Discover the best Reims Champagne Tour – A guide to making the most of your visit

Hello, dear friends! If you’re like me, a lover of the finer things in life, and find yourself drawn to the heart of the Champagne region, then you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m going to share with you a gem of an experience – the best Reims Champagne tour. Trust me, as someone who has the privilege of calling Epernay home, I know a thing or two about Champagne tours, and I’m here to guide you through an unforgettable journey.

Why Opt for a Guided Tour? First things first, let’s talk about why choosing a guided tour in Reims is a fantastic idea. Reims, a city steeped in history and culture, is not only the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region but also a place where the past and present merge beautifully.

A guided tour allows you to delve deep into the history of Champagne, with expert guides sharing stories and secrets that you won’t find in any guidebook. Imagine walking through ancient cellars, sipping on exquisite Champagne, and learning about the meticulous process of making this celebrated drink. Guides bring a personal touch, making each tasting and visit more intimate and memorable.

But why is this the best option? Well, for starters, the guides in Reims have an unparalleled knowledge of the region. They can take you to both the grand maisons de Champagne and the smaller, family-run estates, where you can taste and see the diversity of the region’s sparkling wines. Plus, with their insider knowledge, you’re likely to discover hidden gems that you might miss on your own.

Reims Essentials: What Every Visitor Needs to Know

Bienvenue to Reims, the heart and soul of Champagne! Whether it’s your first visit to France or you’re a seasoned traveler, Reims offers an unparalleled experience that marries history, culture, and the art of Champagne. From the grandeur of the Reims Cathedral to the intimate vineyards that dot the landscape, this city is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Discover the best of Reims in one day with our curated guides, designed to ensure you don’t miss a beat in this stunning city. Learn more about the must-visit spots in Reims to make your trip truly unforgettable.

Nestled in the northeastern part of France, Reims is not just a gateway to the exquisite Champagne houses but a historical centerpiece with tales as rich and varied as the wines it produces.

• Distance from Paris: Approximately 160 km (about 100 miles)
• Travel by Train: Just 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed train, making it an ideal day trip destination.
• Proximity to Epernay: About 30 minutes by car or train, offering a chance to explore another key location in the Champagne region.

Choosing between Reims and Epernay can be challenging due to their unique offerings. However, focusing on Reims provides an opportunity to dive deep into the city’s rich history, including some of the best champagne tours in Reims.

Now, let me share with you my selection of the best Champagne tours in Reims.

Embark on a Full-Day Champagne Journey with Gourmet Lunch

Dive into the essence of Reims with a full-day Champagne tour that promises not just a tasting but a journey through history and flavor. Enjoy a gourmet lunch amidst the vines, where time seems to stand still, and every sip tells a story of tradition, terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship.

You’ll be whisked away from Reims to experience an unforgettable day filled with passionate explanations, detailed visits, and a superb lunch… not to mention the tastings!

Discover Hidden Gems: An Afternoon with Reims’ Small Producers

Reims is a mosaic of stories, each bottle a testament to generations of dedication. Spend an afternoon in a Champagne Tour in Reims exploring the small producers that are the heartbeat of the region. These hidden gems offer a personal touch, revealing the passion and perseverance that define the spirit of Champagne.

Having been on several tours myself, I can assure you this is a sure bet: a guide who knows the region like the back of their hand, the most beautiful viewpoints, and knowledge they love to share!

Eco-Friendly Adventure: Electric Bike Tour & Authentic Champenois Lunch

Merge the thrill of discovery with the joy of eco-friendly travel on what is arguably the best Champagne tours in Reims for those who love to stay active. This electric bike tour through Reims’ picturesque landscapes, paired with an authentic Champenois lunch, is an unparalleled experience that delights the senses and honors the environment.

You’ll be picked up in Reims and taken to a charming Champenois village for an electric bike ride and lunch accompanied by Champagne, ratafia, and bouzy rouge, with fresh and local products.

A Luxury Private Champagne Tour

Indulge in unparalleled luxury with a private Champagne tour in Reims for groups of up to 7 people, traveling in a luxury vehicle. This bespoke experience leads you through the most prestigious Champagne houses, where exclusivity and elegance meet to create moments of pure bliss.

Veuve Clicquot Experience and Regional Exploration

Dive deep into the legacy of Veuve Clicquot, one of the Champagne region’s most iconic houses. This journey is not just about tasting; it’s an exploration of history, a tribute to the remarkable woman behind the label, and a comprehensive tour of the Champagne region that adds a lunch, vineyard visit, and a discovery of a smaller family-run estate for a perfectly rounded experience.

This tour is my personal favorite among the best Champagne tours in Reims, offering an intimate glimpse into the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot and the timeless elegance of her Champagne.

Full-Day Excursion Including Champagne Pommery

Embark on a comprehensive full-day tour that encompasses the essence of the Champagne region: from the historic streets of Reims to the lush vineyards of Epernay, and the charming village of Hautvillers. This excursion includes a visit to the majestic Reims Cathedral and a unique winemaker in Cumières, culminating in an exploration of the grandeur of Champagne Pommery. Discover Pommery.

Sunset Champagne Tour and Tasting

As the day fades into evening, the Sunset Champagne Tour offers a serene moment to reflect and celebrate. Immerse yourself in the golden glow of the vineyards at dusk, tasting the day’s last rays mirrored in the sparkle of Champagne. This experience is a poetic homage to the beauty of the Champagne region and the unforgettable moments it offers. Join the sunset tour.

Planning Your Own Champagne House Visits

I understand the allure of adventure and the desire to explore at your own pace. If you’re leaning towards planning your own tour, Reims offers an abundance of Champagne houses to visit. From the iconic Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot to the lesser-known but equally fascinating Pommery and Ruinart, there’s no shortage of options.

• Book in Advance: Champagne houses, especially the renowned ones, can get fully booked for weekends during the high season weeks in advance. To avoid disappointment, make sure to schedule your visits well ahead of time.
• Use Rue des Vignerons: For those organizing their own cave tours, I generally recommend booking through Rue des Vignerons. Rue des Vignerons is particularly useful for tailoring your visit to fit your interests and schedule.
• Ideal Daily Itinerary: When planning your Champagne house visits, aiming for two tours per day plus a lunch break is a good balance. This schedule allows you to deeply engage with each experience without feeling rushed. After all, enjoying Champagne is about savoring the moment, not racing through it. Planning for two visits gives you ample time to explore, ask questions, and relax.
• Transportation: If you’re planning to visit multiple houses, consider hiring a car or using local transportation options. Remember, drinking and driving do not mix, so plan accordingly!

Emphasizing the importance of reservations can’t be overstated. Some Champagne houses are fully booked for weekends during the peak season several weeks in advance. Planning and booking ahead not only secures your spot but also ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable visit to each house.

Insider’s Guide: Pro Tips for Your Champagne Tour

Embarking on a Reims Champagne tour is more than a tasting journey; it’s an immersive experience into the world of Champagne.

Living here in Epernay and being a gîte owner has given me unique insights, especially when I see guests sometimes disappointed because they didn’t plan their day well and missed out on experiences they were looking forward to.

Here are some pro tips to truly savor this adventure and ensure you make the most of your visit to this enchanting region:

Blend the Grandeur with Charm

• Mix and Match: Combine visits to well-known Champagne houses in Reims with tours of small, family-run estates. This blend offers a comprehensive view of Champagne production, from grand scale operations to intimate, artisanal processes.
• Witness the Spectacle: See firsthand the meticulous care in Champagne production and hear the heartfelt stories behind each bottle.

Communicate with Your Guide

• Tailored Experience: When booking your tour, share your preferences and any dietary needs. This ensures a personalized experience that aligns with your desires.
• Ask Questions: Engage with your guide to learn more about the fascinating world of Champagne. Their insider knowledge can enrich your visit significantly.

Choose Your Season

• Timeless Champagne: While Champagne is a delight year-round, each season offers its unique charm.
  • Spring: Witness the renewal of the vineyards. This season marks the beginning of the grapevine’s cycle, leading to the first blooms. It’s a beautiful time as the region awakens.
  • Summer: Enjoy the vibrant landscapes and warmer weather. As the vines grow and mature, the Champagne region basks in the beauty of lush vineyards under the summer sun, perfect for exploring. Reims, with its stunning city center, becomes especially inviting during this season. The city’s terraces are particularly delightful on summer evenings, offering a perfect setting to relax and enjoy the ambience of this historic city. Whether you’re sipping Champagne on a terrace or strolling through the lively streets, summer in Reims is an experience not to be missed.
  • Autumn: Experience the excitement of the harvest season. The vendanges (grape harvests) are a particularly special time, occurring approximately 100 days after the first flowers appear. While the exact timing can vary, the harvest often begins in early September now.

Pro Tips for an Enriching Experience

• Timing is Key: Try to visit during the off-season if you can. Not only will the tours be less crowded, but you’ll also get a more personalized experience.
• Stay Hydrated: Between the tastings, make sure to drink plenty of water. It’s easy to get carried away, but staying hydrated will ensure you enjoy every moment of your tour.

---

I hope this guide has helped you discover the best Champagne tours in Reims, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Champagne.

Whether you choose a guided tour or decide to explore on your own, Reims is a treasure trove of sparkling delights waiting to be discovered. Remember, it’s not just about the Champagne; it’s about the stories, the history, and the people behind this magical drink.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the effervescent world of Champagne, and let your senses be your guide. And, if you need a little help along the way, I’m always here to share my passion and knowledge with you.

Are you looking for compelling reasons to visit the Champagne region? Let me give you 5 excellent reasons in this article that will surely inspire your next trip: 5 Reasons to Visit Champagne. And for a truly unique souvenir from your travels, consider bringing back gifts that are 100% Champenois.

Until next time, keep savoring the good life, one bubble at a time!