Paris: Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tour by Mercedes

Uncorking the Champagne Experience: A Detailed Review of the Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Tour by Mercedes

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring France’s legendary Champagne region without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour promises an elegant, educational, and enjoyable day trip from Paris. Offered by Clewel Travel, it combines visits to two historic Champagne houses—Ruinart, established in 1729, and Veuve Clicquot, dating back to 1772—along with guided cellar tours, tastings, and a bit of sightseeing in Reims. The vehicle is a sleek Mercedes, either a business-class E220 or a spacious minivan, depending on your group size. With a full itinerary packed into roughly 11.5 hours, this experience aims to blend luxury travel with authentic Champagne culture.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the level of detail in both the visits and the tasting options. The guided cellar tours at both houses are led by knowledgeable staff, offering insight into how Champagne is crafted—something you might not get if you simply visited on your own. Plus, the tiered tasting options mean you can choose a level that suits your interest, whether it’s just a quick introduction or a deep dive into vintage and aged Champagnes.

However, a potential consideration is the price point—at around $802 per person, this isn’t the cheapest day trip. But when you weigh the private transportation, expertly guided visits, and exclusive tastings, it begins to feel more like a comprehensive, luxury experience rather than just a cork-popping tour. It’s best suited for those who love wine, appreciate fine details, or want a seamless, chauffeur-driven journey through the Champagne region without the stress of logistics.

Key Points

Comfort and Convenience: Private Mercedes transport ensures a relaxed, luxurious ride with hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris.
Expert-Led Tours: Guided cellar visits are led by professional staff at both Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, offering deep insights.
Tasting Variety: Multiple tasting options cater to different levels of interest, from basic to high-end vintages.
Rich Historic Context: The tour includes visits to UNESCO-listed cellars and the Reims Cathedral, adding cultural value.
Flexible Experience: If one house isn’t available on your date, the provider offers suitable alternatives or higher-level experiences.
Ideal for Enthusiasts: Perfect for those eager to learn about Champagne production and history in an intimate, private setting.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups in Paris around 7:30 AM, so you’ll want to set your alarm. The two-hour drive to Reims offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery, as the landscape transforms from urban Paris to sprawling vineyards. The first highlight is the visit to Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house. You’ll explore its famous underground cellars, which are listed by UNESCO, and sample two glasses of their distinguished bubbly. The atmosphere here is both historic and intimate, with guided staff sharing stories of the house’s founding and its unique methods.

Next, you have a 1.5-hour window for lunch in Reims. The tour notes that you can either explore on your own or opt for a reservation at a local restaurant. This is a great time to soak in the lively city ambiance or indulge in regional specialties. After lunch, you’ll visit the Reims Cathedral, where most French kings were crowned. The self-guided visit here adds a cultural touch, giving you a chance to marvel at the Gothic architecture and historic significance.

The afternoon shift takes you to Veuve Clicquot, arguably one of the most iconic Champagne brands. The guided cellar tour with Veuve Clicquot staff offers a detailed look at their production methods, culminating in a tasting of four cuvées based on your selected experience. The options range from a quick tasting of their classics to more exclusive comparisons of vintage and aged Champagnes.

The highest-tier experience, “L’art du vieillissement,” provides a deeper exploration into vintage Champagnes, with tastings of rare and older vintages, including a Cave Privée from 1990. For many wine lovers, this would be an unforgettable treat. The tour wraps up around 4:30 PM, with a scenic 2.5-hour drive back to Paris, arriving around 7 PM.

The Details That Matter

Transportation

Traveling in a Mercedes E220 business-class vehicle for small groups or a minivan for larger groups means you’ll enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride. The private transfer removes the stress of navigating public transport or hiring taxis, allowing you to relax or even nap during the drive. Reviewers have appreciated the professionalism of the driver and the timely pick-up and drop-off service.

Guided Cellar Tours and Tastings

The guided visits are a core feature, with knowledgeable staff sharing insights into Champagne production. The UNESCO-listed underground cellars at Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot are among the biggest draws—they give a tangible sense of history and craftsmanship. The tasting options are tiered, meaning you can opt for a more modest experience or a lavish exploration of vintage and aged Champagnes—great for connoisseurs or those curious about aging bubbles.

Meal and Cultural Stops

The tour’s inclusion of lunch in Reims offers flexibility—either explore independently or have the provider reserve a table. The 30-minute self-guided visit of Reims Cathedral adds a cultural dimension that complements the wine experience, highlighting France’s royal and religious history.

Price and Value

At $802 per person, this tour is a premium offering, but it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, guided cellar visits, and multiple tastings. The reviews mention that the knowledgeable guides and excellent wine selection make the experience worthwhile, especially for those wanting a hassle-free, luxury day out. The tiered tasting options mean you can tailor the experience to your interest level, adding value whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a Champagne aficionado.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer from Austria praised the organization, noting that even with a postponement at Ruinart, “we quickly found a way to fill the time with an extra free tasting at a small winery, a visit to Dom Perignon’s burial site, and a vineyard tour,” highlighting the flexibility of the experience. They appreciated the “perfect car and driver,” which underlines the importance of comfort and professionalism.

Another traveler from Australia simply called it a “great trip,” emphasizing the straightforward, enjoyable nature of the day. An Italian guest described it as “fantastic, really good, super recommended,” pointing to the overall satisfaction with guided visits and tastings.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Champagne tour suits travelers who love luxury and comfort but also want an educational experience. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a well-organized, private day trip with guided cellar visits and tastings. Wine enthusiasts will value the tiered tasting options, especially the exclusive vintage tastings. It’s perfect for those who prefer a seamless experience—hotel pickup, private transport, and expert guides—over the hassle of DIY travel or large group tours.

However, the price point makes it more attractive for those willing to indulge in a premium experience. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple seeking intimacy, the private vehicle and guided visits enhance the luxury feel. Conversely, larger groups can also have the benefit of a more economical private experience on the minivan.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded, premium introduction to the Champagne region. From historic cellars to tasting some of the finest vintages, you’re getting more than just a “drink and see” experience—you’re enjoying the cultural and historical stories behind Champagne’s prestige. The private transportation and guided tours mean you can focus on the experience rather than logistics, making it a stress-free option.

While the price might seem steep, the inclusion of expert guides, exclusive tastings, and luxurious transport justifies the expense for many. It’s perfect for wine lovers, history buffs, or those celebrating a special occasion who want to enjoy Champagne in style. If you want a comprehensive, authentic, and comfortable way to explore France’s legendary bubbly, this trip hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

What transportation is used for this tour?
You’ll travel in a Mercedes E220 business-class vehicle for small groups or a Mercedes minivan for larger groups, ensuring comfort and privacy.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private transport, guided cellar visits at Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, tastings according to your selected option, self-guided visit at Reims Cathedral, all fees and taxes, and bottled water.

Can I choose the tasting level?
Yes, there are tiered options: from a basic tasting of 4 cuvées at Veuve Clicquot to high-end vintage and aged Champagne tastings. You can select what suits your interest.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You have the option to explore Reims on your own or request a restaurant reservation during the booking process.

What if one of the Champagne houses isn’t available?
The provider offers relevant alternative experiences or higher-level tastings if your preferred house isn’t available on your date.

Is this a guided or self-guided experience?
Most of the cellar visits are guided, led by knowledgeable staff at both houses, while the visit to Reims Cathedral is self-guided.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 11.5 hours, including travel, visits, tastings, and breaks, with return to Paris around 7 PM.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 6 years or wheelchair users, mainly due to the nature of the tastings and walking involved.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, and a sense of curiosity. The tour provides bottled water, but bring any personal items you may need.

This guided Champagne day trip from Paris offers a blend of luxury, education, and culture—perfect for those who want to taste some of France’s finest bubbles while discovering their fascinating heritage.