Champagne Day Trip from Paris: Moët & Chandon, Reims, Lunch

Summary

Paris to Champagne for tastings lunch and Reims cathedral

You’ll ride out from Paris with a small group to taste Champagne where it’s made, walk ancient cellars at Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, share lunch at a family estate, and visit Reims Cathedral or Hautvillers village with a local guide. Expect laughter over glasses, cold cellar walls on your fingertips, and stories you’ll want to retell long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ve never tried real Champagne until you’ve had it here,” our guide Pierre grinned as we rolled past the last sleepy edge of Paris. I was still half-awake, honestly — the minivan was quiet except for someone’s gentle snoring behind me. The fields outside started to glow gold as we got closer to Epernay. Pierre pointed out chalky hills and told us how those stones keep the vines cool even when it’s hot — I ran my hand along one later and yeah, they’re cold like a cellar even in June.

The first tasting was at Moët & Chandon. I’d always thought their cellars would be fancier somehow, but it’s more like a maze of stone tunnels that smell faintly of wet bread and old secrets. We clinked glasses under low lights while Pierre explained riddling (I pretended to know what that meant). Then came lunch at this family-run estate — not some stuffy restaurant but a table set between barrels, with crusty bread, cheese, and three kinds of Champagne poured by Madame herself. She watched us try her rosé with this proud little smile. I tried to say “merci beaucoup” properly; she laughed so hard I nearly spilled my glass.

Somewhere between stops we wandered through Hautvillers — Dom Pérignon’s old village. The air smelled like cut grass and something sweet I couldn’t place. We ducked into the abbey where he worked; it was quiet except for our footsteps echoing off the stone. Later in Reims Cathedral, sunlight hit the stained glass just right and made everything feel sort of holy for a second. Weird how wine and churches mix together here — maybe that’s just Champagne.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Champagne region tour with tastings

• Pick up from Paris hotel
• Travel past Paris monuments
• Visit renowned champagne house
• Stop at Reims Cathedral (optional)
• Explore family-run vineyard
• Enjoy champagne and food pairing lunch
• Discover scenic landscapes
• Return to central Paris

Top questions

How long is the Champagne day trip from Paris?

The tour lasts about one full day including travel time from Paris to Champagne and back.

Is hotel pickup included for this Champagne tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if your hotel is located in Paris city limits.

Which Champagne houses do we visit?

You may visit Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Lanson or Nicolas Feuillatte depending on availability.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, a gourmet lunch with Champagne pairing is included at a family-run estate or traditional restaurant.

Are visits to Reims Cathedral or Hautvillers part of the itinerary?

Depending on weather and schedule, you may stop at Reims Cathedral or Hautvillers village during the tour.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 8 people for a more personal experience.

How many Champagnes will I taste?

You’ll taste at least 8 different Champagnes throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum legal drinking age is 18 years old; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Paris by minivan with your certified wine expert guide, guided visits and tastings at two renowned Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot (subject to availability), entry into chalk cellars (bring warm clothes!), a gourmet lunch with Champagne pairing at a family-run estate or local restaurant, plus stops in villages like Hautvillers or sights such as Reims Cathedral before drop-off back in central Paris.