Spend a day immersing yourself in the iconic French export that is Champagne, exploring the stunning region around Epernay, visiting a prestigious champagne house and a small, family-run producer, and enjoy an authentic local lunch, with world-class champagne every step of the way.
Your tour begins at a family-run vineyard set within the walls of a ‘Clos’. The producers here make award-winning champagnes in one of the most beautiful properties in the region, and it’s a real treat to explore.
The magnificent private chateau of La Veuve Clicquot is set in their grounds overlooking the river, and the family manor house sits atop centuries-old cellars lit by candles, housing a vintage collection of their family champagnes.
Nowadays it’s run by a young and passionate team, who will welcome you and explain the entire process, from growing the grapes, to maturing the wine, to bottling the finished product. You’ll taste 3 of their exquisite champagnes on their terrace overlooking their vineyards and the countryside beyond.
Next, you’ll head to the idyllic village of Hautvillers. Perched on a hill and surrounded by lush green vineyards rolling vineyards, it was once home to Dom Perignon, the monk who accidentally made the first champagne. Upon tasting it is said to have cried ‘Come quickly! I am drinking stars…!’ Dom Perignon is buried in the village church, and you’ll have time to wander around the village and admire the wonderful views over the region.
You’ll also have a typical lunch in a charming café set on the village square nearby… more champagne…
In the afternoon you will visit the village of Epernay, known as the ‘heart of Champagne’, where you’ll visit one of the iconic champagne houses (the specific house will vary according to dates and availability).
You’ll descend into their cellars and learn more about the history and the champagne making process of a large, internationally renowned house, with a tasting of their fine champagnes.
To complete the day, stroll down the magnificent Avenue de Champagne, said to be the most expensive street in the world, thanks to the legendary champagne houses that line it and particularly the millions of bottles of champagne stored underneath it!
At the end of the day, your driver will drop you back off at your Paris hotel, where you can reflect on a unique day that truly immerses you in the local culture, and everything champagne.
