Champagne Day Trip from Paris: Tastings, Lunch & Cellar Tours

Summary

Paris to Épernay for champagne cellars, vineyard strolls and a long French lunch

You’ll start your Champagne day trip from Paris with hotel pickup and stories on the road to Épernay. Explore famous cellars (bring a jacket), taste real Champagne among rolling vineyards near Hautvillers, enjoy a relaxed three-course lunch with locals, and return home feeling like you’ve seen—and tasted—a different side of France.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t really get what made Champagne so special until that first glass in Épernay. The day started early—our guide, Lucie, scooped us up right outside our hotel in Paris (I was still half-asleep but grateful for the door-to-door pickup). She had this way of making the drive feel less like a transfer and more like catching up with an old friend; she pointed out little things along the way—the mist over Bois de Boulogne, the odd bakery opening up—and somehow made even the highway seem interesting.

The first stop was one of those grand champagne houses—I think it was Mercier that day, but Lucie said it changes depending on what’s open. Walking into those cool cellars felt like stepping into another world (bring a jacket, seriously). There’s this earthy chill and that faint yeasty smell—like bread dough and stone. Our guide inside explained riddling racks and how each bottle gets turned by hand. I tried to look like I understood but honestly just wanted to taste. When we did—tiny bubbles, almost sharp at first—I finally got why people make such a fuss about real Champagne.

Later we wandered down Avenue de Champagne—honestly, it’s just mansion after mansion, like the Monopoly board if everyone only bought Mayfair. We stopped at a smaller estate too; I liked that part best because the owner actually poured for us herself (and laughed when I tried my high school French). The vines were just starting to bud—Lucie showed us how different grapes grow side by side. Standing there looking out over Hautvillers and those rolling green hills… well, you know when you try to take a mental picture because your phone can’t do it justice?

Lunch was at this local spot—nothing fancy but three courses and plenty of bread to soak up all that fizz. I still think about that creamy cheese course. The whole group loosened up after a few glasses; someone told a story about proposing in Reims and everyone cheered. On the way back to Paris, most of us nodded off while Lucie played old French songs quietly through the van speakers. It felt like we’d been let in on something—not just drinking Champagne but seeing where it comes from, meeting people who care about it. Hard to explain unless you’ve done it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Champagne region tour with tastings

• Pickup from hotel in Paris
• Travel to Épernay by minivan
• Guided tour of grand champagne house
• Stroll prestigious champagne avenue
• Visit vineyards and learn about grapes
• Enjoy panoramic views of vineyards
• 3-course lunch at local restaurant
• Return and drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long is the drive from Paris to Épernay?

It takes around 2 hours each way by minivan from Paris to Épernay, depending on traffic.

Is lunch included in the Champagne day trip?

Yes, a three-course lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price.

Which champagne houses do we visit?

The grand champagne house visited varies by availability; options include Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Nicolas Feuillatte, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger or Boizel.

Do we visit any small champagne producers?

Yes, there’s also a visit to a smaller estate later in the day for tastings and stories with local producers.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris are included as part of your booking.

How many glasses of champagne do we taste?

You can expect up to 7 glasses of champagne throughout the day trip.

Should I bring anything special for the cellar tours?

The cellars are cold (about 10°C/45°F), so bring warm clothes or an extra layer for comfort.

Are dietary requirements accommodated for lunch?

Please advise any specific dietary needs at booking; restaurants will do their best to accommodate them.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris by air-conditioned minivan; guided tours with tastings at both a renowned champagne house (like Moët & Chandon or Mercier) and a smaller family estate; strolls through vineyards near Hautvillers; plus a relaxed three-course lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in the evening.