From Paris: Champagne Cellars and Vineyards Tour and Tasting

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with sparkling wines, historic cellars, and picturesque vineyards, this Champagne day trip from Paris offers a well-rounded peek into the world of bubbly. While it’s packed with highlights, it also offers a good balance between guided experiences and free time to soak up the scenery.

What grabs our attention are the stunning panoramic views over the Marne Valley, the chance to understand the legacy of Dom Pérignon, and the opportunity to sample top-quality champagnes directly from renowned producers. The only potential downside? With such a packed itinerary, some might find the long day a little tiring, but the luxury transport and efficient schedule help make it manageable.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in learning about the origins of champagne, all while enjoying some of the best views and tastings in the region.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experiences ensure you learn about champagne’s history and production.
• Luxurious transportation and small groups enhance comfort and personal attention.
• Visits to prestigious champagne houses and cellars provide authentic tasting opportunities.
• Enriching cultural stops, like Reims Cathedral, add historical context.
• Balanced schedule offers enough free time for shopping and photos.
• Ideal for those seeking an all-in-one experience of Champagne’s heritage and flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You’ll Love This Champagne Tour

We loved the way this tour combines stunning scenery, educational insights, and delicious tastings. From the moment you’re picked up in Paris, you’re whisked away in a luxury minivan, making the entire day feel special rather than rushed. The guides are praised for being knowledgeable and friendly—one reviewer highlighted how their guide created “an excellent day full of beautiful sites, tastings, and history.” Expect to learn not just about champagne, but about the people and terroir behind this legendary drink.

The scenery, particularly the 270° views over the Marne Valley from Châtillon-sur-Marne, is genuinely breathtaking. We also appreciate that the tour includes a visit to Dom Pérignon’s legacy site, which helps connect the bubbly to its historical roots. Tastings at reputable champagne houses like Charles Mignon and Moët & Chandon ensure that you experience the variety and craftsmanship that make champagne so special.

Finally, the blend of guided tours, free exploration, and shopping time creates a flexible, engaging experience—ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day trip that’s both educational and fun.

The Itinerary: An In-Depth Look

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Paris, either in private VIP style or in a luxury minivan depending on your booking. The comfortable vehicle ensures you’re relaxed for the roughly 2-hour drive to Champagne-Ardenne, setting the tone for a day of indulgence and discovery. The driver, identifiable by the BackTrip badge, keeps the mood light, and reviews note the cleanliness and friendliness of the transport as a definite plus.

Stop 1: Châtillon-sur-Marne — Panoramic Views

Your first stop offers a 270° panoramic view over the Marne Valley. This isn’t just a quick photo op—travellers consistently mention how stunning the vistas are, making it a perfect spot to take in the landscape before diving into the wine world. It’s a peaceful moment to appreciate the rolling vineyards stretching out in every direction.

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Stop 2: Champagne Cellar Tour & Tasting at Charles Mignon

Next, you’ll visit Champagne Charles Mignon, a historic house that offers both guided cellar tours and tastings of their Premier Cru champagnes. The guided tour highlights the meticulous craftsmanship involved in champagne production, with guides sharing insights into the traditional méthode champenoise. Reviewers like Theresa appreciated the promptness and knowledge of their guide, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The tasting here is an excellent chance to experience a variety of flavors, from crisp brut to more complex vintage styles. The tour is around two hours, striking a good balance between learning and tasting.

Stop 3: Épernay and Lunch

After the cellar visit, you’ll head to Épernay for lunch and free time. The town’s Avenue de Champagne is famous for its historic champagne houses and shops. Reviewers mention enjoying a leisurely lunch with the option to explore boutique stores or buy a bottle to take home. This break is perfect for relaxing and soaking in the elegant atmosphere of Champagne’s capital.

Stop 4: Pressoria Champagne Museum

In Aÿ-Champagne, you’ll visit Pressoria, Pommery’s pressing center museum. This fascinating stop combines photo opportunities, a guided tour, and a chance to sample champagnes directly from the source. The 2.5-hour visit offers a compelling look into the traditional pressing techniques, making it a favorite among guests for its interactive and educational nature.

Cultural Stop: Reims Cathedral

The tour includes a visit to the iconic Reims Cathedral of Notre-Dame. Known for its stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance, this stop offers a brief but enriching experience. Guides often highlight the cathedral’s role in French history, giving the visit a meaningful touch.

End of Day: Return to Paris

The journey wraps up with a comfortable 1.5-hour drive back to Paris, with a final drop-off at the original meeting point. Travelers often comment on the smooth organization and the relaxed pace of the day, leaving you with plenty of memories and, hopefully, a bottle or two of champagne.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Expert Guides: Multiple reviewers commend the guides for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making complex champagne processes easy to understand. Hayden described their guide as “excellent” and appreciated the variety of experiences they curated.

Quality Tastings: Visiting reputable champagne houses like Charles Mignon, Moët & Chandon, and Pommery means you’re sampling authentic, high-quality champagnes. The inclusion of both guided tours and free tastings allows for a personalized experience.

Spectacular Views: The highlight for many is the panoramic overlook of the Marne Valley, offering some of the best scenery in the region. It’s a reminder that champagne isn’t just about bubbles but also about the landscape that nurtures the grapes.

Cultural and Historical Insights: Stops at Reims Cathedral and Dom Pérignon’s legacy site help connect the bubbly to French tradition and history, enriching the tasting experience.

Comfort and Convenience: The luxury transportation and small group sizes guarantee comfort and intimacy, which many reviewers highlighted as a major plus.

Price and Value

While pricing isn’t specified here, the tour’s inclusion of multiple guided visits, tastings, lunch, and transport suggests it offers solid value for the experience. Especially for visitors looking for an all-in-one day trip that combines history, scenery, and sampling, the cost is justified by the quality and variety of experiences.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers eager to learn about champagne’s roots and production. It also suits history lovers, thanks to the visits to Reims Cathedral and Dom Pérignon’s legacy. If you want a comfortable, guided day out of Paris that covers tasting, sightseeing, and cultural stops, this is a great pick.

However, if you’re not keen on long days or prefer a more leisurely pace, consider whether the 12-13 hour schedule fits your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Paris, if you select the VIP/private option. The driver will wait at your hotel lobby or main entrance.

How long is the overall tour? Expect to be on the road for approximately 12 to 13 hours, with a detailed itinerary covering multiple stops and activities.

Are the tastings suitable for everyone? Non-drinkers and minors are offered non-alcoholic grape juice, making the experience accessible to all ages.

What is the transportation like? You’ll travel in a luxury minivan, praised for its comfort and cleanliness, with a small group size enhancing the experience.

Can I customize the tour? Depending on the package selected (Standard, Premium, Private), some customization options or access to VIP cellar tours may be available, subject to availability.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues? It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or who use non-folding wheelchairs or strollers, due to the nature of some stops.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially for VIP or private options. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes are advised as there will be walking at cellar and vineyard visits. Cameras are encouraged for the scenic views.

Final Thoughts

This Champagne day trip from Paris offers a well-rounded experience that combines history, scenery, and tastings in a comfortable, guided setting. It’s perfect for travelers who want to understand the craftsmanship behind champagne while enjoying the beautiful vistas of the Marne Valley. With knowledgeable guides and access to some of the region’s top champagne houses, it’s a memorable way to celebrate your trip to France.

If you’re keen on discovering the origins of the bubbly, exploring historic sites, and tasting world-famous champagnes, this tour ticks all those boxes. Just be prepared for a long, activity-packed day—worthwhile for anyone eager to learn and indulge.

In brief, this tour suits curious, taste-driven travelers who appreciate cultural stops and scenic views without sacrificing comfort. It’s a fantastic way to turn a day in Paris into a sparkling adventure you won’t forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: