Embark on a champagne tour from Paris and explore the heart of France’s Champagne region, visiting world-renowned cellars and tasting iconic sparkling wines.
How can tourists explore the Champagne region near Paris?
A visit to France isn’t complete without indulging in the country’s world-famous Champagne. Just a short trip from Paris lies the renowned Champagne region, where vineyards stretch across rolling hills and historic cellars await exploration. For tourists eager to discover the origins of this celebrated sparkling wine, a champagne tour offers the perfect mix of tasting, history, and scenic beauty. Here’s how to experience an unforgettable journey into Champagne from Paris.
1. Reims: The capital of Champagne
Just an hour away from Paris by train, Reims is the gateway to the Champagne region and a prime destination for any champagne enthusiast. The city is home to some of the most prestigious champagne houses, such as Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, and Taittinger. Visitors can take guided tours through ancient underground chalk cellars, where bottles age in perfect conditions. These tours offer a deep dive into the champagne-making process, from the grape harvest to bottling, all while enjoying tastings of exquisite vintages.
Aside from champagne, Reims boasts a rich history. The city’s iconic Gothic Reims Cathedral is where French kings were crowned, adding a royal touch to your day. After a visit to the cathedral, tourists can stroll through the charming city center, exploring local shops and enjoying a bite at traditional French cafés.
2. Épernay: The Avenue de Champagne
Another key destination in the Champagne region is Épernay, a picturesque town located about 90 minutes from Paris. Often referred to as the “capital of champagne,” Épernay is famous for its Avenue de Champagne, a street lined with majestic mansions that house some of the world’s most prestigious champagne producers, including Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. Walking down this elegant avenue is like stepping into a sparkling wonderland.
In Épernay, tourists can visit renowned cellars, where millions of bottles are stored beneath the town. Many champagne houses offer guided tours that walk visitors through the production process, ending with a tasting of their finest champagnes. For those seeking a more immersive experience, a visit to smaller, family-run producers offers a more intimate perspective on the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
3. Hautvillers: The birthplace of champagne
For a more historical experience, tourists can take a short drive from Épernay to the quaint village of Hautvillers. Known as the birthplace of champagne, this charming village is where the legendary monk Dom Pérignon perfected the champagne-making process in the 17th century. Visitors can explore the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, where Dom Pérignon is buried, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding vineyards from the hills above the village.
Hautvillers also offers a more relaxed, countryside atmosphere, perfect for visitors who want to escape the bustling streets of Reims or Épernay. The village is surrounded by lush vineyards, ideal for leisurely walks or a scenic bike ride. Many local champagne producers in Hautvillers welcome visitors into their cellars, providing a more personal and down-to-earth tasting experience.
4. The vineyards of Montagne de Reims
For those interested in seeing the heart of Champagne’s wine country, a trip through the Montagne de Reims is essential. This area, located between Reims and Épernay, is known for its beautiful rolling vineyards, where some of the best Pinot Noir grapes are grown. Visitors can take scenic drives through the region, stopping at local vineyards and family-owned champagne houses along the way.
One popular route is the Champagne Tourist Route, a well-marked trail that guides tourists through the picturesque vineyards and charming villages of the region. Along the way, travelers can stop at various wine estates to sample champagne and learn more about the different grape varieties and production techniques unique to this area.
5. Tasting and tours: What to expect on a champagne tour
A typical champagne tour near Paris involves visits to several key locations: historic cellars, vineyards, and tasting rooms. Most tours begin with an educational component, where guides explain the history of champagne, the production methods, and the significance of the region’s terroir. Tourists can expect to learn about the traditional “méthode champenoise,” a labor-intensive process that gives champagne its distinctive bubbles.
After the educational tour, guests are usually treated to tastings of several different champagnes. These tastings often showcase a range of styles, from non-vintage brut to prestige cuvées, allowing tourists to savor the diversity of champagne. The tastings are often held in elegant settings, such as châteaux or modern tasting rooms, with experts on hand to explain the nuances of each variety.
Some tours also include a gourmet component, offering food pairings such as local cheeses, seafood, or pâtés, which complement the delicate flavors of the champagne.
6. How to organize a champagne tour from Paris
Tourists visiting Paris have several options for organizing a champagne tour. Many companies offer day trips from Paris, which include transportation, guided tours, and tastings. These tours typically depart from the city in the morning and return in the evening, making them convenient for travelers on a tight schedule.
Alternatively, visitors can take a train to Reims or Épernay and organize their own champagne visits. The TER train from Gare de l’Est in Paris to Reims takes just 45 minutes, making it an easy option for a self-guided day trip. Once in the region, tourists can book individual tours at various champagne houses or explore the countryside at their own pace.
7. Beyond champagne: Explore the Champagne region’s culture
In addition to champagne, the region around Reims and Épernay is rich in culture and history. Visitors can tour medieval castles, explore Roman ruins, or enjoy scenic nature walks in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims. The area is also home to several excellent restaurants, where tourists can savor traditional French cuisine paired with local champagne.
For those with more time, staying overnight in the Champagne region offers a more relaxed experience. Visitors can choose from charming boutique hotels, countryside bed-and-breakfasts, or even stay at a vineyard estate. Some accommodations offer private champagne tastings or vineyard tours, providing an immersive experience into the heart of Champagne country.
A champagne tour near Paris is the perfect way to explore one of France’s most iconic wine regions. Whether visiting the grand cellars of Reims, strolling along the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, or enjoying the peaceful vineyards of Hautvillers, tourists will leave with a deeper appreciation for the history, craftsmanship, and flavors that make Champagne so special.
