastings in a Local Vineyard
- 7. Champagne & Reims Tasting Day Trip from Paris
- 8. Champagne Area Small Group Day Trip with Cellar Visits & Tastings from Paris
- 9. Private Day Trip to Champagne Region With Lunch
- 10. Private Full-Day Tour of Champagne Region
- Booking a Guided Tour vs. Self-Organized
- Personal Travel Tips
- Basic Info About the Champagne Region
- What To Pack For Your Day Trip
- What to Eat in Champagne
- Best Time to Visit Champagne Region
- Conclusion: Champagne Tours From Paris
- FAQ
Champagne Trip with 6 Tastings
- Nicolas Feuillatte Winery
- Family-Owned Winery
- Reims Cathedral
- Dom Perignon Grave Visit
- Small Group Tour
- 11 hours
Private VIP Champagne Day Trip from Paris
- Expert Guide
- 11 hours
- Lunch
- Visit to famous wineries (Pommery & Veuve Cliquot)
- Reims Cathedral
1. Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings, Reims Cathedral & Family Winery from Paris
🤩 5/5 Stars (440 Reviews)
Duration: 11 hours
Included: 6 glasses of Champagne, Tour of two wineries, local guide
Overall, this Champagne Day Trip from Paris is my first choice when looking for a great guided excursion.
There are two different wineries included in this trip, one of them the famous Nicolas Feuillatte. The second visit will be to a local family owned winery.
I totally appreciate that you will get to see a bigger estate and a smaller one, to get a true feeling of the region.
Also included in this trip is a visit to the beautiful Reims Cathedral, which is another added bonus.
Lastly, you will stop by the gravestone of Dom Perignon, an important cultural site for Champagne lovers.
The group size is limited to 8 people, which is perfect in my opinion.
There is nothing not to love about this day tour to Champagne from Paris.
Both champagne houses were beautiful with excellent Champagne. The Reims cathedral was beautiful and especially nice to visit with the Notre Dame still being under construction. Our guide Adrian was excellent.
Nicole_O
2. Champagne VIP Day Trip from Paris With Local Wine Expert PRIVATE
🤩 5/5 Stars (30 Reviews)
Duration: 11 hours
Included: Lunch, Visits to several wineries (including Pommery and Veuve Cliquot)
As far as private excursions to Champagne go, this Champagne VIP Day Trip from Paris is my favorite.
This tour has everything included that you could possibly need: a private guide that is also a vineyard owner, visits to the most esteemed wineries and a traditional French lunch.
The best thing about it: you can enjoy it without having to be part of a bigger group!
Obviously, private tours come with a price tag. Since you can bring a couple of people on this trip, I feel the price is quite alright.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with this day trip – especially since you can always amend the itinerary to your preferences.
Michel was an excellent guide and put together a well-balanced and informative day in Champagne. The itinerary struck the perfect harmony between wine information and history, and we have already recommended him to family who are traveling in Paris in the near future.
William_S
3. Champagne Tour From Paris to Reims With Tasting
🤩 5/5 Stars (6 Reviews)
Duration: 11 hours
Included: Reims Cathedral Tour, Visit to Mumm/Pommery Cellars, Champagne Tasting
This Champagne Tour from Paris to Reims is a great tour for everyone that appreciates sightseeing and lots of guidance.
The tour will take you to the Reims cathedral, where your knowledgeable guide will show you around. I definitely appreciated hearing more about the history and culture.
Later you will visit wine cellars, learn about the Champagne making process and even have a tasting.
Sadly, lunch is not included in this tour.
The group size is limited to 8 people – which I highly appreciate.
Overall, you get great value for your money with this tour.
Loved visiting the cathedral at Rheims both for its history and its beauty. The vinyards were a relaxing change from busy Paris and really enjoyed the champagne samples!
Marge_K
4. Champagne Region Private Day Trip From Paris
🤩 5/5 Stars (46 Reviews)
Duration: 10 hours
Included: 2 Visits to Wineries
This Champagne Region Private Day Trip from Paris is amazing for many reasons. But it needed to be high up on my list for one specific reason: the price is incredible!
During this 10-hour private trip from Paris to the Champagne region you will visit one of the famous Champagne houses in the area.
Later in the day, you’ll get to check out a smaller producer as well and participate in a tasting.
The downside of this tour is, that the price of the tastings and lunch is not included in the price. However, the tour still comes at a great price point!
Beautiful Country Side – Champagne Tour We visited a Smaller Independent Champagne Distiller and a Mega Distiller with a Michelin Star Lunch in between. We visited Reims and Epernay, we enjoyed some great champagne and enjoyed the beautiful country side. Our driver was very knowledgeable of the area and got us early to all of our appointments
16tunderwood, Aug 2019
5. Veuve Clicquot Tour From Paris
🤩 5/5 Stars (5 Reviews)
Duration: 11 hours
Included: 3 Visits to Wineries, Lunch, Train Tickets
The Veuve Clicquot Tour from Paris is a special treat for people interested in visiting the old and esteemed Champagne house.
This tour is slightly different than the others, because you will be traveling by train. The tickets are included in the price.
Your tour guide will pick you up in Reims and explore with you the world of Veuve Clicquot and two other Champagne houses.
In my opinion, the tour is a bit pricey, but well worth it.
I love that a nice local lunch is included in the tour as well.
Visiting Veuve Clicquot was amazing. I enjoyed hearing the history of Veuve. The guide did a great job and the tastings were amazing, of course. It was very nice to be able to get out into the French countryside and visit two small champagne houses and have tastings. The lunch provided was very traditional and delicious. This is a long day, but well worth it if you are interested in Champagne. Our guide Thomas did a great job providing us with excellent service and his great knowledge about Champagne.
Laura_L, May 2022
6. Champagne Tour in Epernay & Champagne Tastings in a Local Vineyard
🤩 5/5 Stars (8 Reviews)
Duration: 11 hours
Included: Live Entertainment, Lunch, Wine Tastings, Hotel Pick-up
This Champagne Tour in Epernay is one of my favorite tours from Paris for good reason.
You will start the day off with a visit to the Avenue de Champagne, the most famous street in Epernay. This is where you can see all the famous Champagne Houses.
The group size is very small, so you can have a lot of attention from your tour guide.
Above all, this tour includes also lunch, hotel pick-up, and live entertainment. There is literally nothing you need to worry about on this tour!
Of course, the tour comes with a bit of a price tag, but given all the included features it is well worth it and one of the best Champagne Tours from Paris!
We were picked up from our hotel, and we headed straight to Epernay with a quick restroom and coffee break along the way. At each stop, we had tastings and tours pre-booked so that all we did was show up and the champagne house was already prepared for us. We also did a 3 course lunch at a local restaurant. The trip was very well organized and I could not have planned it any better myself. We concluded the day at a small local producer for an intimate tasting before heading back to Paris.
Chase_P, October 2022
7. Champagne & Reims Tasting Day Trip from Paris
🤩 4,5/5 Stars (118 Reviews)
Duration: 11 hours
Included: Multi-course Gourmet Lunch, Hotel Pickup, 4 Tastings, Entrance Fees
This 11 hour long Champagne & Reims Tasting Day Trip is one of the best prestige Champagne tours out there.
Not only will you be delighted by four different tastings but also be served a multi-course gourmet lunch in a local restaurant.
Sadly, drinks at lunch are not included.
During this tour of the Champagne country, you will also learn about the history and heritage of the capital city Reims.
Another great feature about this tour is that hotel pickup and drop off in Paris are included.
We had such a great time on the tour! Dalton was our guide and he was super fun and knowledgeable and gave us a great experience, even tweaking parts of the tour as he got to know us and realized what we wanted and liked. The entire group loved him and I would highly recommend the tour
Tara_C, July 2023
8. Champagne Area Small Group Day Trip with Cellar Visits & Tastings from Paris
🤩 4,5/5 Stars (104 Reviews)
Duration: 10-12 hours
Included: 7 glasses of Champagne, Lunch, Hotel Transportation
Another one of my favorite Champagne Tours from Paris is this Champagne Area Small Group Day Trip.
This day trip includes everything you could want on a trip to the region of sparkling wine. Tastings at the most luxurious Champagne houses and a typical French 3-course lunch.
Another highlight on this tour is the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, the final resting place of Dom Perignon.
Sadly, the visit to the esteemed Champagne houses depends on availability, so you won’t know which one you will visit before your trip.
Nicolas was amazing!!! He was very knowledgeable. We had a great day and learned a lot from 2 different Champagne houses. Great picks to see different styles of production. I know a lot more about the versatility of champagne. Could not recommend more! Excellent day!! Excellent!!
Kathleen_S, June 2023
9. Private Day Trip to Champagne Region With Lunch
Duration: 10 hours
Included: 3 visits to Champagne houses, Lunch
This Private Day Trip to Champagne country is one of the best prestige Champagne Tours out there.
The trip is ideal for groups (size up to 8), since the price is fixed as a group price. I find it a bit sad that hotel transportation is not included in the prize.
However, you get an amazing French Lunch including alcoholic beverages on top of your trip.
Overall, this package is a great deal for groups, but I would not recommend it for a couple since you have to pay the full price anyways.
10. Private Full-Day Tour of Champagne Region
🤩 5/5 Stars (3 Reviews)
Duration: 10 hours
Included: Visit 2 Champagne Houses, Hotel Pickup
Last but not least, this Private Full-Day Tour of Champagne had to be on my list of best tours from Paris.
This tour is also ideally done in a group, you can bring up to 7 people.
The tour includes a visit to two different champagne houses of different sizes. A visit to my favorite village of Hautvillers is also included in this day trip.
Sadly, lunch is not included in the fare, but other highlights of the tour make up for it.
It was great! Alex was a very nice guide. We toured a couple of houses and the points of interest. Great job!
Sofia_G, October 2022
Booking a Guided Tour vs. Self-Organized
There are both pros and cons to booking a guided tour to the Champagne area from Paris vs organizing a day trip there yourself.
While organized tours are generally a little bit more expensive, they have a lot of perks.
The fact that you won’t need to worry about transportation is the biggest one.
Going from Paris to Epernay or Reims by train is easy. Getting around there not so much. Especially between the little villages of the Champagne Region, there is no proper public transport.
Another big perk is availability. Bigger Champagne houses are usually booked up way in advance. Going on a guided tour can help you there for sure since they always have slots on reserve.
The same goes for lunch restaurants. We had such a hard time finding available spots – you won’t have to look around on a guided tour.
Lastly, you’ll want to have a drink or two on this tour. It helps to have a reliable driver or tour guide to take care of the organization and the driving. There is no fun in tipsily trying to navigate back to Paris by yourself.
Personal Travel Tips
I have just returned from the Champagne region and I can’t wait to share my travel tips in this post. There are a few things you should be aware of before booking your day tours to Champagne from Paris.
- Plan your visit in advance: the entire region and especially bigger Champagne houses are quite busy throughout the year. Luckily, by booking a day trip from Paris you can avoid this hassle.
- The smaller Champagne houses usually offer a better and more authentic experience than the big houses. They tend to be a lot more commercialized. For this reason, I have made sure that all of the day tours above include a visit to one smaller winery as well.
- Try Local Cuisine: Alongside champagne, the region offers delicious local cuisine. Try dishes like regional cheeses, coq au vin, and other French delicacies. Pair your meals with local champagne for an unforgettable lunch on your day trip.
- Bring a jacket: it can get a bit chilly in the wine cellars!
- The Champagne area is expensive. Make sure to plan a generous budget if you wish to have lunch or buy some bottles.
- If you buy in bulk, many houses will give you a discount.
Basic Info About the Champagne Region
Before you go on your Champagne tasting trip, you might want to pick up on some basic facts and terms in advance. Here is some great basic info that can come in handy during your trip.
Champagne Appellation
“Appellation” is a word you will hear many times during your trip.
True champagne can only come from the Champagne region in France.
This also means, the wine is produced under strict regulations. It is required that the producers follow the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle.
If these prerequisites are not followed, the producer may not call the drink Champagne.
Grape Varieties
Champagne is mostly made from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
The combination of the grapes determines which style the Champagne has:
- Blanc de Blancs (made from Chardonnay)
- Blanc de Noirs (made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier)
- A mix of all three grapes
How is Champagne Made?
The traditional method for making Champagne is called méthode champenoise.
The bubbles are created by a second fermentation in the bottle. This is important for the appellation.
The method was developed in the region in the 17th century by a monk named Dom Pérignon. You can visit his grave in the village of Hautvillers.
Many of the best wines in the area age for 3 or more years. It can be stored in the cellar for 5 – 20 years.
Sweetness Levels
Champagne can have different sweetness levels. There are dry wines and very sweet wines.
In the world of Champagne, they have several specific words used for the level of sweetness that you will encounter on the bottles.
It can be helpful to know how much sweetness you like in your drink before buying bottles at the estates.
- Brut Nature/Brut Zéro (no added sugar)
- Extra Brut
- Brut
- Extra Dry (off-dry)
- Sec (medium-dry)
- Demi-Sec (sweet)
- Doux (very sweet)
Serving Temperature
Champagne is best served chilled.
However, it should not be too cold, otherwise you risk losing some flavors.
The ideal serving temperature is around 38-46°F.
Glassware
Tulip-shaped or flute glasses are commonly used for champagne tastings.
They help preserve the bubbles and not lose the aroma.
If you order Champagne as a main drink during lunch or dinner, it will usually be served in a tulip-shaped wine glass.
Prices
Prices of Champagne vary greatly and depend on the brand and the size of the house.
Bigger houses, like Moet & Chandon, sell bottles between EUR 60,00 and EUR 2.000,00.
At smaller wineries, you can buy amazing quality Champagne for around EUR 30,00 to EUR 50,00 per bottle. If you buy in bulk, they tend to give discounts.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The historic vineyards, houses, and cellars of Champagne have been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
What To Pack For Your Day Trip
- Comfortable Clothing: Opt for casual, comfortable clothing, since you will be hanging out on the bus and walking around on the tours. While dressing up is not really necessary, the area is quite fancy and many people wear nicer clothes during the day.
- Layers: Weather in Champagne can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to pack layers. Also the wine cellars tend to be a bit colder.
- Walking Shoes: Wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes since you might be walking through vineyards or exploring cellars. Avoid high heels unless you feel comfortable walking.
- Travel Documents: Bring all necessary travel documents (ID, travel insurance, and any tickets or reservations)
- Umbrella or Raincoat: Even during the warmer months, there’s a chance of rain. Packing a small umbrella can’t hurt.
- Water and Snacks: While some tours may provide refreshments, it’s always a good idea to carry a water bottle and some snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized throughout the many glasses of Champagne. It helps to snack on a cracker between tastings.
- Cash and Credit Cards
- Language Guide or Translator App: Since you will have an English-speaking guide, this should not be a problem. But in case you get lost, it can’t hurt.
What to Eat in Champagne
Many of my favorite day tours from Paris to Champagne come with an included lunch.
In case your tour does not have any lunch arrangements made, I still wanted to give you a small list of amazing things you need to try in Champagne.
- Potée Champenoise: A traditional stew made with meats like pork, sausage, and chicken, cooked with different vegetables.
- Coq au Vin: Although originally it comes from Burgundy, Coq au Vin is also a traditional dish in Champagne. It involves cooking chicken in red wine, often accompanied by mushrooms, onions, and bacon.
- Fricassée Champenoise: A creamy fricassee made with poultry cooked in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions. The local champagne is sometimes added for more flavor.
- Tarte au Chaource: A savory tart made with the famous Chaource cheese
- Charcuterie: they make amazing ham, cheese and different spreads in the region. Order a charcuterie board and sample your way through it.
Keep in mind that many restaurants in Champagne offer pre-set lunch menus. This is always how you get the best deal for your money and get to try seasonal and regional products.
Best Time to Visit Champagne Region
Every season in the Champagne region has a different charm.
Especially summer and autumn are considered the peak season in Champagne. Autumn is harvest season, with many festivities and attractions. Both summer and autumn are the most crowded.
I prefer visiting the Champagne region in spring. The weather is usually lovely and the area is a lot more quiet.
France of course is also always a great destination for a Christmas weekend getaway.
Conclusion: Champagne Tours From Paris
In this post you learned about my favorite Day Trips to the Champagne region from Paris.
The Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings, Reims Cathedral & Family Winery from Paris definitely wins this competition hands down. It is one of the most frequently booked trips out there, and the reviews are raving!
If you prefer booking a private trip, I have also found several great tours for every taste and budget.
If one day in Champagne is not enough, I suggest checking out my 3 Days in Champagne Itinerary.
Another great region in France wine lovers will absolutely cherish is the Alsace. Their sparkling wine is just as unique, and the Alsace region is great for a road trip.
Lastly, wine enthusiasts absolutely need to check out the wine tastings in Saint Emilion and the cute villages of the Dordogne next.
FAQ
Yes, Champagne is definitely worth visiting. The region offers beautiful landscapes, fantastic sparkling wine, and delicious cuisine. It is one of the most interesting regions in France, for wine lovers and other travelers alike.
Yes, you can do a day trip to Champagne from Paris. The Champagne region is about two hours outside of Paris, so you can conveniently go there for just a day with an organized group tour or by train or car.
Epernay is for many people better than Reims. The city of Epernay is where many of the most famous Champagne houses are located. It has a certain charm and uniqueness to it, that Reims does not have. While Reims has some beautiful landmarks, the city itself is not as beautiful.
The Champagne region is about 145 km (90 m) outside of Paris. It will take you around 2 hours to drive to Champagne with a car. The train takes about two hours and is a convenient way to get there.