Champagne day, minus the hassle. This full-day private outing uses the TGV to get you from Paris to Reims fast, then slows down where it matters, in cellars and vineyards. You also mix in major Reims sights like Notre-Dame de Reims, so the day is more than just drinking.

I like the structure because it respects your time. You get six champagne tastings across two houses, plus lunch, while a private driver handles the Champagne-region back-and-forth so you do not play map games all day. And it stays flexible enough to enjoy the pacing instead of feeling herded.

One possible drawback to weigh: in at least one cellar, you have to go down 100 steps with no elevator. If stairs are a deal-breaker for you, this is worth considering before you book.

Key things to know before you go

• Fast Paris to Reims travel via high-speed train, about 45 minutes each way
• Six glasses total, split into two tastings at two different Champagne houses (3 glasses each)
• Two Reims-focused stops including Place d’Erlon and Notre-Dame de Reims, plus nearby historic sights
• Lunch is included at a restaurant in Ugolf Reims-Bezannes, in the Bezannes area
• Vineyard time in Mailly-Champagne, with a chance to stroll and take photos
• Cellar access note: one tasting cellar involves going down 100 steps without an elevator

Paris to Reims by TGV, with the day actually planned

The best part of this tour is the way it starts. Instead of spending hours figuring out trains and transfers, you take a high-speed TGV from Gare de Paris-Est to Reims in about 45 minutes. It is described as a luxury, air-conditioned ride, which matters when you are starting at 8:00 am.

Then the day transitions into a simple rhythm. You see the key parts of Reims, you taste in Reims first, and then you get shuttled between locations by a private car and driver. That driver time is not just comfort, it is time savings, too. You do not need to guess schedules between towns in the Champagne region.

From a value perspective, this plan is built for people who want “one great day” without turning Champagne into a logistical project. And since it is a private tour, you get full attention from the guide rather than sharing commentary with a crowd.

Reims landmarks before the corks: cathedral and the city core

You start in central Reims with a short orientation walk and landmark time. First up is Place d’Erlon (also known as Place d’Erlon by Rémois), where the key feature is the Fontaine Subé topped by the statue called La Gloire. This is a good stop if you want a quick sense of where you are, before you jump into cellar details.

Next comes Notre-Dame de Reims. This is the traditional coronation site for French kings, and the cathedral also served as the archiepiscopal see of Reims. You do not just see the building from outside either. The plan includes a visit that also connects you with nearby landmarks such as Place Royal and the Cryptoportique, an old Roman forum from the 1st century AD.

Here is why I think this mix works. Champagne is easier to enjoy when you understand the place. Reims is not just a label factory. It is a city with major landmarks, and that gives your tastings context. Even if you only know Champagne from bottles back home, the cathedral stop makes the day feel grounded in the region.

Practical note: the cathedral and nearby areas do not require anything like wine-nerd knowledge to appreciate them. If you prefer photos and atmosphere over facts, this part still delivers.

In-town champagne house tasting in Reims: what six glasses teaches you

After Reims sightseeing, you are picked up and taken to your first Champagne house in the city. The schedule gives you about 1 hour 55 minutes here, including cellars, history of the house and the process of making Champagne, plus a tasting of 3 glasses.

That 3-glass format is important. It tends to feel focused rather than chaotic. You are not bouncing through ten styles with no explanation. Instead, you get enough variety across those three glasses to start noticing differences in style, even if you are not a full-time wine hobbyist.

You also get cellar access, which is part of the point of Champagne tasting. The experience includes going down into the underground space, and there is a specific note that you may need to descend 100 steps without an elevator in one of the cellars. If you are sensitive to stairs, plan accordingly. It can be manageable, but it is real.

What I like about this first tasting stop is that it sits right after your Reims landmarks. The day starts with the city, then shifts into the wine world. It keeps your brain from trying to handle cathedral awe and vineyard jargon at the same time.

Lunch at Ugolf Reims-Bezannes: a relaxing break with a specific setting

Lunch is included and is served around the Bezannes area at Ugolf Reims-Bezannes. The plan puts you there for about 1 hour 40 minutes.

The description calls it a traditional French lunch, in a lavish and relaxed setup. One thing to know: this is a golf club restaurant. If you picture a countryside inn with rustic charm, the location may not match that exact vibe. Still, the practical side is that you get a comfortable reset between tastings without needing to hunt for food in an unfamiliar area.

I suggest treating lunch as your pacing tool. Drink water, eat slowly, and let the second tasting in Mailly-Champagne feel fun instead of rushed. You will be back on the road soon after.

If you are the type who likes to scan menus and choose your own pace, a scheduled included lunch can feel a little fixed. But here the trade-off is convenience: you do not lose half your day to finding a place, waiting, and then trying to time it back to your next appointment.

Mailly-Champagne and Grand Crus: vineyards, photos, and a second house

After lunch, you head into the heart of the Champagne vineyards, to Mailly-Champagne, for the second Champagne house. You get another 1 hour 55 minutes here, and the tasting includes 3 more glasses.

The plan specifies top harvests described as Grand Crus. Even if you do not get hung up on the term, it helps you understand the direction of the tasting. This is meant to be high quality, not a quick stop where you taste a token pour and move on.

What makes this stop extra worth it is the vineyard time. You can take a stroll in the vineyards and take pictures if you want. That small “step outside” moment matters in Champagne. You see where the grapes grow, and suddenly the tastings feel less like a lecture and more like a connection.

And because you have a private driver, you are not worrying about getting back on time. You can simply enjoy the pacing and let the guide explain what you are seeing.

Price and logistics: is $718.55 per person good value?

At $718.55 per person, this is not a budget day trip. It sits firmly in the “premium but practical” category. So you should judge it on what you are getting, not just the number.

Here is where the value comes from:

• You buy your time back with the TGV, about 45 minutes between Paris and Reims
• You have a private driver for the Champagne-region segments, including transfers between tastings, lunch, and the return to the station
• You get a private format, meaning only your group is involved
• You receive six glasses across two houses, not one short tasting
• You get meaningful sightseeing in Reims, including the cathedral

Where you might feel the cost is highest is in what is not included. There is no mention of extra tastings beyond those six glasses, and you are on a specific schedule with planned stops. If you are the kind of person who wants to wander independently for hours, this premium day might feel less flexible than you expect.

So who is this most worth it for? Couples, small groups of friends, and anyone in a “we want one great Champagne day” mindset. It is especially appealing if you want Champagne without the stress of driving, navigation, or timing between towns.

Who this tour suits, and who should skip it

This works best for:

• People who want Champagne tastings plus real Reims sightseeing in one day
• Anyone who prefers a guide to handle logistics, especially with transfers and timing
• Wine-curious visitors who like structure, enough explanation, and a clear tasting plan
• Small groups who want private attention and do not want to share the day with strangers

Consider skipping or thinking twice if:

• You cannot do stairs. One cellar involves descending 100 steps with no elevator
• You want a specific lunch vibe that is not a golf club setting
• You are looking for a long, unstructured vineyard day. This tour gives you vineyard strolling time, but it still follows a fixed timetable

Also note: the tour is offered in English. If English support is a must for you, you are covered.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

A few smart moves can make this day feel effortless:

• Wear shoes you can walk in. You will be moving between city stops and then down into cellars.
• If you know stairs are an issue for you, ask in advance about which cellar involves the 100-step descent. The information is explicit that one cellar has no elevator.
• Bring something for water and warmth. Even with an air-conditioned train, the Champagne region can feel cooler once you are underground.
• Pace your tasting. Six glasses is plenty. After tasting and lunch, you will want to be comfortable for the vineyard stroll.

On the “day flow” side, start strong in Reims. The cathedral stop gives you energy and perspective. Then let the first tasting settle you. Finish with the vineyard time in Mailly-Champagne so the day ends with a sense of place.

FAQ

How long is the Champagne tasting tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do we meet?

It starts at 8:00 am at 78 Bd de Strasbourg, 75010 Paris, France.

How do you travel between Paris and Reims?

You take a high-speed train (TGV) between Paris and Reims, with about 45 minutes each way.

How many champagne tastings and glasses are included?

You will taste 6 glasses total, with 3 glasses at each of two Champagne houses.

Which sights in Reims are included?

The tour includes Place d’Erlon, and a visit to Notre-Dame de Reims. It also mentions nearby historical sites such as Place Royal and the Cryptoportique.

Is lunch included, and where is it served?

Yes. Lunch is included at a restaurant at Ugolf Reims-Bezannes in the Bezannes area, and it is described as a traditional French lunch.

Do you get time in the vineyards?

Yes. At the second Champagne house in Mailly-Champagne, you can stroll in the vineyards and take pictures if you want.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What about accessibility in the cellars?

One of the cellars requires going down 100 steps with no elevator.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

My call: should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a premium Champagne day that blends Reims highlights with two tastings and vineyard time, while someone else handles the driving and timing. Skip it if stairs are a problem for you or if you expect an ultra-rustic lunch setting. For the right group, this is a smart way to turn a long trip into a single, well-paced Champagne experience.