Champagne Day Trip: Reims Cathedral, 6 Tastings & Winery Tour

Summary

Reims cathedral grandeur, vineyard walks and Champagne tastings from Paris

You’ll meet real winemakers in Champagne, walk vineyards near Epernay, and pour your own glass in cool cellars as locals share their craft. Explore Reims Cathedral’s quiet beauty and pause at Dom Perignon’s grave before tasting six sparkling wines on this small-group day trip from Paris — there’s always something unexpected around each corner.

What’s the experience like?

Stéphane met us at the cellar door with hands still a bit dusty from the morning’s work. He grinned and handed me a glass before I’d even set my bag down — “You’ll taste better if you’re standing,” he joked. The cellar was cool and smelled faintly of yeast and stone. We’d just come from the rolling hills outside Epernay, where our guide pointed out Chardonnay vines that looked almost silver under the cloudy sky. I tried to say “vigneron” properly; Li laughed — probably butchered it. But everyone seemed happy we were curious.

I didn’t expect to actually feel nervous pouring my own Champagne (there’s a trick to it, apparently), but Stéphane showed us how to tilt the glass so it wouldn’t foam over. Tasted three different ones at his place — one floral, one sharp, one almost creamy. The drive from Paris was quicker than I thought (less than two hours?), and the van was small enough that we all started swapping stories by mid-morning. Our local guide knew every turnoff and had this way of explaining things without making it sound rehearsed. At Hautvillers Abbey, she paused at Dom Perignon’s grave and said something about “thanking him for bubbles.” It felt oddly sincere.

Lunch was on our own in Epernay — I wandered into a café where the waiter insisted I try their tartine au fromage (“local cheese is best with Champagne”). He wasn’t wrong. Later, in Reims Cathedral, sunlight came through stained glass in these weird blues and reds that made everything feel quieter than it really was. We had maybe half an hour to explore inside; I lost track of time staring at the carved faces above the altar. Still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Champagne vineyards, tastings, and Reims visit

• Walk through Champagne vineyards
• Visit Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne facility
• Taste 3 glasses of Champagne
• Visit Dom Perignon's Abbey and graveside
• Explore Reims Cathedral
• Meet vintner Stéphane and tour cellar
• Taste 3-4 Champagnes with vintner
• Visit Epernay old town
• Free time for lunch in Epernay

Top questions

How long is the Champagne day trip from Paris?

The tour lasts one full day with round-trip transportation from Paris included.

Are Champagne tastings included in the tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy at least six tastings across two different wineries during the day.

Is lunch provided on this Champagne tour?

No, lunch is not included; you’ll have free time in Epernay to eat wherever you like.

Does the tour visit Reims Cathedral?

Yes, you’ll visit Reims Cathedral with guided commentary and time to explore inside on your own.

Will we meet local winemakers during the tour?

Yes, you’ll meet family-run vintners who will guide you through their cellars and tastings.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Paris in an air-conditioned minivan.

What is the group size for this Champagne tour?

The group is small, with a maximum of eight people per tour.

Are children allowed on this Champagne day trip?

The minimum age for participants is seven years old.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Paris by minivan, guided visits to two Champagne wineries with at least six tastings, a walk through vineyards near Epernay, entry to Hautvillers Abbey with Dom Perignon’s tomb, time inside Reims Cathedral, plus a friendly local guide throughout — lunch is up to you when we stop in town.