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Champagne in Riems

  • Reims, Ile-de-France, France

Last updated: 12 March, 2024

Most of France’s famous Champagne houses are based in the historic city of Reims and smaller Epernay, both within an hour of Paris – although smaller producers can be found all over this specialist wine region.

Cellar tours provide a unique insight into how Champagne is made and blended, what makes it different from ordinary wines, just how much craftsmanship goes into bubbly, and how each Champagne house has its distinctive style – and often include visits to the magnificent cellars.

While you’re there

Be sure to visit the beautiful 13th-century Gothic cathedral in Reims, with its magnificent sculpted facade and stained glass by Chagall.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Champagne houses in Reims are easily accessible by high-speed TGV train from Gare de l’Est in Paris in just 45 minutes. Some are walkable, but most will require a taxi from Reims station.

There are more than 12,000 to choose from, and almost all welcome visitors. The bigger houses have two guided tours per day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon – you can just turn up, but it’s better to book a place via the house’s website to avoid disappointment.

When to do it

Houses are generally open all year round, seven days a week, though some close on the weekends; schedules vary by season too. September-October is harvest time, the busiest time of year, and some houses may be closed.

Who to go with: organised tours

6

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Paris

Champagne is just outside of Paris! Join this small-group tour and you’ll discover the growing, harvesting, bottling, and proper way of tasting Champagne. You'll visit two very unique wineries, the Reims Cathedral, Dom Perignon's grave, and enjoy at least 6 tastings of different types of Champagnes. There is no better way to learn about wine than to see where it is made and to taste it with the person who made it! Join us and you will meet the Champagne winemakers walk through their vineyards of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and explore their cellars full of bubbly wine!

Price €230

Min age 7

Rating 4.82 / 5 [645 ratings]

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  • Paris

Discover the region of Champagne in one day on this tour from Paris. You'll enjoy guided visits and tastings at renowned Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Lanson, Nicolas Feuillatte (depending on availability) as well as smaller wineries, plus have lunch at a family-run estate or a traditional restaurant. Make the most of this day and explore vineyards, walk through chalk cellars, and learn about this legendary sparkling wine with your passionate guide. Champagne tasting will have no more secrets for you ! This tour is limited to 8 people only, to ensure a personalised attention. Pick up at your hotel and drop off in central Paris.

Price €315

Min age 4

Rating 4.73 / 5 [548 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Paris

Explore the Champagne region and see the city of Reims to discover where French royalty were crowned on a guided day tour from Paris. Visit the cellars of reputable champagne producers, learn about the history of the region, taste local wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Start with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation and head for the heart of the champagne region, Épernay. Take a guided tour of one of the grand champagne houses such as: Moet & Chandon, Mercier, Nicolas Feuillatte, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger or other famous champagne houses, depending on availability, as well as a smaller estate later in the day. Taste their elegant and exclusive product and hear about the history of their champagne estate, afterwards enjoy a third blind tasting and learn to differentiate between different types of bubbly in this tasting right surrounded by the vineyards. Discover local gastronomy and savor a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant.

Price €300

Min age 16

Rating 4.69 / 5 [243 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Paris

Explore the Champagne region on a guided day tour from Paris. Visit the cellars of reputable champagne producers, learn about the history of the region, taste local wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Start with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation and head for the heart of the champagne region, Épernay. Take a guided tour of one of the grand champagne houses such as: Moet & Chandon, Mercier, Nicolas Feuillatte, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, , or other famous champagne houses, depending on availability, as well as a smaller estate later in the day. Discover local gastronomy and savor a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant. See the vines up and personal while your experienced guide tells you about the different varietals of grapes, the terroir, and what makes champagne so celebrated.

Price €300

Min age 18

Rating 4.60 / 5 [167 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Paris

Explore the vineyards and Champagne estates around Reims and/or Epernay during this private Champagne day trip from Paris. Travel into the French countryside with a private licensed tour guide and gain insight into centuries of Champagne-making heritage. Choose two 2 Champagne houses to visit either Veuve Clicquot, or Ruinart, or Moet and Chandon and 1 smaller producer and learn how Champagne is produced, matured, and prepared for the world market. This tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Paris (no pick ups outside of Paris sorry). Tasting/visit fees are NOT included. We depend on the availability of each Champagne house and can not guarantee their availability on the day of your inquiry, if you book within less than a month the producers might not be available) Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Price €185

Min age 5

Rating 4.83 / 5 [61 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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