Private Champagne Day Trip to Vineyards of Reims with French Lunch from Paris

Imagine a day where you trade the bustling streets of Paris for the sun-dappled vineyards of Reims, all while sipping world-class champagne and soaking in French history. This private champagne tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining vineyard visits, cultural landmarks, and authentic French cuisine—all in one seamless package.

What sets this tour apart? The expert guides who bring the region’s stories to life, the opportunity to taste six glasses of champagne from carefully selected wineries, and the chance to explore Reims’ stunning cathedral and medieval streets. Of course, no experience is perfect, and the main consideration is that it’s not a budget tour — but for those seeking quality, convenience, and a deeper look into France’s famed bubbly, it’s a strong contender.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day outside of Paris without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. If you’re a wine lover, history buff, or simply someone eager to enjoy the scenic French countryside with expert guidance, this trip is likely to tick all your boxes.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Day Trip: High-speed train, vineyard visits, and French lunch included
• Exclusive Tastings: Sample six glasses of premium champagne during guided winery tours
• Cultural Highlights: Explore Reims’ cathedral and historic city landmarks
• Comfort & Convenience: Private transfers and well-organized itinerary from Paris
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts provide insightful commentary and regional stories
• Limited Group Size: Private experience, ensuring personalized attention

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Gare de l’Est, Paris

Your day begins early—at 8:00 am—at Gare de l’Est, where you’ll meet your guide and hop onto the high-speed TVG train. The direct train journey takes about an hour, during which you’ll be able to relax, maybe plan your day, or just enjoy the scenery rushing past. Being on a high-speed train is a real advantage—it’s quick, comfortable, and sets a tone of ease for the day ahead.

Pro tip: Reviewers mention that the provided train tickets are included and that the process from booking to departure runs smoothly. One guest praised their guide Pablo for meeting them at the station and ensuring everything was seamless, making the start of the day stress-free.

Vineyards and Wineries: The Heart of Champagne

Once in Reims, the real magic begins. The tour includes guided visits to two distinct wineries, each offering a peek into different facets of champagne production. The first stop is at an old castle cellar with its surrounding vineyards, where you’ll learn about the traditional methods and the history behind the bubbly. The guide provides detailed explanations, making the process accessible and fascinating.

Expect to taste five different glasses of champagne during these visits, which isn’t just about quantity—each pour is carefully curated to showcase different styles, flavors, and qualities. Reviewers like Nathan especially appreciated the guides’ knowledge, with one saying, “Pablo provided a wealth of information about champagne, the region, and even the Reims Cathedral.”

The second winery visit is at another family-operated vineyard, offering a more intimate experience. Here, you’ll sample some of the delicious French champagne that the region is known for, and gain insights into the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The reviews highlight the high quality of the tastings and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who bring extra context to each glass.

French Lunch in Ludes

After a morning of bubbly exploration, it’s time for a well-earned break. The tour includes a two-hour lunch in the charming village of Ludes at a family-run restaurant. The highlight is the pairing of traditional French cuisine with local champagne, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Reviewers like Erica praise the experience, noting that their guide, Bella, made the lunch memorable with her friendliness and knowledge.

The restaurant’s cozy ambiance, coupled with authentic dishes and excellent champagne, makes this a genuine taste of French culture. It also offers a relaxed setting to reflect on the morning’s tastings and enjoy the lovely countryside views.

Exploring Reims City: Heritage and Architecture

Post-lunch, the tour shifts to an exploration of Reims itself. The city’s medieval streets, historic sites, and vibrant atmosphere are worth a visit. You’ll see major landmarks and learn about Reims’ significance during different periods, including its WWII history—an aspect that one reviewer, Joan, found “beautiful and awe-inspiring.”

The centerpiece of your city tour is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims. This gothic masterpiece is renowned for its extraordinary architecture and historical importance—it’s where French kings were traditionally crowned. Visitors like Stacey G appreciated the guide’s storytelling, making the visit both educational and visually stunning.

Return to Paris

As the day winds down, you’ll visit Reims station for the return trip to Paris, again on a high-speed train. The journey is about an hour, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on your day. The tour concludes back at Gare de l’Est, with plenty of memories and perhaps a few bottles of champagne to enjoy later.

What This Tour Means for You

Value: At $719.22 per person, this tour is clearly a premium experience. But considering the all-inclusive nature—train tickets, private transfers, expert-guided tastings, and a traditional French lunch—it offers solid value for those seeking quality and depth without the hassle of separate bookings.

Authenticity: Visiting family-owned wineries and enjoying local cuisine provides an authentic taste of the Champagne region, far from commercialized tourist traps. Reviewers repeatedly emphasized the guides’ knowledge, with Nathan calling Pablo “the most wonderful guide,” who also shared Reims’ history and even gave a mini-tour of the cathedral.

Comfort & Convenience: The organized logistics—train transfers, private vehicle transfers, and a carefully planned itinerary—allow you to relax and focus on enjoying the experience. The private aspect ensures a personalized touch, a big plus over larger group tours.

Limitations & Considerations: One reviewer pointed out that the tastings, while generous, are shared with other travelers, and it’s not a “VIP” experience. The tour also involves some physical activity, including a climb of 130 steps in one of the cellars, which might be a consideration for those with mobility issues.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts craving a deep dive into champagne production. History lovers will appreciate the visits to Reims’ landmarks and the cathedral. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a comfortable, all-inclusive day out of Paris without sacrificing quality or authenticity.

Travelers who value expert guides and personalized experiences will find this tour especially rewarding. However, if you’re looking for a super budget-friendly option or a fast-paced, large-group set-up, this might not be the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes return tickets on a high-speed train from Paris to Reims and private transfers to vineyards.

How long is the entire day? The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and ending back in Paris, with most of the day spent exploring and tasting.

Can I customize the experience? Since this is a private tour, there’s room for personalized touches, but the core itinerary is fixed.

Are there any physical activity requirements? Yes, one of the winery visits involves climbing 130 steps in a cellar without an elevator, which might be important for some guests.

What is included in the price? Return train tickets, private transfers, guided winery visits with tastings, a French lunch, and city sightseeing in Reims are all covered.

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is designed for most travelers, but the tastings and walking might be less engaging for very young children.

How far in advance should I book? On average, this tour is booked about 79 days ahead, indicating good availability if booked early.

What happens if I need to cancel? Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund, providing peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

This private champagne day trip from Paris offers a well-balanced blend of history, culture, and bubbly indulgence. With expert guides leading you through two wineries, a beautiful city tour of Reims, and a delicious French lunch, it’s an experience designed for those who crave more than just a tasting—that want to understand, appreciate, and truly enjoy France’s iconic drink.

While it’s priced higher than some group tours, the personalized touches, comfort, and depth of experience make it worth considering if you want a memorable, immersive day outside Paris. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in French elegance, this trip promises a satisfying blend of education, scenery, and, of course, exceptional champagne.

To sum it up, this tour is best suited for travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and expert guidance. It’s an ideal choice for those eager to explore the Champagne region without the hassle of self-organizing, and for anyone who appreciates a good story along with great wine. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-organized way to enjoy Reims and its world-famous bubbly, this experience delivers on all counts.