GRAND VINTAGE Ruinart Veuve Clicquot Private Champagne from Paris

Traveling from Paris to explore the Champagne region is a dream for many—especially when it involves visiting legendary houses like Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot. This private day trip, offered by Clewel Travel, promises an intimate, luxurious experience with guided tours, tastings, and cultural highlights, all in one seamless package. With a pickup from your hotel, a chauffeur-driven Mercedes, and carefully curated visits, it aims to deliver a balanced blend of education, indulgence, and scenic beauty.

What really makes this tour stand out is the personalized approach. You’re not just a face in a large group — your own vehicle, flexible options, and the promise of knowledgeable guides make the experience feel exclusive. But, as with any premium tour, it’s worth considering the timing, price, and how much you’re looking to indulge in Champagne history and culture.

One thing to keep in mind is that the chauffeur is responsible for transport and ticketing but isn’t a guide—an optional live guide can be booked at an additional cost. This means you’ll want to decide whether you prefer a self-guided experience or a more guided, commentary-rich journey. This trip is best suited for those who appreciate comfort, are eager to learn about Champagne’s storied past, and want to enjoy the region without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Luxury Comfort: Travel in a Mercedes E220 or Minivan with hotel pickup.
• Expertise & Flexibility: Guided tours of iconic Champagne houses with tasting options tailored to your preferences.
• Cultural Highlights: Self-guided visit to Reims Cathedral, a key site for French monarchy.
• Intimate Experience: Small group sizes or private arrangement ensure personalized attention.
• Valuable Tastings: Multiple options for Champagne tastings, from two to four cuvées, for various budgets and tastes.
• Flexible Options: Different tour levels (Advanced, Blanc Singulier, Premium) allow customization based on your interest level.

The Journey from Paris to Champagne

The adventure begins early, with a 7:30 am pickup from your Paris hotel. The approximately two-hour drive takes you through picturesque vineyards and lush rolling hills that define the Champagne landscape. This scenic ride is a great start — it sets the mood and allows you to relax while your chauffeur handles the logistics.

Having a private vehicle means you avoid the crowds and long waits typical of large tours. Plus, the ride includes a rest stop—a perfect chance to stretch your legs or snap some photos of the vineyards.

Visit to Maison Ruinart: The Oldest Champagne House

Arriving in Reims around 10 am, your first stop is Maison Ruinart, established in 1729. This historic house is a highlight — not just because it’s the oldest Champagne house, but because of its stunning underground cellars, which are UNESCO-listed.

The guided tour here can be tailored to your interest: the “Visite des Crayeres” lasts about 2 hours, typically with a maximum group size of 12 people, ensuring an intimate experience. The tastings include either two or three cuvées, depending on the option you choose:

• Advanced: Taste 2 Ruinart cuvées.
• Advanced Blanc Singulier: Tasting of 3 cuvées, including Blanc de Blancs and Blanc Singulier Editions.

Reviewers love how knowledgeable the guides are, with one describing the visit as smooth and enjoyable. The underground cellars, carved into chalk, offer a visual treat and a glimpse into centuries of Champagne aging — expect cool temperatures and a mysterious, whispering ambiance that amplifies the experience.

Lunch and Free Time in Reims

Post-tour, you get about an hour and a half for lunch in Reims. You can choose to explore on your own or have a reservation arranged by the tour operator. Reims itself is a charming city, with lively cafes, historic streets, and plenty of options for a relaxed meal. This break allows you to digest the Champagne history and enjoy some local flavors.

Reims Cathedral: The Heart of French Royalty

In the early afternoon, you’ll visit Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site where most French kings were crowned. The self-guided visit typically takes about 30 minutes. Here, you’ll see stunning Gothic architecture, intricate sculptures, and stained glass windows. It’s a chance to connect with French history beyond Champagne, as the cathedral played a crucial role in France’s monarchy.

The Veuve Clicquot Experience: A Champagne Powerhouse

By mid-afternoon, you arrive at Veuve Clicquot, founded in 1772. This house is a powerhouse, producing over 22 million bottles a year, and maintaining a reputation for quality and innovation.

The guided tour here lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with options for tasting 4 different cuvées, including the prestigious Vintage 2015 and the iconic Brut Carte Jaune. The “Une Seule Qualite” approach means you’ll learn about their dedication to consistency and quality while enjoying in-depth insights into Champagne production.

Guests have praised the knowledgeable staff here, with one reviewer noting that the tour provided a “great insight into the history and Champagne production method.” The UNESCO-listed cellars are vast, with tunnels stretching deep underground, giving you a real sense of the scale involved in Champagne aging.

Return to Paris

After the Veuve Clicquot visit, your chauffeur will whisk you back to Paris, arriving around 7 pm. The smooth, comfortable ride is the perfect way to reflect on your day—possibly over a glass of Champagne in your mind.

While the price of around $792 per person may seem high, the value comes from the exclusive nature of the visits, the quality of the Champagne tastings, and the convenience of private transportation. The small-group or private format ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd, and the carefully curated visits deepen your understanding of Champagne’s heritage.

The three tasting options allow you to choose a level of indulgence, from tasting two to four different cuvées, which appeals whether you’re a casual sipper or a Champagne enthusiast. The flexibility to book a live guide for more detailed commentary or explore independently is another plus.

Guests have highlighted the professionalism of the driver, Roman, with one describing the experience as “magical” and “special, smooth and fun.” Such personal touches make a big difference in creating memorable experiences.

This trip is ideal for luxury travelers seeking a private, curated Champagne experience without the hassle of planning. It suits history buffs interested in the UNESCO sites and culinary enthusiasts eager to taste a variety of cuvées while learning about production. The tour’s flexible options make it adaptable for a range of budgets and tastes.

However, keep in mind that the driver is not a guide, so if you’re craving detailed commentary during the visits, booking the guide upgrade might be worthwhile. Also, this experience is for adults over 18 for tastings, though minors are welcome during the cellar tours.

The Grand Vintage Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot private day trip offers an excellent way to explore Champagne’s legendary maisons in style. It balances luxury, education, and cultural highlights, making it perfect for those who want an authentic, hassle-free experience. The private transport, knowledgeable staff, and carefully curated visits ensure a memorable day that’s both fun and informative.

If you’re a wine lover, history buff, or simply looking to indulge in some of France’s finest bubbles, this tour checks many boxes. It’s best suited for those who value comfort and exclusivity, and who enjoy having detailed insights delivered in a relaxed, luxurious setting.

How long is the drive from Paris to Champagne?
The journey takes approximately 2 hours, covering about 140 km through scenic vineyards and countryside, with a rest stop included.

What are the options for Champagne tastings?
You can choose from two main options: the Advanced tour with 2 cuvées, or the Advanced Blanc Singulier with 3 cuvées at Ruinart. At Veuve Clicquot, there are options for 4 cuvées, including vintage and prestige bottles. A Premium option is also available.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tastings are for guests aged 18 and over, but minors can participate in the cellar tours. It’s best suited for adults who want to enjoy Champagne tasting.

Can I book a live guide during the tour?
Yes, a live guide can be booked in advance for an additional fee, offering more detailed commentary during the visits.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking through cellars and historic sites. Layers are advised as underground cellars can be cool.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks outside the tastings are not included, but a restaurant reservation can be arranged for you during the break in Reims.

What is the group size?
This is a private tour or small-group experience, with a maximum of 12 people during the cellar visits, ensuring intimate, personalized attention.

How do I get my tickets?
All tickets are included in the tour price and are handled during the guided visits, so you don’t need to worry about logistics.

Is the tour customizable?
You can choose different levels of visits and tastings, and optional live guides are available for booking, allowing some degree of customization based on your preferences.

This private Champagne day trip balances comfort, culture, and indulgence, making it ideal for those who want an authentic taste of France’s most celebrated bubbles without the crowds.