Champagne Houses in Reims: The Insider’s Guide to France’s Sparkling Capital
If you’re planning a trip to the Champagne region in France, you can’t go far wrong with a trip to Reims. It’s the perfect day trip from Paris and is home to some of the most famous champagne houses the country has to offer. I’ve always been a Veuve Clicquot girl, even more so since I did a tour.
It’s hard to know which to choose and where you should go, as you are spoilt for choice. However, one thing’s for sure: you don’t want to drive, or you won’t get to enjoy any of the tastings. And that would be a crying shame.
Most of the tours offer pick up from your hotel in Paris, and all of them speak English. The question is, which tour is the right one for you?
No time to read the full article?
Hands down, my favorite champagne tour was this full-day experience in Reims. Loved being picked up from my hotel and chauffeured around. Plus, the lunch was superb!
A Potted History of Champagne in Reims
Reims is the birthplace of Champagne and is the capital of the Champagne-Ardenne region. It’s where the champagne magic happens.
And “Champagne” is highly regulated. To earn this prestigious label, the sparkling wine must be produced within a strict geographical boundary, which is just about a 100-mile radius around this region
Reims is also full of history. The Notre Dame Cathedral, for instance, has witnessed the coronation of several French kings.
And if you’re into World War I history, sites like the Fort de la Pompelle offer a sobering but important look into the past.
Taking a private tour of one of the Champagne Houses will help you experience the history for yourself by getting an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the cellars as well as plenty of tastings. So let’s get to it.
My Top 3 Picks: Champagne Houses in Reims
The Best Champagne Houses to Visit in Reims
1. A Full Day Champagne Tour with Lunch
Start your full-day Champagne Tour off in style and get picked up from your hotel in Paris and driven to Reims.
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR
This Champagne tour of Reims is the perfect combination of history and culture. Not only will you get to visit one of the grand champagne houses for a tour and tasting, but you’ll also explore the city of Reims, where French kings were once crowned.
The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, playing a significant role in French history.
Depending on availability, you’ll be hosted at Mercier, Nicolas Feuillatte, or Veuve Clicquot and visit the cellars to enjoy several champagne tasting sessions.
A three-course lunch at a local restaurant will give you a taste of regional cuisine. Throughout the day, your guide will explain the various grape types, the local terroir, and the factors that make champagne so popular.
After lunch, you’ll visit a smaller, select family estate for a more detailed look at champagne production. Here, you’ll gain insight into the history and craft behind the renowned sparkling wine.
The tour wraps up with a return to your hotel, leaving you with a comprehensive understanding of champagne production and the region’s heritage.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
Fantastic day with a superb host. The two tours of the champagne houses were really interesting and we got to have great champagne, followed by a sublime lunch – just a pervasive day. Can’t recommend Gwendal enough – he made the day!!
LAUREN (read more reviews)
2. Gold Champagne Experience with 12 Tastings
Discover the most renowned Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages and vineyards of Champagne with this Gold Champagne Experience.
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR
Who doesn’t want to try 12 different champagnes on a tour of the Champagne region? Starting in Reims, you’ll discover Aÿ, Hautvillers, and Oger, visit the Church of Dom Pérignon, and take a trip down the most expensive street in the world, Avenue de Champagne.
In Aÿ, you’ll stand on the hillsides classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its Grand Cru vineyards. Here, you’ll have your first three tastings from the Goyard Distillery, founded in 1911.
Then it’s onto Hautvillers, with panoramic views of the vineyards and home to the monk, Dom Pérignon. Here, you’ll go to the first of two family estates, hear about the champagne production process, and visit the presses, wineries, and cellars. And, of course, enjoy three more champagne tastings.
Lunch is in the historic village of Cramant, where you’ll enjoy eating at a local restaurant to enjoy some of the cuisine enjoyed by those working in the vines.
You’ll finish the day in Oger at the second family estate, where you’ll enjoy tasting Grand Cru Champagnes.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
Great guide and very knowledgeable, very pleasant and respectful, Charlotte was a star. Learnt a lot about small champagne farms which was fantastic and tasted some amazing champagnes, we also no learnt a lot about the science behind and the technicalities as such, great day and also shared with other fun tourists.
TASHA (Read more Reviews)
3. Tour and Tasting at Veuve Clicquot Champagne House
Your tour includes a visit to the famous Grande Maison de Champagne Veuve Clicquot!
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR
Reims is not only the city of champagne but also of coronations, and your full-day tour starts by exploring this historic city, including a visit to the Gothic cathedral where so many French kings were crowned.
Then, it’s off to the famous Veuve Clicquot Champagne Estate for a tour of the cellars and a tasting of the iconic champagne.
After lunch, it’s time to explore the vineyards of Montagne de Reims and have a chance to take some pictures in the vines. Your guide will help you understand all there is to know about the process of making champagne and the importance of ‘terroir’ in cultivating grapes as you drive through the Grand Cru villages of Verzenay and Mailly.
Finally, you’ll visit a family-run estate to see how the smaller champagne houses do things and enjoy more tastings before heading home.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
We had the most wonderful time on this trip. HIGHLY recommend our guide, Radames. Will be recommending this experience!!
LIBBY (read more reviews)
4. Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings
Time for some sightseeing on this tour & tasting trip to the Champagne region in France.
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR
On this full-day sightseeing tour of Reims, you’ll experience one of my favourite champagnes, Champagne Pommery. But that’s not all, as you’ll also spend some time in Épernay and see some of the stunning mansions lining the streets. Y
You’ll learn all about the 100 kilometres of tunnels beneath the streets and running under the Avenue de Champagne.
Take a look at some of the biggest names in champagne, including Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger.
Then it’s off to meet the legendary Dom Pérignon, who produced the most expensive wines in France in the 17th century and is now buried in the church of the former Benedictine Hautvillers Abbey.
Finish your day off in a local family estate and enjoy a couple of glasses whilst hearing all about how champagne is produced, the grapes, and so much more.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
Pierre was an amazing guide. Very knowledgeable, laid back, funny, and patient with us. The first tasting included 5 glasses at a small family winery. That was lovely. We did some sightseeing and the last tasting was at Pomeray Caves. It was great!
KELLI (read more reviews)
5. Champagne, Epernay, and Family-Run Wineries Tour
Enjoy an afternoon tour of Epernay, the Champagne countryside, and the prestigious Avenue de Champagne.
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR
On this half-day tour of the Champagne region, you’ll uncover secrets in the cellars of two family-run estates where they still use the traditional press.
You’ll drive through the stunning countryside with views of the UNESCO World Heritage vines and past some of the most prestigious estates on the Avenue de Champagne.
See where Dom Pérignon, the famous monk, is buried in the village of Hautvillers. Finish your afternoon off tasting, enjoying, and comparing some of the “cuvées” at the final family estate you visit.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
This was a fabulous introduction to the Champagne region. Loved the small group and absolutely loved our guide, Thomas. He was so knowledgeable about Champagne, the région and the production having grown up there We were picked up from the train station and dropped back there. Great day trip from Paris but could have easily stayed a few days.
PEGGY (read more reviews)
6. Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour
Get the best of both worlds on this tour by visiting a major champagne house and touring both Reims and Epernay.
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR
Your tour of Reims and the Champagne region begins with a historical overview. Enjoy a look at the Notre Dame de Reims, the Gothic cathedral where the Kings of France have been crowned, and visit the last Roman gate of Reims, “Porte de Mars”, a 2000-year-old arch.
Then it’s off to the famous House of Champagne Pommery, with a complete tour of their cellars finishing with a tasting of two different champagnes.
Learn about the process of how champagne is made, why the vines are planted on the hillsides, and why the subsoil is made from pure chalk.
The tour concludes with a visit to the family-run estate, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy rare champagnes and learn about their traditional processing methods.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
Suzanne was an amazing guide! She’s a local so she had so much experience to back up her knowledge of the wineries and champagne process. She was friendly and efficient with our time! The tour itself was nice because of the differences you get to see between a small family-owned winery and one of the large champagne houses.
LAURA (read more reviews)
Top Tips for Visiting Champagne Houses
Book in Advance: Many champagne houses require reservations, especially if you’re interested in a guided tour or a tasting session. Booking ahead ensures you get the date and time that suits your itinerary.
Check the Calendar: Some houses close during the harvest (vendange) or off-season. Always check the opening times and days before planning your visit.
Dress Appropriately: Cellars can be cool, even in summer, so bring an extra layer. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you might be walking on uneven surfaces or standing for long periods.
Plan Your Transportation: If you’re not part of a tour, consider how you’ll travel between houses, especially if they’re in different villages. Remember, the legal alcohol limit for driving in France is lower than in many other countries. This is one of the reasons I always opt for a tour, so I’m chauffeured around all day and can enjoy sampling what’s on offer.
Ask Questions: Don’t be shy about understanding everything there is to understand about champagne. Asking questions can lead to a deeper understanding of the craft and might even result in trying a wider variety of samples. They love it when you get involved, and this is where you’ll get those great stories, such as when I found out the Nazis jailed François Taittinger in WW2 for being rude.
Visit Different-Sized Houses: Try to visit a mix of large, well-known houses and smaller, family-run estates. This will give you a broader perspective on the industry and the champagne-making process.
There have been a couple of times when I’ve enjoyed visiting the smaller, family-run estates more, as their passion for what they do is wonderful. Plus, personally, I think their champagne is better, and they teach you more about how to taste wine.
Explore the Towns: Take time to explore the towns where the champagne houses are located. Places like Reims and Épernay have much to offer in terms of history, architecture, and gastronomy.
Stay at a luxury Hotel: There is no shortage of great hotels in the Champagne region, and it just means you’ll be able to enjoy more than one tour. This works really well if you’re spending time in Paris, as Champagne is less than an hour away.
A Quick Reminder!
Hands down, my favorite champagne tour was this full-day experience in Reims. Loved being picked up from my hotel and chauffeured around. Plus, the lunch was AMAZING!
Final thoughts on the best tours of the Champagne Houses in Reims
You can’t come to France and not visit the Champagne region to sample some champagne in the place where it’s made.
If you’re vacationing in Paris, a day trip is less than an hour in travel time.
It’s so different from popping a bottle in your back garden. There is something wonderful and very special about drinking champagne in Reims or Epernay. And I should know.
Hopefully, I’ve given you plenty of choices and helped you narrow it down, so you know which champagne tour to book.
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