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Reims Enchanting Christmas Markets

Highlights

  • Explore the incredible Christmas Markets and Cathedral in the medieval city of Reims
  • Find out what it is like to be a run a real family-owned Champagne winery
  • Taste some of the finest Champagnes on earth and indulge in authentic French cuisine

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What you'll do

Overview

Head to Reims and the world-famous Champagne region of France, for a one-of-a-kind Christmas tour that immerses you in the local culture, cuisine, and of course, wine. You'll explore the classic homes of the most famous champagnes, try genuinely world-class wine and food, and see the local side to Reims at the most atmospheric time of year.

We would recommend that you reach the start point of the tour (Reims train station) by setting off from London St Pancras on a Eurostar. Not only does one-change train journey help to save the planet, but it also saves you that airport hassle and, if you book far enough in advance, a few pennies.

Once you arrive in the beautiful medieval city of Reims, you’ll throw yourself into the local culture and cuisine with a private guide, right after you have been transferred to your 4* hotel to relax and reenergise after your journey.

Drink in the magical atmosphere and beautiful Christmas lights that illuminate the gothic Reims Cathedral as you enjoy a guided tour of the Christmas markets, and then throw yourself into local French cuisine on a cooking lesson and dinner.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to the Champagne region without exploring the rolling hills and vineyards in the surrounding area, and during your trip you will visit the Champagne House Taittinger, the famous Champagne Avenue, and the UNESCO World Heritage where some of the most renowned champagnes in the world are grown and produced.

Throw in local food tastings, nighttime river cruises amongst beautifully lit medieval architecture and visits to old, traditionally-run wineries, and you have a Christmas market break to truly remember.

This is a private group for you and your friends/family with a minimum of 2 and maximum 8 participants. If you have a larger group, please let us know.  The lead in price is based on a group of 8, click check availability to obtain price for smaller group size.

Arrival and Christmas Markets

Arrive in Reims train station, where you will be met by your private guide and transferred to La Demeure des Sacres or similar.

Take some time to relax after your journey, before you meet your guide again for a walking tour of the beautiful Christmas markets.

A must-see during a stay in Reims, the Cathedral is draped with lights during Christmas time. The architectural details of this gothic 13th-century gemstone are highlighted with elegance and colour by the lights, and you mustn’t forget to admire the famous big “rose window” on the main facade, dating from the 13th century.

At the foot of the cathedral, walk through the alleys filled with chalets and traditional Christmas cabins. These paths will take you to the Palace of Tau, a few minutes walk from the cathedral.

This former residence of the archbishops of Reims is now a museum dedicated to the cathedral and French king’s coronations. During Christmas, the Palace is also covered with multiple bright decorations and in the courtyard of the Palace, you will reach the stands of the craftsmen market.

You will meet jewellers, ceramists, embroiderers, and enjoy tastings of a few authentic French snacks with your guide.

Then, you will meet a professional chef for a masterclass in French cuisine, before sitting down to a stunning meal of top-class, authentic food that you won’t find anywhere else.

Finally, it’s back to the hotel for the night.

Accommodation

La Demeure des Sacres or a similar 4* hotel in Reims

A Day of Champagne

Immerse yourself in Champagne with a full guided experience of the Champagne region. Visit the beautiful, emblematic Champagne House in Taittinger, stroll along Champagne Avenue in Epernay and visit the picturesque village of Hautvillers.

At a traditional Champagne House (Le Clos Corbier), appreciate an enthusiastic Champagne masterclass. In the afternoon, understand what it is like to live as a family dedicated to growing these famous grapes.

On Champagne Avenue, you’ll see the capital of Champagne where some of the most prestigious estates are based (Pol Roger, Perrier Jouët, Mercier, Boizel, Moët & Chandon).

Visit Moët & Chandon, the most famous producer of Champagne, learn about the Champagne making process and enjoy some of the 150 years- old-Cuvee “Brut Imperial”.

Enjoy a moment in the vineyards, with breathtaking views on the UNESCO world’s heritage vines of Champagne and acquire knowledge about the particularities of our “terroir”. You will then explore the village of Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne, and visit the church where the famous monk Dom Pérignon is buried.

Then, it’s on to Mareuil-sur-Ay, a typical Champagne House (Le Clos Corbier). After a Champagne quiz, train your nose to identify the different aromas and flavors that can be found in Champagne through an olfactory workshop.

Get competitive as you get to blindly identify 3 different Champagnes from boutique wineries, all while enjoying some local snacks.

After this, it’s time for a regional lunch with paired wines and Champagnes in a fun and family atmosphere. Introduce yourself to local products like baguette, Reims’ ham, regional cheeses, pink biscuit, Ratafia…

Appreciate the charming hillsides of Champagne and peek-behind-the-scenes of a family-run boutique winery. Visit the traditional press, tank room, and cellar of an authentic Champagne grower. Stroll down the cool cellar corridors and glance at the huge number of bottles slowly maturing and enjoy several tastings of their bestseller, “cuvees”.

In the evening, drive through Châlons-en-Champagne, and embark on a boat ride: At night, the boat tour is home to a sound and light show as well as projections, during a show called “Métamorph’eau’ses”.

The boat ride allows you to discover many remarkable elements of the architectural and natural heritage of Chalons-en-Champagne.

Afterwards, it’s back to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation

La Demeure des Sacres or a similar 4* hotel in Reims

Free Morning and Departure

On your final morning in Reims, you are free to explore the beautiful medieval city for yourself, and soak up the cafe culture lifestyle and riverside atmosphere.

After you’ve had a chance to explore at your leisure, check out of your hotel and head back to Reims train station, and head off on your train to St Pancras at the end of a Christmas experience to remember.

What's included

Included

  • 2 nights accommodation in a 4* hotel in Reims
  • Private transfers to and from Reims station
  • Cooking lesson & welcome dinner
  • Private market walking tour & tasting on day 1
  • Private full day tour on day 2 with lunch
  • Boat ride in Chalôn-en-champagne on day 2
  • Breakfasts
Your local host

Pierre

I was born in Paris and lived there for most of my life until I moved to Bordeaux for a new job to work for a wine company. During my time here, I completely fell in love with Bordeaux, as well as Strasbourg and Reims, and truly discovered what we call in French art de vivre (the art of living).

I was born in Paris and lived there for most of my life until I moved to Bordeaux for a new job to work for a wine company. During my time here, I completely fell in love with Bordeaux, as well as Strasbourg and Reims, and truly discovered what we call in French art de vivre (the art of living).

Pierre image

Location

We would recommend that your journey starts at London St Pancras International, where you can take the Eurostar (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes) to Paris Gare du Nord.

From there, you can hop on a 45 minute high-speed train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Reims. From there, you’ll be picked up by your guide and taken to your accommodation, a 4* hotel in Reims itself.

With this serving as your base, you’ll explore the beautiful medieval city and the incredible countryside surrounding it, a patchwork of vineyards, beautiful old champagne houses and rolling hills.

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