Enjoy a full day excursion from Paris to the region known all over the world for its production and preservation of a product that is linked to ship launchings, wedding toasts, and victory celebrations: Champagne!
Our first stop in the Champagne region takes you back some 300 years with a visit to the Benedictine Abbey in Hautvillers, where the famous Dom Perignon pioneered some of the production methods that made champagne the drink it is today. As you tour the abbey and see where Perignon himself worked, you’ll learn about the dangers of exploding wine bottles and how the search to stop this phenomenon actually drove many of Perignon’s innovations, much more than his love of sparkling wine. Before leaving Hautvillers, you’ll stop by a scenic overlook to enjoy a light breakfast and an amazing view.
The story of champagne will make you thirsty and we have just the solution: your next stop is a family-run winery where the owner will show you around and teach you how his family has been making champagne for three generations. As you learn to distinguish the tasting notes of good champagne, you’ll be treated to a little surprise: The owner will demonstrate the proper method for ‘sabering’ a bottle of champagne, and as you taste its contents, you’all also learn the myth-filled history of the practice. Like many French traditions, Napoleon was involved.
Your next stop is the champagne capital of the world; the town of Epernay, where you’ll break for lunch. It’s not included but your guide will be happy to direct you toward their favorite restaurants for champagne’s hearty Cuisine du Terroir.
After lunch, you’ll head to a centuries-old former mansion owned by a husband and wife team, each from different parts of Champagne who've combined their family vineyards to make a new blend.
Afterwards, you’ll hop in the mini-bus and return to Paris, arriving around 6:00pm; just in time to get a few more recommendations from your guide and head out to dinner. Be sure to come thirsty, we take care of all the driving and logistics so you can enjoy the five champagne tastings included in the price of the trip.
Please ensure that all members of your party have a valid ID on them on the day of the visit. This is particularly important for guests who have qualified for child reduction.
This tour meets at Opéra Bastille, Place de la Bastille, Paris 75012. Your guide wil be in front of the stairs of the Opéra house. The closest métro station is Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8). Take "Sortie" (Exit) #3 when exiting the station.
The meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests or catching them up after the fact, so please allow ample time to arrive to the meeting point. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour departure.
This tour meets at Opéra Bastille, Place de la Bastille, Paris 75012. Your guide wil be in front of the stairs of the Opéra house. The closest métro station is Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8). Take "Sortie" (Exit) #3 when exiting the station.
The meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests or catching them up after the fact, so please allow ample time to arrive to the meeting point. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour departure.
Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.
We request that all guests arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Due to the timed nature of our cellar visits and the transportation out to the Champagne region, it's imperative that all guests arrive on time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests who are running late, or catching them up after the fact. Please allow ample time to arrive to the meeting point.
No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour departure.
We've been perfecting our tours since 1999, and we are always looking for new ways to improve our tour menu for our guests. We are committed to expanding the activities offered during your stay in Paris to make for an unforgettable experience. So for all of the experiences that we aren't able to deliver on our own, we've hand-selected the best local providers to offer a wide-range of unique and fun activities for our guests.
With anything Fat Tire Tours Approved, you still receive our spectacular customer service ready to assist you in any way we can, 24/7, as well as the guarantee that we have hand selected the best possible partners to supplement our tour menu.
This tour runs rain or shine. Occasionally, poor weather conditions will result in the hot air balloon ride portion being cancelled. If this happens, we'll arrange a suitable alternative or visit Le Gallais Champagne House instead.
This tour meets at Opéra Bastille, Place de la Bastille, Paris 75012. Your guide wil be in front of the stairs of the Opéra house. The closest métro station is Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8). Take "Sortie" (Exit) #3 when exiting the station.
This tour is limited to 15 people or less to ensure a more private experience.
If you are having problems finding the meeting location for your tour, please call us at +33.1.85.08.19.76 and our staff will be happy to help you find your way.
Please contact us directly at [email protected] for more details.
Yes, cost of this tour includes entrance to the wineries.
We're happy to offer free changes and 100% refund up to 24 hours before tour* Failure to cancel a reservation at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds. Fare difference may apply.
Cost of lunch is not included. You are given free time in the charming town of Epernay to eat lunch on your own and your guide will be happy to advise you on options in the area.
This tour returns to Place de la Bastille at approximately 6:30pm.