1 day

Champagne

About this activity

Itinerary:

Day 1: Loire valley Châteaux & wines

Rise early for your hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan, and travel with your guide about two hours south of Paris towards the Chambord Chateau. En route, hear about the winemaking region of Loire Valley as you bite into flaky croissants and pastries.

Arrive at Chambord, constructed by King Francis I of France, and admire its opulence inside, learning about its history through an audio-guide.

Back aboard your vehicle, pass through the vineyards of Montlouis sur Loire, Vouvray and Touraine. Admire the colorful landscapes made up of cabernet Franc, chenin blanc and sauvignon blanc grapes.

At the Vouvray Wine estate (upon availability), meet the winemaker and settle in for a gourmet meal of traditional food, paired with a wine tasting.

After lunch, visit another family-run winery where you can taste authentic Loire Valley wines largely unavailable in the rest of the world. Depending on availability, sample dry and sweet white wines, red and rosé wines, and sparkling white wines.

Your guide will take you back to Paris at the end of the day, where you will be dropped off in central city..

Day 2: Champagne the glamourous

Your tour begins with pickup from your central Paris hotel. Aboard our air-conditioned minivan, drive around 90 minutes to the Champagne region. En route, enjoy pastries as your guide explains the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine, and details the region’s wine-making heritage.

The first stop is at one of France’s most prestigious Champagne houses—Moët & Chandon, Mumm, or Veuve Clicquot (depending on availability). Take a behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous winery on a guided cellar tour and discover the secrets of the méthode champenoise. Sample renowned Champagnes as you learn all about bubbly from your guide.

Continue through scenic vineyards to a family-run Champagne estate. Meet the winemaker, learn about the importance of terroir, and stroll around the vineyard filled with the different grapes used for Champagne making. Then feast on a gourmet lunch paired with fine Champagnes.

After lunch, stop at historic Hautvillers Abbey, where Benedictine monk Dom Perignon produced the very first sparkling wine over 300 years ago.

Finally, visit the third winery of the day, where you taste some rare and exclusive Champagnes.

On return to Paris, your tour ends outside the Hôtel de Ville.

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Included

Premium Pickup & service at your hotel in Paris ; Drop-off in Central Paris
Commented tasting by your wine expert guide in the heart of the vineyard
Guided visits of at least 2 Champagne houses, including a big one (Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot) and a middle sized one
Champagne tasting at two wineries visited
Gourmet lunch at a family-run Champagne house (upon availability) with Champagne and food pairing
Audio-guided visit of Chambord Castle
Gourmet lunch at a family-run winery with Loire Valley wine and food pairing
Guided visit of a Loire Valley Winery, followed by a wine tasting
English-speaking driver guide, expert in wine, sharing knowledge and anecdotes
Stop in the vineyard for a vine growing introduction
Breakfast - Fresh croissants from the bakery
Lunch - 3 course lunch with local products + wine pairing at a family-run Champagne and Loire Valley estates
Bottled water
Alcoholic Beverages
Round trip transportation in a comfortable minivan (with A/C)

Not included

Gratuities
Overnight

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Order of the tours is subject to change & are not necessarily consecutive
Schedule, wineries & lunch places are subject to minor changes depending on the season and on supplier availability.
Your guide will contact you one day before the tour to give you an exact pick up time (usually between 7-7:30 AM)
Not wheelchair accessible, some stairs to access the underground cellars
Wine cellars are usually quite cold and damp (45 °F / 10 °C): do not forget to bring warm clothes with you
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers