Paris: Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tour by Mercedes

Traveling to France and tasting Champagne is a classic bucket list item, but an organized day trip like this one offers a blend of comfort, expert insight, and authentic experiences you might not get on your own. This tour, run by Clewel Travel, promises a full day of luxury transport, guided cellar visits, and high-level tastings, all centered around two of the most venerable Champagne houses—Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot.

What we love about this experience is how it combines luxurious transportation with educational tours in historic cellars, plus the flexibility of tiered tasting options. The fact that pick-up and drop-off are included means you don’t have to worry about logistics. And with guaranteed departures, it’s a reliable way to indulge in Champagne without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

A possible consideration to keep in mind is the long day’s duration—11.5 hours can feel quite full, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with young children. Also, meals are not included, so you’ll want to plan for lunch, either on your own or by booking ahead.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone eager to experience the grandeur of Champagne’s legendary houses with a comfortable, guided approach. If you value cultural insight paired with tasting, and enjoy a touch of luxury, this trip could be a highlight of your Parisian adventure.

Key Points

• Luxury transport: Ride in a Mercedes E220 or minivan for a comfortable, stylish journey.
• Historic cellars: Visit the UNESCO-listed undergrounds of Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot.
• Exclusive tastings: Choose from tiered tasting options, including high-level vintages and unique cuvées.
• Flexible experience: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, plus optional restaurant reservations.
• Educational insights: Guided cellar tours by knowledgeable staff, plus self-guided visits at Reims Cathedral.
• Time-efficient: An 11.5-hour day packed with sightseeing, tastings, and regional highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Journey Begins: Hotel Pick-up and Scenic Drive

The day kicks off early at 07:30 with a hotel pick-up in Paris, where a sleek Mercedes ensures a smooth ride. The approximately 2-hour drive to the Champagne region is part of the charm—expect to pass through rolling vineyards and picturesque countryside, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. The tour includes a quick stop at a rest area, giving you a chance to stretch and snap some photos of the emerald vineyards.

First Stop: Ruinart Champagne House

Arriving in Reims around 10:00, you’ll explore Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house founded in 1729. The guided tour of the underground cellars is a highlight—these UNESCO-listed tunnels are an atmospheric maze of chalk and history, dating back nearly three centuries. You’ll learn about the unique methods of Champagne production and what makes Ruinart’s approach distinctive.

The tastings here include two glasses of champagne, giving you a true taste of tradition. Gaspare, one of the reviewers, called this experience “fantastic, really good, super recommended,” which echoes the consensus that the cellar tour here is both informative and evocative. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing stories that make the experience more than just a tasting—it’s a journey through centuries of craftsmanship.

Lunch in Reims

From around 12:00 to 13:30, you’re free to explore Reims’ vibrant city center or enjoy a pre-arranged meal. The tour offers restaurant reservations if needed, so you can savor local delicacies or simply relax with a coffee. Reims itself is a lively hub filled with charming cafes, bakeries, and shops, perfect for an hour of leisure before your next stop.

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Reims Cathedral and Crownings

At 14:00, a self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame is scheduled. This iconic Gothic cathedral is where French kings were crowned, and its stunning facade and stained glass windows are worth a quick look. It’s a great opportunity to connect with France’s regal history, even if briefly.

The Champagne Powerhouse: Veuve Clicquot

Around 14:15, the day continues with a visit to Veuve Clicquot, established in 1772. This is where the tour really ramps up with a guided exploration of the cellars—a labyrinth of chalk tunnels where millions of bottles age in silence. Veuve Clicquot’s production numbers are impressive, over 22 million bottles annually, making it one of the largest Champagne producers.

Here, the tasting options allow for some significant choices. The “Une Seule Qualite” tasting features four different cuvées—including Vintage 2015 and a Rosé—perfect for those wanting a broad perspective. For connoisseurs seeking a more refined experience, the “Madame Clicquot” option compares the classic Brut Yellow Label in magnum with La Grande Dame 2015, a prestigious vintage.

The highest tier, “L’art du vieillissement,” lasts two hours and includes rare bottles like Vintage Brut 2002 and Cave Privée 1990, giving a deep dive into aging techniques. Think of it as the champagne equivalent of a tasting menu at a fine restaurant.

The Long Drive Home

By 16:30, the tour departs back to Paris, with a 2.5-hour drive allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. Expect to arrive around 19:00, feeling both satisfied and inspired by the blend of history, craftsmanship, and luxury.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Expert Guidance and Cultural Context

The guides, described as knowledgeable and engaging, help demystify the Champagne-making process. Their insights elevate what might otherwise be just a tasting into an educational experience. The cellar tours are detailed, offering a glimpse into centuries-old traditions, and the self-guided visit at Reims Cathedral lets you explore at your own pace.

Premium Transportation

Traveling in a Mercedes E220 or minivan means comfort and style. For those who dislike cramped coach tours, this private experience offers a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of space to enjoy the scenery or chat with your companions.

Tiered Tasting Options

The range of tasting experiences—from standard to ultra-luxury—caters to different budgets and interests. It’s a smart way to ensure everyone gets a personalized experience without feeling rushed.

Flexibility and Convenience

The included hotel pick-up and drop-off save you time and effort. Plus, the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind, making this a stress-free way to indulge in Champagne tourism.

Authenticity and Heritage

Visiting Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot connects you directly with two of France’s most historic Champagne houses, both with roots stretching back to the 18th century. This isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Champagne’s history and production methods. It also appeals to luxury travelers who appreciate comfort and exclusivity, thanks to private transport and tiered tastings. If you’re visiting Paris and want a full-day escape into the Champagne region, this trip offers a balanced mix of education, indulgence, and scenic beauty.

It’s less ideal for those traveling with very young children or those who prefer a slower, more relaxed pace—although the experience remains engaging and well-structured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation in a private vehicle?
Yes, you’ll travel in a Mercedes E220 business class for 2-3 people or a minivan for 3-7, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Are hotel pickups included?
Absolutely. The tour starts at 07:30 with pickup at your hotel or Airbnb entrance.

What’s included in the tour?
Guided cellar visits at Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, tastings according to your selected option, self-guided visit at Reims Cathedral, bottled water, and all fees and taxes.

Can I customize the tastings?
Yes, there are tiered options ranging from standard tastings to high-level VIP experiences, including vintage and aged cuvées.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 11.5 hours, ending back in Paris around 19:00.

Is lunch included?
No, but you can either explore Reims on your own or have a reservation made for you at a restaurant.

Is this suitable for children?
Not for children under 6, and the experience may not be ideal for those in wheelchairs due to the nature of cellar tours and self-guided visits.

Final Thoughts

This private Champagne tour from Paris offers a well-balanced combination of luxury, history, and tasting excellence. The guides’ expertise, paired with visits to two of the most iconic Champagne houses, ensures an educational yet indulgent day. The tiered tasting options mean you can tailor the experience to your level of interest or budget, making it accessible whether you’re a casual sipper or a seasoned connoisseur.

Travelers who enjoy comfort and want to avoid the hassle of navigating the region on their own will find this tour a great fit. Plus, the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it a seamless experience from start to finish. The scenic drive, historic cellars, and exclusive tastings make for a memorable day that combines France’s finest traditions with modern-day luxury.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to add a touch of elegance to your Paris trip, this tour is a rewarding way to explore Champagne’s heritage without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

Note: The experience provider offers alternative options if a visit to a specific Champagne house isn’t available on your date, so flexibility is built into the booking process.

You can check availability for your dates here: