GRAND VINTAGE Moet et Chandon Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings

A Deep Dive into the GRAND VINTAGE Moet et Chandon Veuve Clicquot Cellars & Tastings Tour

If you’re dreaming of sipping world-famous Champagne while exploring the picturesque vineyards and historic landmarks outside Paris, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated day trip. It combines luxury transportation, expert-guided cellar visits, and visits to iconic sites like Reims Cathedral and Hautvillers village — all packed into a 12.5-hour adventure.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the chance to combine high-end Champagne tastings at renowned houses like Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot with cultural highlights like Reims Cathedral and the village where Dom Perignon crafted his legendary bubbly. The option for private transport in a Mercedes elevates the comfort and style, making the journey feel special rather than just a bus ride.

However, some travelers might find the full-day schedule a bit intense, especially if they prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with young children. Also, note that while the chauffeur drives you smoothly between stops, a guide is optional and incurs extra costs, meaning you may want to consider whether you want a more in-depth commentary along the way.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a taste of the Champagne region’s luxury and tradition without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially suited for those who value small group experiences and premium tastings, and who are willing to spend a bit more for a seamless, guided day outside of Paris.

Key Points

• Luxury transportation: Private Mercedes minimizes travel fatigue and adds comfort.
• High-end tastings: Choose between two premium Champagne experiences at Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot.
• Cultural sights: Visit Reims Cathedral and the historic Hautvillers village, home to Dom Perignon.
• All-inclusive experience: Fees, taxes, bottled water, and entrance tickets are covered, offering peace of mind.
• Customizable options: Add a live guide for a richer commentary, or opt for restaurant reservations for lunch.
• Well-paced itinerary: The schedule balances Champagne tastings with sightseeing and scenic stops.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Out from Paris: The Journey Begins

Your day kicks off at 7:30 AM with a hotel pickup in Paris, ensuring you start stress-free and on time. The two-hour transfer to the Champagne region takes you through scenic landscapes, with vineyards and rolling hills making the drive feel like part of the experience. The vehicle — either an E220 Mercedes or a similar model — offers a plush ride, and a quick rest stop en route helps stretch your legs.

Moët & Chandon: Champagne’s Largest Producer

Arriving around 10 AM in Épernay, you’ll step into the world of Moët et Chandon, the undisputed giant of Champagne houses, responsible for opening a bottle every second. The guided cellar tour takes you underground into vast tunnels filled with aging bottles — a highlight for many.

Here, you get to choose between two exclusive tasting options. The “Grand Vintage” experience offers a relaxed 1.5-hour visit with two glasses: a Grand Vintage Blanc and a Grand Vintage Rosé. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of the flagship products in a small group, up to 10 people.

Alternatively, the “Moët Collection” experience is slightly longer, with a more curated tasting of vintage and collection Blancs, suited for those eager to explore different styles.

Lunch in Épernay: The Champagne Capital of France

Post-tasting, you’ll have a chance to explore Épernay at your own pace or enjoy a pre-arranged restaurant reservation. This town, renowned for its Avenue of Champagne, is lined with grand cellars and historic buildings. Walking along its streets offers moments of discovery, whether you prefer window shopping or soaking in the ambiance of this bubbly capital.

Hautvillers Village and Dom Perignon

Next, a short 10-minute drive takes you to Hautvillers — a village that carries deep Champagne heritage. The visit includes the Abbaye Saint-Pierre, founded in 665, where Dom Perignon once perfected the sparkling wine-making process. You can admire the church of Saint-Sindulphe and enjoy panoramic views from the viewpoint overlooking vineyards and the Marne River.

Many reviewers note this stop as a highlight — a genuine peek into the roots of Champagne, with Shivani_C remarking, “It was a great way to see outside of Paris and enjoy champagne at the same time.”

Veuve Clicquot: A Champagne Legend

In Reims, you’ll visit the Veuve Clicquot house, which has been producing Champagne since 1772. The guided cellar tour reveals the meticulous process behind their production, with the staff explaining how they craft over 22 million bottles annually.

You can select between two tasting options:
– “Une Seule Qualite”, a 1.5-hour experience with four cuvées, including the Brut Carte Jaune and Vintage Rosé 2015.
– “L’art du vieillissement”, a more extensive 2-hour session featuring complex tastings of vintage bottles like the 2002 Magnum and Cave Privée 1990, complemented by cheeses.

Many visitors find these tastings to be a real eye-opener, especially the comparative tasting that showcases how Champagne ages and develops over time.

Reims Cathedral and Final Sightseeing

A quick 5-minute walk takes you to the Reims Cathedral, where you’ll explore its stunning Gothic architecture, and where most French kings were crowned. This self-guided visit offers a chance to appreciate the intricate stonework and historical significance.

Your day wraps up around 5:30 PM, with the group returning to Paris around 8 PM, after a smooth two-hour drive back.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This experience is a carefully balanced mix of luxury transport, expert-guided visits, and cultural insights. The fact that the tour offers two different Champagne tasting experiences at Moët and Veuve Clicquot means you can tailor it to your level of interest — whether you want a quick, high-level overview or a more detailed tasting.

The inclusion of key landmarks like Hautvillers and Reims Cathedral enriches the day, making it more than just Champagne tasting — it’s a journey through the history and tradition of the region.

Several reviewers, including Shivani_C, appreciated the professionalism of the driver, who was praised for being attentive and safe, enhancing the overall experience. The small group size also contributes to a more intimate, personalized feeling, which many travelers find more rewarding than large bus tours.

Analyzing the Value

At around $793 per person, this tour is definitely an investment. However, it covers premium transportation, guided cellar tours at two historic Champagne houses, tastings, entrance fees, and a scenic cultural itinerary — all of which could easily add up if booked separately.

If you’re a Champagne enthusiast or want to indulge in a luxurious, hassle-free day that combines sightseeing and tastings, this tour delivers significant value. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off allows you to relax without worrying about logistics.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience will suit adults over 18 who have a passion for Champagne or are curious about its history. It’s ideal for those who prefer guided luxury experiences over DIY adventures, appreciating the insights from knowledgeable staff at the cellars.

Travelers who enjoy a full day of sightseeing, tasting, and cultural discovery will find this a well-rounded way to explore the Champagne region without the stress of planning every detail. It’s especially good for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a memorable, upscale day trip from Paris.

The Sum Up

This private Champagne day trip from Paris offers a beautiful blend of luxury transport, insider cellar tours, and cultural visits, making it ideal for those who want more than just a tasting. The choice between different tasting experiences at Moët & Clicquot and the inclusion of landmarks like Reims Cathedral means you leave with a real sense of the region’s heritage and craftsmanship.

The small group setting and attentive chauffeur ensure a comfortable and personalized experience, while the focus on high-quality tastings adds a special touch that stands out from more generic tours.

If you’re a fan of Champagne, enjoy historical sites, or simply want an elegant escape from Paris, this tour offers a compelling mix of indulgence and cultural insight that’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll be picked up and driven in a private Mercedes E220 or similar, making the journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Can I customize my tasting experience?
Absolutely. You can choose between two high-level options at Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, depending on your preference for duration and complexity of tastings.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks besides the tastings are not included, but you can opt for a restaurant reservation in Épernay for lunch.

How long are the Champagne house tours?
Tour durations vary: Moët’s experience lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, and Veuve Clicquot’s tastings are also between 1.5 to 2 hours.

What about the cultural visits?
You’ll explore Hautvillers Village and the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, with free time for sightseeing and panoramic views. The Reims Cathedral self-guided visit is also included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults over 18 for tastings. Children can participate in the cellar tours but cannot taste Champagne.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour. Last-minute cancellations are not refundable.

This thoughtfully designed trip offers a premium taste of Champagne’s heritage, perfect for those who want to indulge in luxury, culture, and history all in one day.