Paris – Ten Wines and Ten Cheeses Tasting in a Royal Cellar

A detailed look at the Paris – Ten Wines and Ten Cheeses Tasting in a Royal Cellar

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Paris beyond the usual landmarks, this Wine and Cheese Tasting in a former royal cellar might be just the ticket. Set in the underground caves once used by the King of France, this intimate, 2-hour tour offers a chance to sample 10 authentic French wines paired with 10 regional cheeses, all guided by knowledgeable experts. The setting itself—an 18th-century cellar—adds a touch of royalty and history to your tasting journey, making it a special experience for lovers of wine, cheese, or simply great stories.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines education with enjoyment, offering a personal touch that larger tours often lack. Plus, the location near the Louvre, with its stunning vaulted ceilings and historic ambiance, elevates the experience from a standard tasting to a memorable cultural highlight. On the flip side, keep in mind that it’s a small-group experience, which means spots can fill quickly, and booking in advance is advisable if you want to secure a place.

This tour is best suited for wine and cheese enthusiasts, curious travelers eager to learn about French terroirs, or anyone wanting a relaxed, authentic taste of Paris far from the crowded streets. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic Venue: Tasting in a historic, royal-era cellar beneath Paris, away from tourist crowds.
• Diverse Flavors: 10 French wines paired with 10 regional cheeses, including brie, blue, and goat.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable, personable guides like Willie and Clement enhance the experience.
• Balanced Experience: Perfectly timed at 2 hours for an engaging, relaxed tasting without feeling rushed.
• Small Group: Max of 12 travelers for personalized attention and lively conversation.
• Additional Perk: Free admission to Les Caves du Louvre, adding extra value and access.

Exploring the Experience in Detail

The Venue: Les Caves du Louvre

The tour begins at Les Caves du Louvre, a storied location just steps from the Louvre Museum. The entrance leads you into a stunning underground cellar that exudes history and character. As reviews highlight, Willie, the sommelier, makes the space come alive with stories about its past—once a royal wine cellar—creating a sense of exclusivity and connection to French history.

The cellar’s 18th-century architecture with vaulted ceilings and stone walls offers a visually captivating backdrop. We loved the way the ambiance transports you back in time, making the tasting feel like an intimate historical adventure rather than just another touristy activity.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The main event is a tasting of 10 wines, split evenly between 4 whites and 6 reds, representing some of the most prestigious wine regions of France. The wines are carefully selected to showcase the diversity of French terroirs, and the guide explains the nuances of each region, grape variety, and pairing.

The wines are paired with 10 cheeses, which range from classic French varieties like Brie and goat cheese to blue cheese. The pairing isn’t just random; it’s curated to highlight complementary flavors, enhancing both the wine and cheese profiles. Reviewers repeatedly mention the superb quality and generous servings, which means you’ll leave feeling satisfied rather than rushed.

The Guides: Knowledgable and Engaging

Guests consistently praise the guides for their enthusiasm and expertise. Willie, in particular, receives high marks for his storytelling and in-depth knowledge of French wine and cheese history. One reviewer mentions Clement’s ability to connect the regions of France with their wines and cheeses, which made the tasting not just flavorful but educational.

The guides ensure everyone feels comfortable asking questions, and their personable approach makes the experience engaging for both newcomers and more seasoned wine lovers.

The Atmosphere and Setting

The small group size (max 12 people) ensures a cozy environment where conversation flows easily. The ambiance—dim lighting, rustic stone walls, and vaulted ceilings—creates an ideal setting for savoring each sip and bite. Many reviews mention how the environment adds to the enjoyment, making it more than just a tasting, but a mini cultural escape.

Value for Money

At $129.16 per person, the experience offers a lot of value, especially considering the quality of wines, cheeses, and the intimate setting. Plus, the free admission to Les Caves du Louvre is a nice bonus, giving you access to the space and history beyond the tasting.

Reviews highlight the generous portions and the educational aspect, with many guests noting they learned a lot about French wine regions, grapes, and pairing techniques. For wine and cheese lovers, this tour provides an authentic, immersive experience that justifies the price.

Practical Details

Duration and Scheduling

The tour runs for approximately 2 hours, starting at 12:15 pm, which makes it a perfect midday activity—no need to rush in the morning or stay out late. It’s close to public transportation, making it easy to reach from most central Paris locations.

Booking and Group Size

With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’re guaranteed a personal experience, and the tour is popular—bookings are often made 5+ times just last week, so early reservations are wise. The tour is suitable for adults 18 and over, given the alcohol component.

What’s Included

• 10 wines (4 white, 6 red)
• 10 cheeses paired with the wines
• A knowledgeable, English-speaking guide
• Access to a stunning cellar environment
• Free admission to Les Caves du Louvre

What’s Not Included

• Hotel pickup or transportation—guests are expected to meet at the designated location.
• Additional purchases outside the tasting are at your own expense.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Many reviews echo the sentiment that guide Willie or Clement made the experience exceptional, with their storytelling, knowledge, and personable approach. For example, one guest mentions Willie as “an amazing sommelier who was so knowledgeable about wine and cheese and their history,” making the experience both educational and fun.

Guests also appreciate the variety and quality of the wines and cheeses. One reviewer mentions that the wines from different regions of France were introduced in a way that broadened their understanding of French terroirs. The cheese pairings, including classic brie and blue cheese, were described as “superb” and plentiful.

The atmosphere also gets high marks, with many emphasizing how the cellar’s historic ambiance made the tasting more memorable. Several mentioned that they learned a lot and gained a new appreciation for wine and cheese pairing.

The Sum Up

This wine and cheese tasting in a historic Parisian cellar offers an authentic, educational, and delicious experience that’s hard to beat for lovers of French culture. The setting alone—the vaulted, centuries-old cellar—sets the stage for a memorable journey into France’s wine regions, paired with cheeses that highlight local flavors.

The guides’ expertise makes this more than just a tasting; it’s a chance to learn about the stories behind each wine and cheese, all while enjoying a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The generous portions, high-quality selections, and bonus access to Les Caves du Louvre add tangible value for the price.

Ideal for: Those wanting a deeper understanding of French wines and cheeses, couples seeking a romantic indoor activity, or small groups craving a personalized experience. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate good storytelling and a taste of history alongside their drinks.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to elevate your Paris trip with a memorable gastronomic adventure, this tour promises a blend of education, enjoyment, and authentic French charm.

FAQs

• Where does the tour start?
  The tour begins at Les Caves du Louvre, 52 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, Paris.

• What time does the tour start?
  The experience starts at 12:15 pm.

• How long does the tasting last?
  It lasts approximately 2 hours.

• Is there a limit on the number of participants?
  Yes, a maximum of 12 travelers ensures a cozy, personalized experience.

• What’s included in the price?
  The price covers 10 wines, 10 cheeses, a knowledgeable guide, and free admission to Les Caves du Louvre.

• Can I cancel if I change my mind?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

• Is the tour suitable for all adults?
  The minimum age is 18, as alcohol is served.

• Is transportation included?
  No, guests are responsible for getting to the meeting point; it’s accessible via public transport.

• Will I learn about French wine regions?
  Absolutely. The guide discusses the origins and regions of each wine.

• Can I buy wines after the tasting?
  Yes, many guests take the chance to purchase their favorite bottles to enjoy later.

This tour offers a delightful blend of history, flavor, and education—a true taste of France’s wine heritage, all in an exclusive underground setting.