Top 5 Champagne Tours in Reims and Epernay

For the lovers of finer things in life, a visit to France’s world-renowned Champagne region is certainly in order. Champagne tours mostly focus on visits to local producers, from small family operations to globally adored Champagne houses such as Ruinart, Pol Roger, Veuve Clicquot, or Moët & Chandon. But, choosing the right tour can (and will be!) quite overwhelming. There are so many to choose from!

From small family-owned vineyards to large, prestigious Champagne houses, it’s all about what you’re looking for. We wanted a balance of the famous names (for example, a visit to the Moët & Chandon, of course, is a must!) and the smaller, family-run producers, so we picked a few tours that offered a mix of both. Here’s a look at the Champagne tours we selected, and why we think they’re some of the best options if you’re planning your own trip.

1. Veuve Clicquot & family grower with lunch (from Reims)

Duration: 7.5 hours
Approx. cost: From $351 (for 2 persons)

Operated by: À La Française

What’s included: 10 tastings, minivan transport, a drive by the UNESCO-listed Reims Cathedral, lunch at a family-run winery, and a guided tour of the Veuve Clicquot cellars.

This tour is hands down one of our top recommendations, especially if you’re visiting Reims. It’s small group, so you’re not stuck with 40 people fighting to hear the guide. The Veuve Clicquot visit is, of course, a highlight—wandering through the legendary cellars, sipping on their fabulous champagnes, and learning the history behind this iconic house.

But what is, probably, equally important is the stop at Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon is buried. Talk about Champagne history! After some fascinating tidbits about how this monk “created” Champagne (note: there’s a legend and there are facts!), you will head to the famed Champagne Avenue in Epernay. And end the tour in Le Clos Corbier, a small, family-run winery for lunch and champagne tasting.

Personal Tip: Ask tons of questions! The family winemakers are so open to chatting about their craft, and it was the most authentic experience. Plus, they love sharing tips on how to best pair their champagnes with food.

2. Day tour of Epernay with Moët & Chandon, De Castellane, and lunch

Duration: 7 hours
Approx. cost: From $510 (for 2 persons)

Operated by: TOURS IN CHAMPAGNE – Stéphane Demissy
What’s included: Three champagne tastings, a 3-course lunch with champagne aperitif, and a quirky train ride through the underground cellars.

If you’re more focused on Epernay, this tour is perfect. It’s a walking tour, so no need for transportation—it’s all within a short distance. Moët & Chandon is the first stop, and believe us, their cellars are something out of a fairytale! You’ll get a guided tasting with a sommelier who explains all the nuances of their champagnes. After a lovely 3-course lunch (with champagne, of course), you’ll head to the second winery – Champagne de Castellane. That is the winery with the biggest tower in Epernay! Then head to a third house of Champagne. This stop is so much fun—there’s a little train that takes you through the underground cellars. Plus, you will have the chance to take a picture next to a barrel that can hold up to 200,000 bottles of champagne.

Personal Tip: Bring comfortable shoes! Epernay is small, but you’ll still be walking a lot, especially if you want to explore the Avenue de Champagne after the tour.

3. Gold Champagne experience in Epernay (private full-day)

Duration: 7-8 hours
Approx. cost: From $552

Operated by: Aÿ-Champagne Experience
What’s included: Private transport, tastings at Grand Cru/Premier Cru vineyards, lunch with a bottle of champagne, and visits to UNESCO-listed sites.

If the flexibility to spend time at the vineyards without feeling rushed is your thing, or if you want to visit some of the smaller, independent producers in addition to the big Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, and if the idea of having a knowledgeable local guide and a private chauffeur is your preference – than this tour is the perfect choice!

One of the highlights of this particular tour was visiting the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne (or the Marne Valley), both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with rolling vineyards that stretch for miles. These are Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, which means the quality of Champagne here is outstanding. You also got to visit Hautvillers, known as the birthplace of Champagne, and learn all about Dom Pérignon’s legacy.

Let’s talk about some of the stops. First off, Avenue de Champagne in Epernay is an absolute must-see. This street is considered one of the most expensive in the world because of the prestigious Champagne houses that line it. With over 100 kilometers of cellars hidden beneath, there are literally millions of bottles of Champagne aging down there. It’s pretty incredible when you think about it!

Next up is the village of Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon is buried. This village is also known as the “cradle of Champagne.” You can’t help but appreciate the significance of this place if you’re a fan of sparkling wine. Another standout stop was the Côte des Blancs, known as the “Kingdom of Chardonnay.” One of the villages you’ll visit is Cramant, a Grand Cru village famous for its 100% Chardonnay Champagne. Your next stop is a local Champagne bar for lunch, where delicious gourmet platters of charcuterie, cheese, and pâtés, all paired with (of course) more Champagne awaits you.

While visiting the big Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot is fun, there’s something truly special about tasting Champagne at small, independent producers. These are the kinds of places you’d never find on your own. In picturesque villages like Oger and Chouilly, you’ll be able to meet with the actual winemakers, tour their cellars, and taste some incredible Champagnes that you simply can’t buy anywhere else.

One of the producers we visited specializes in Blanc de Blancs Champagnes, which are made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. You’ll taste three different Grand Cru Champagnes, each with its own distinct character. Natural Champagne without any added sugar (called “extra brut”), as well as a vintage Champagne that had been aged in oak barrels, are pretty outstanding.

Throughout the tour, you’ll probably pick up a ton of interesting facts about Champagne production. For example, did you know that the village of Aÿ-Champagne was the center of the Champagne industry in the 16th century? It still has a special place in Champagne history, and kings used to have their own presses here. You’ll also learn about the three key types of alcohol produced in the Champagne region: Ratafia, Fine de la Marne, and Marc de Champagne. We even got to taste these unique spirits, which added a fun twist to the day.

One of the coolest stops was in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. This village is known for its Pinot Noir vineyards, and it’s home to some of the more confidential Champagne houses like Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat. The day wouldn’t have been complete without seeing these legendary estates, and it added a nice contrast to the smaller producers we visited earlier.

Personal Tip: If possible, book this tour mid-week to avoid weekend crowds. This tour offers excellent value for the price, so be sure to book it on time.

4. Private full-day Veuve Clicquot tour to Reims or Epernay region

Photo credit: Veuve Cliquot champagne by ROYAL JOURNEY France – Luxury Champagne Tours

Duration: 9 hours
Approx. cost: From $691

Operated by: À La Française
What’s included: Private transportation, 9 tastings, lunch, and visits to Veuve Clicquot, Hautvillers, and the Avenue de Champagne.

This private tour is all about luxury. The start is at Veuve Clicquot, where a more in-depth look at their cellars, followed by tastings of their best champagnes awaits you. After a drive down the Avenue de Champagne, and Hautvillers village and its vineyards, you’ll head to a fantastic 3-course lunch paired with even more champagne—this time from smaller, boutique producers.

The afternoon will be spent at a family-run vineyard where you will have more tastings. This will be one of the most relaxed parts of the day. The winemaker will walk you through the entire production process, from grape to bottle, and you will surely walk away with a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into every bottle.

Personal Tip: Bring a notebook if you’re serious about learning the ins and outs of Champagne-making. There’s so much to learn, and trust me, you’ll want to jot down some of the tips they share!

5. Luxury Champagne tour: Famous house & confidential domaine

Why Reims and Epernay for Champagne Tours?

First, why visit Reims and Epernay? Well, these two cities are part of the larger Champagne region, where some of the world’s most famous Champagne houses are located. And the best part? They’re only about a 45-minute train ride from Paris!

Reims is slightly larger and is home to many historical landmarks like the stunning Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where French kings were once crowned. Epernay, on the other hand, is known as the “Capital of Champagne” and is home to the famous Avenue de Champagne, lined with luxurious Champagne houses. Both cities offer something different, and we highly recommend spending time in both if you can.

How to Choose the Best Champagne Tour

There’s no one-size-fits-all Champagne tour, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Big Names or Small Producers? Do you want to visit the famous Champagne houses (like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot) or are you more interested in the smaller, family-run wineries? Some tours, like the ones I took, offer a mix of both.
• Private or Group Tour? A private tour offers more flexibility, but it’s more expensive. Group tours are fun and often more affordable, but they can feel a little rushed.
• Transportation. Some tours include transportation, which is a lifesaver, especially if you’re visiting multiple wineries. Others are walking tours, which can be great if everything is close by. Make sure to check whether transportation is included!
• Lunch or No Lunch? Trust me, if you’re drinking Champagne all day, you’re going to need a proper lunch. Many tours include a meal, often at a family-run vineyard, which adds to the overall experience.

Personal Tips for Champagne Tours in Reims and Epernay

• Book in advance! Champagne tours, especially at the big houses, fill up fast. If you’re going in peak season (May-September), make sure to secure your spot well in advance.
• Don’t drive! Even if you’re just having a few sips at each stop, it’s easy to underestimate how much you’re drinking. Most tours include transportation for a reason—take advantage of it.
• Ask questions. Whether it’s about the history of the house, the winemaking process, or even food pairings, the guides love sharing their knowledge. Don’t be shy!
• Stay hydrated. You’ll be drinking a lot of Champagne, so it’s essential to keep water on hand. Most tours provide it, but I always bring my own bottle, just in case.
• Take photos—but live in the moment. The vineyards and cellars are stunning, so you’ll want to snap some pictures. But don’t forget to put the phone down and enjoy the experience, too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re even slightly interested in Champagne (and honestly, who isn’t?), then a trip to Reims or Epernay should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re a full-blown Champagne enthusiast or just curious about how those bubbles make their way into your glass, touring the Champagne region is an absolute must. You’ll not only get to sip on some of the finest bubbly in the world, but you’ll also get an insider’s look into the fascinating history and tradition that goes into every bottle. The tours I’ve been on combine luxury, education, and a whole lot of fun—what more could you ask for?

Now, if you’re fortunate enough to be planning a trip to France, let me tell you: the Champagne region is absolutely stunning. Rolling vineyards, picturesque villages, and the chance to taste Champagne right where it’s made—there’s nothing quite like it. You’ll get to walk through the famous Champagne Houses that have been perfecting their craft for centuries, and maybe even stumble upon a new favorite label that you can brag about discovering once you’re back home. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your travel itinerary.

Looking for the best wine tours in Champagne or champagne tours in Epernay? We have you covered with an in-depth guide to help you find the perfect experience. Planning a trip to the Champagne region? Be sure to read our article on a Champagne getaway and discover the best hotels and wineries in the region for insider tips on where to stay and sip. If Epernay is on your itinerary, don’t miss our recommendations on the best places to stay in Epernay to make your visit unforgettable.

Cheers to your new Champagne experiences! 🥂