Champagne Region Tours
Champagne:
Champagne & Vineyards
The Champagne wine region is a historic province in the northeast of France. The area is best known for the production of the sparkling white wine that bears the region's name. EU law and the laws of most countries reserve the term "Champagne" exclusively for wines that come from this region located about 100 miles (160 km) east of Paris. The viticultural boundaries of Champagne are legally defined and split into five wine producing districts within the administrative province-the Aube, Cote des Blancs, Cote de Sezanne, Montagne de Reims, and Vallee de la Marne. The towns of Reims and Epernay are the commercial centers of the area.
Located at the northern edges of the wine growing world, the history of the Champagne wine region has had a significant role in the development of this unique terroir. The area's close proximity to Paris promoted the regions economic success in its wine trade but also put the villages and vineyards in the path of marching armies on their way to the French capital. Despite the frequency of these military conflict, the regions developed a reputation for quality wine production in the early Middle Ages and was able to continue that reputation as the region's producers began making sparkling wine with the advent of the great Champagne houses in the 17th and 18th century. The principal grapes grown in the region include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in the Aube region and grows very well in Montagne de Reims. Pinot Meunier is the dominant grape in the Vallee de la Marne region. The Cote des Blancs is dedicated almost exclusively to Chardonnay
Champagne Notes
Day Tours
Pinot noir gives the wine red fruits aromas and brings body and power to the cuvee blending.
Pinot Meunier is supple and fruity. It has an intense bouquet and gives roundness to the wine.
Chardonnay is the variety of finesse. It gives floral marks. It develops quite slowly which makes a good balance for wine maturation when blended.
From dry to sweet, Champagnes are labeled Brut Absolute, Brut, Extra-Dry, Sec (Dry), Demi-Sec and Doux (Sweet). Blanc de Blancs bottling are made entirely from Chardonnay grapes and tend to be lighter and more delicate in style. Blanc de Noirs are made from red grapes and tend to be fuller bodied and richer tasting; Rose Champagnes are dark pink in color and frequently intensely flavored.
Champagne is a great day trip for groups. It takes 2 1/4 hours each way and once there we can arrange private lunches, champagne games and tastings and special visits to the lighthouse in Verzenay or a whisky tasting made right in Champagne.
Quick Links to Places near Paris:
Overnight Champagne Tours
Spend a few days in Reims and enjoy all the city has to offer from its UNESCO cathederal, food and chocolate stores, gourmet restaurants, brasseries and of course Champagne. Tours are private with local guide and start in Reims so you can driver fly or train here. We can include TGV tickets from Paris if you wish.
Ask about our new all inclusive private overnight tours departing from Reims starting at 395€pp.
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Overnight Discovery Tours
Reims & Montagne de Reims
Arrival and Check in to your central hotel, 10 minutes walk from the TGV station: On your own visit the Basilica Saint Remy, the Foujita chapel and Biscuit Fossiers for biscuits. Or if you like art and architecture take the Art Deco walking tour.
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Day 1 - Sample itinerary
1 nights/ 1 day tour package : 395€ pp
Includes: Private driver /local guide, overnight in a 3 star hotel, vineyard visit with tasting, prestige Champagne House visit with tasting, lunch, breakfast in the car.
Arrive - Reims
Overnight in central 3 star hotel
Tour Day 1 - Reims and Discovery of Montagnes de Reims
- Start the day with hot and fresh drinks, croissants, newspapers offered on board.
- 10:30am : Discovery of a Champagne vineyard around Reims. Once in the vineyard, the guide will explain the Champagne soil, the three main grape varieties in Champagne, the vines through the seasons from pruning in winter to ripening and harvest in autumn. Followed by a visit and a wine tasting in a small champagne producer.
- 12:30pm : Traditional French lunch in a restaurant in Reims.
- 2:00pm : Guided tour of the Reims cathedral, a gothic masterpiece where the kings of France were crowned.
- 3:30pm : Guided visit of prestige champagne house and its underground chalk cellar (Taittinger, Veuve Cliquot, Ruinart) to discover the step by step technical wine making process "from grape to champagne" through pressing, first fermentation, blending, bottling, second fermentation, remuage, disgorgement, corking and finally labeling. A glass of champagne will be served at the end of this tour.
- 5:00pm : Return to TGV station or departure point.
Day 2 and 3 on Request
Not Available during Harvest period September and October
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Overnight Luxury Tours
A luxury tour starting in Reims or Paris to luxuriate in the Champagne culture of food, wine and relaxation. Stay at Les Crayeres, Royal Champagne or Chateaux d'Etoges.
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The Heart of Champagne
Sample itinerary:
Day 1 - The Famous Producers
We start the day with a guided tour of the late gothic style cathedral where most of the French kings were crowned
We follow with a guided tour of Veuve Cliquot then lunch Lunch at a gastronomic restaurant in Epernay.
After lunch we will discover Hautvillers where champagne was born, and visit the church where Dom Pérignon (the monk) is buried, before going to a little nearby winegrower to taste his champagne.
We'll end the day with a private cellar tour of Dom Perignon
Overnight and Dinner at Le Royal Champagne
Day 2 - The Small Producers
Today we will visit 4 small producers including Philiponnat where you will taste organic champagne, and their exceptional "Clos des Goisses" cuvée...
Lunch at a lovely local restaurant in Epernay.
After lunch, your will go further into the heart of Champagne country for another tasting at the Cave des Associations where you will experience a selection of a few small producers
On the way we stop for yet one final tasting of a organically gown champagne.
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Overnight Backroad Tours
A tour to discover the Real Champagne, its food, and its people. On this tour you stay in a small B&B which is connected to the owners vineyard. Here you will discover local cuisine and meet the locals.
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Unexpected Champagne
Sample itinerary:
Day 1
We start the day driving through Anthenay, Chatillon sur Marne then on through Binson, Reuil, Venteuil, Damery, Cumières.
Our first stop is stop is at Hautvillers to visit of the chapel (Dom Perignon) and champagne tasting. The a wine tasting at Moet before lunch at an excellent restaurant in St-Imoges where you will rarely find tourists.
The afternoon consists of a tasting at Mercier then a driver past Villers Allerand, Rilly, Mailly and stop at Verzenay near the famous lighthouse for a wine tasting at the cellars of Emmanuel Pithois with overnight in their charming B& B and an outstanding completely home-made dinner.
Day 2 :
The next morning we head further south to through the small villages of Verzy, Trépail, Ambonnay, Tours, Bisseuil, Mareuil, Ay. En route we will be stopping at small producers for tastings.
We cross Epernay, then head south through Pierry, Cramant, Avize, Vertus. with several stops on the way for tastings. Then Vertus and the touristic road down to Sézanne. Finally we return to Paris.
Highlights in:
- Anthenay: Large old fortified farm
- Chatillon sur Marne: Colossal statue of the pope Urban II (the first one to organize crusades to Jerusalem); he was born in Chatillon. His statue was erected in the 19th century.
- On the way from Damery to Venteuil: fantastic view of the huge castle built by Veuve Cliquot on the other side of the Marne (Boursault). Same style as Chambord, 350 windows!
- Hautvillers: spectacular view of Epernay and Marne valley. Tomb of Dom Perignon in the old chapel (owned by Moet & chandon). Very cute houses, very flowery, with beautiful signs by the wall of most houses representing the work in the vineyards.
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Barging in Champagne
The Savoir Faire (formerly "Etoile de Champagne") dates back to 1932 when she was built as a transport barge in the Belgian estuaries. During World War II, her bow was replaced with a landing bow so she could sail up on the beaches. She was sunk during the war but later lifted from the river bottom .
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Reviews
We appreciate your gracious sharing of your
knowledge, experience and home! You and your
energetic, engaging crew have taught us much
about the culture of France. We thank you for
your extraordinary planning and patience. [RF,
USA]
How can this trip on the "Etoile de Champagne"*
be topped? So much knowledge and fun - always
relaxed - always delightful! I would recommend
a week with you to anyone- no other barge I've
seen comes close to yours. Three cheers to the
staff - the spirit of each makes all the difference.
[E. McG, USA]
What a magnificent trip! Thank you all for catering to our every need and whim as we traveled through the beautiful countryside. Biking alongside the ship as she cruised was an incredible way to get the full flavor. Your wonderful crew provided a spectacular experience that will not be forgotten. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. [FA, USA]
The only sad moment of this wonderful week was when we realized that our cruise was coming to an end. We enjoyed the exceptional hospitality, the incredible food and wines and the most enjoyable and memorable group of mothers and daughters. Thank you to all ... [S & JB, USA]
Your boat is magical - with a warmth and charm that is infectious. The beautiful meals and trips and cruising made for an all too short week. Thank you for all you did to spoil us throughout. Speaking for all of us, this week exceeded all expectations and has set a high bar for future trips that are sure to come. Many thanks for everything ... [MMcG, USA]
Dearest cast and crew of the "Etoile de Champagne".* You have made our trip to France a grand excursion and a pleasure beyond belief ... a magical tour of an enchanted place. Thank you all for your generous hospitality. [A.R, USA]
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August 29 Champagne
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September 19 Champagne
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