Verzenay Lighthouse, 4 Tastings

Champagne Day Trip from Paris: Reims, Cellars & 4 Tastings

★ 4.3 21 reviews

11 hours, free cancellation.

from $202 per person

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Duration: 11 hours
Meeting point: 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny, Paris
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Alentours

Overview

This day trip packs a cathedral, a cellar, a vineyard lighthouse and a historic village into a single 11-hour run from central Paris. Departure is from a fixed meeting point at 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny in the 1st arrondissement, and the van rolls through the Champagne countryside for about two hours before the first stop. Four Champagne tastings are built into the day, spread across a major Champagne House, a cellar visit and a stop in Hautvillers.

The exact producer varies with availability. The listing names Nicolas Feuillatte, Mumm, Moët & Chandon and Martel as the possible houses, and the cellar tour itself runs in English. After a tasting at the house, the group continues to Hautvillers, the village tied to Dom Pérignon, where another tasting comes with views over the surrounding vines. Free time in Reims covers lunch, which is not included, though the guide points people toward good places to eat.

The afternoon belongs to the Verzenay Lighthouse Museum, a monument rising above the vineyards, and then to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where French kings were crowned for centuries. Guides work in English, French or Spanish. It suits travellers who want a structured first taste of Champagne without renting a car, and who are comfortable with a long day and a fair amount of walking.

What's Included

Included

4 champagne tastings
Professional guide in English, Spanish and French
Visit to a prestigious Champagne House (only in English)
Round-trip transport from central Paris
Guided visit of Reims Cathedral
Champagne cellar visit and tasting
Visit to the Lighthouse of Verzenay or Epernay (seasonal)
Visit to the village of Hautvillers

Not Included

Lunch is not included, but your guide will recommend the best places to eat during the visit

Itinerary

Meet in central ParisThe tour starts at 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris.
Drive to ChampagneRoughly 2 hours by van through the Champagne landscape.
Champagne House tastingA visit to a prestigious house, which may be Nicolas Feuillatte, Mumm, Moët & Chandon or Martel depending on availability, with cellar access and a tasting.
HautvillersA visit to the village associated with Dom Pérignon, with another Champagne tasting and views over the vineyards.
Free time in ReimsTime on your own for lunch, which is not included. The guide recommends places to eat.
Verzenay Lighthouse MuseumVisit and sightseeing at the lighthouse above the vines, or Epernay depending on the season.
Reims CathedralA guided visit of Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the coronation church of French kings.
Return to ParisAbout 2 hours by van back to 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape whether this day works for you, from cellar temperatures to how much time you get on your feet.

What to wear. The listing recommends comfortable shoes because there is a moderate amount of walking. It also suggests warm clothing, since the cellars can be cool.
The pace. This is a full 11-hour day with several stops and two long drives. One reviewer found the Reims Cathedral visit rushed, and another wished for more free time in the small towns to wander alone, while a different traveller called the itinerary perfect.
Group feel. You travel with a group in a shared vehicle with a professional guide speaking English, Spanish or French. One reviewer found the van cramped for nine people, so the amount of space can vary with the vehicle and group size.
Food and drink. Lunch is not included, but the guide recommends places to eat during the free time in Reims. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, so plan to enjoy the Champagne at the stops.
The tasting count. Four tastings are included across the day. A couple of reviewers felt the second stop was more museum than winery, so the settings for the tastings vary.
Views along the way. One reviewer described the view at the second stop as spectacular. Hautvillers also offers views over the surrounding vines, and the Verzenay Lighthouse rises above the vineyards.

Common issues. The tour depends on availability, so the Champagne House you visit may differ from the one you expect, and the lighthouse stop may be swapped for Epernay depending on the season. One reviewer reported visiting only one producer when two were promised, and others found the pacing rushed, especially at Reims Cathedral and in the towns. Time in the vehicle is substantial, with two long drives bracketing the day, and one traveller felt the stops were shorter than the transit. Lunch is at your own expense.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The listing includes four Champagne tastings, round-trip transport from central Paris, a guide in English, Spanish or French, a visit to a prestigious Champagne House, a cellar visit with tasting, the Verzenay Lighthouse or Epernay stop, the village of Hautvillers and a guided visit of Reims Cathedral. Lunch is the main thing not included.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

Round-trip transport from central Paris is included, and the meeting point is 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris. The tour departs from and returns to that address.

How Long Is The Day?

The full experience runs 11 hours. Two stretches of roughly 2 hours each are spent driving to and from Champagne, so wear something comfortable for the ride.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes. The listing states you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is Lunch Provided?

No, lunch is not included. You get free time in Reims to eat, and the guide recommends the best places during the visit.

Which Champagne Houses Do You Visit?

The producer varies with availability among Nicolas Feuillatte, Mumm, Moët & Chandon and Martel. The Champagne House visit is guided in English. If a specific house matters to you, check with the operator before booking.