Today, there are over 100 independent guided tours available to explore this wonderful area, ranging from general walking tours to more specialized experiences that focus on one specific aspect such as art or architecture. But with so many different options to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which ones are worth your time. More on winalist.com.
What to Expect During a Champagne Tasting Tour
If you are visiting Champagne for champagne tastings during harvest season, you will likely be offered a quick tasting tour as you walk around the city center. However, if you are here in other times of the year, you may want to consider signing up for a guided tour or visit the best champagne houses that takes you to the major producers in the area.
While such tours are generally quite expensive, you will get a lot in return. The first thing to keep in mind is that the Champagne production process is a lot longer than most people think. Most of the vines are at least 20 years old and some are even older, which means that the production season starts as soon as the grapes are harvested in late September.
Reims Sightseeing Tours
The Champagne region is packed with amazing sights and visiting a few of them on a guided walking tour will give you a great overview of the region in just a few hours. The tour that we recommend starts at the impressive cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, which is one of the most famous churches in France. The construction of the cathedral started in the 12th century and continued for almost 400 years.
It is one of the few Gothic cathedrals in the world that is still being used for religious purposes. The tour continues to the Gallo-Roman Museum, which is housed in the ruins of a 4th century building. It also takes you to the Abbey of Saint-Remi, which is one of the most important religious buildings in France. The final stop on the tour is the Place de la Republique, a large square with a lot of interesting modern architecture.
The Art & Architecture Walking Tour of Reims
If you are more interested in architecture, take a champagne guided tour and visit the Art & Architecture Walking Tour of Reims might be a better choice for you. Champagne tours starts at the cathedral and ends at the house where Madame Veuve Clicquot lived.
Along the way, you will also visit Notre-Dame-des-Arts, which is a beautiful building that is worth seeing even if you are not a big art fan.
The tour also takes you to the Maison Jacques-Coeur, a 14th century mansion that was once one of the finest residences in all of France. After that, you will head to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Reims, which is an architectural masterpiece that was designed by one of the most famous architects of the 20th century.
The Vineyard Guided Tour of the Marne Valley
If you are more interested in the production process, the Vineyard Guided Tour of the Marne Valley is a great option. The tour takes you to the three best vineyards in the Champagne region and you will get to see how the grapes are cultivated and harvested as well as how the sparkling wines are made.
The tour costs €50 per person, which is a bit more expensive than the other options. However, you will get to taste five different Champagnes at each vineyard, which makes it a great value for true connoisseurs of the drink.
Discovering the Champagne Maturation Process with a Producer Visit
If you are more interested in the entire production process, a Producer Visit or visit champagne houses as a another great option. During this guided tour, you will visit one of the oldest and most prestigious Champagne houses in the region, where you will be given a tour of the facilities and learn about the entire maturation process.
The tour costs €40 per person, which is a bit less expensive than the vineyard tour. However, you will only get to taste three different Champagnes during the visit. The price might seem like a lot, but the tour is only offered one day a week and it only has eight spots available, which means that you will get to see the production process in its entirety with only a small group of other visitors.
The Veuve Clicquot Wine Cellar Visit
Finally, if you are more interested in the history of Champagne, then it is time to get champagne booking and visit the Veuve Clicquot Wine Cellar Visit. The tour takes you to the house where Madame Veuve Clicquot lived and you can see the beautifully preserved architecture as well as the exhibits on the history and culture of the region. The tour only costs €30 per person and you will learn all about the fascinating history of Champagne as well as Madame Clicquot’s role in it.
Conclusion
Visit Champagne region France since it is a must-see for any wine lover, and these tours are a great way to explore it. You can tailor your tour to suit your interests, and you will get a real behind-the-scenes look at the production process. If you want to experience true Champagne culture, visit champagne cellars as they are a great way to do so. However, keep in mind that they do cost a significant amount, so be sure to plan accordingly.