Among France’s wines it is the only pièce de résistance to have won the title ‘Wine of Kings’ (and Queens), and with its graceful bubbles and range for every palate, it is now a delicacy we can all adore.
As you leave Paris via private coach your excitement will only be matched by the passion of your expert local guide, whose sole mission will be to impart their undying love and extensive knowledge of bubbly![readmore]The first stop on your tour is the picturesque locale of Épernay. Depending on the day, your visit may be a standard group tour or on Tuesdays a semi-private tour with a limited number of guests. This tiny hamlet boasts the Avenue de Champagne, reputed to be the most expensive street in the world for all the priceless bottles in its miles of underground chalk cellars.
Depending on how busy the producers are on the day, you’ll either descend beneath the streets to Moët & Chandon’s extensive network of ancient tunnels or visit the dynamic cooperative of Nicolas Feuillatte who are transforming how fizz is made among the vines just outside the town. Whichever place you visit will be where you get your first tasting of the day.
Enjoy free time for lunch in Éparnay and discover this charming enclave. Whether strolling along its boulevards or admiring its stunning mansions, you will be totally immersed in the region’s essence. If it is the exquisite local cuisine you’re after, your guide will be on hand to offer tailored recommendations on how best to enjoy it at its best.
Back on the coach, you'll embark on the breathtakingly scenic Route de Champagne. Watch as the rolling vineyards drift by your window until the town of Hautvillers.
Famous as the birthplace of Champagne, this lovely village is home to a Benedictine abbey steeped in history whose cellar master was none other than a monk by the name of Dom Pérignon! Your guide will lead you through the village, regaling you with its history and how its most famous resident came to discover the secret recipe for Champagne, which he thought so magical he is claimed to have cried ‘Come quickly – I am tasting the stars!’.
After exploring two iconic Champagne villages, you’ll discover a family-run boutique estate, where a local expert will walk you through every step of the champagne-making process. Roam the vineyard learning how the grapes are grown and nurtured and see the stunning private chateau of Veuve Clicquot before visiting the pressoir where the estate’s award-winning champagne is delicately assembled. Descend into candle-lit cellars with trade secrets on how best to mature and store Champagne, then peek at their incredible collection of rare vintages.
The finale of the day is without doubt the exclusive tasting that has been organized of 3 of their Champagnes on a beautiful terrace overlooking the vineyards that stretch below you as far as the eye can see. With fresh memories of the day and quite possibly with stars still dancing on your palate, you’ll board your private coach back to Paris and ordinary life, happy in the knowledge that you have experienced this corner of paradise.
Read morePlease note that you will visit either Moët & Chandon or Nicolas Feuillatte depending on venue availability
We strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour
We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water in warm weather
This is a physically challenging tour that involves a considerable amount of walking, hills and stairs
Entrance into religious sites requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women
Infant below 3 years old are not allowed ont his tour
Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure (late arrival and no-show are not refundable)
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or impairments difficulties