Reims & Epernay: Champagne Day Tour with Tastings & Lunch

Summary

Champagne’s quiet hills, Dom Pérignon’s village, family cellars and real French lunch

You’ll wander historic villages near Reims & Epernay with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste five Champagnes at family-run estates, share a French lunch among new friends, and catch vineyard views Dom Pérignon once walked past himself. This day trip is for anyone who wants to feel part of Champagne’s rhythm—even just for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what five glasses of Champagne before 3pm feels like? I hadn’t really planned for that, but there we were—standing outside Reims station at 11:15, watching our guide (Marie, who somehow knew everyone in town) round up our little group. The air smelled faintly sweet, like crushed grapes and wet stone after last night’s rain. We piled into a van—eight of us—and Marie started pointing out old estates along Avenue de Champagne as if she’d grown up on every street. She kept tossing in these tiny facts about the region; I tried to remember them all but honestly just wanted to look out the window at those endless rows of vines.

We stopped in Hautvillers next. It’s quieter than I expected—just shutters, flower boxes, and this hush that hangs over the hills. Marie led us to Dom Pérignon’s grave (I whispered something respectful—I think he deserved it), then showed us a viewpoint where you could see vineyards rolling away under this weirdly silver light. Someone tried to take a group photo and dropped their phone in the grass; we all laughed, even the old couple from Lyon. There was this moment where nobody said anything for a while—just wind moving through leaves and the far-off sound of a tractor.

Lunch happened at a family-owned Champagne house. They actually welcomed us inside—like, real kitchen smells and someone’s grandma setting out bread. I’m not sure what I expected from “paired lunch,” but it was simple food done right: soft cheese that stuck to my teeth, roast chicken with herbs I couldn’t name, and three kinds of Champagne poured by the owner himself (he winked when I mispronounced “Blanc de Blancs”—I’ll never get it right). If you’ve ever wanted to feel both fancy and totally at home at once…well, that was it.

The afternoon blurred into more cellars—cool air on my arms, chalky walls you could scratch with your nail—and another tasting or two before heading back toward Reims. My head felt light but not fuzzy; more like grateful. If you’re thinking about booking this Champagne day trip from Reims or Epernay…honestly? It’s less about ticking off famous houses and more about those odd little moments between sips. I still think about that view above Hautvillers sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Champagne tour with tastings and lunch

• Meet your guide at train station
• Drive along Avenue de Champagne
• Stroll through Hautvillers village
• Enjoy lunch with Champagne pairings
• Visit family-owned Champagne house
• Return to Reims by 5:30 pm

Top questions

What time does the Champagne day trip start from Reims?

The tour starts at 11:15 am from either Reims or Epernay train station.

Is lunch included during the Champagne tour?

Yes, a French lunch paired with select Champagnes is included at a local estate.

How many people are in each group?

The small-group tour has a maximum of 8 persons per group.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated for lunch?

Yes, dietary restrictions can be accommodated if mentioned when booking.

Does the tour include visits to family-owned Champagne houses?

Yes, you visit at least one family-owned Champagne house for tastings and lunch.

How long does the day trip last?

The tour returns to Reims by 5:30 pm after starting around 11:15 am.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

An air-conditioned vehicle is used throughout the tour between stops.

Can children join this Champagne tasting tour?

No, children under 10 years old cannot join this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Reims or Epernay train station in an air-conditioned vehicle with your local English-speaking guide leading the way. You’ll taste five glasses of Champagne across different estates—including family-run cellars—enjoy a French lunch with paired Champagnes (just let them know any dietary needs when booking), stroll through Hautvillers village and vineyards, then return comfortably to your starting point by early evening.