A day in Champagne
"Champagne helps wonder", Georges Sand
Just an hour and a half outside Paris, you will find another way of life in Reims, the capitale of Champagne region. Travel through the vineyard studded countryside, visit the impressive Cathedral of Reims and experience the warm hospitality of the wine growers in this historic area. You are invited to discover the history and secrets of the “King of wines” in this famous destination world-renown for its sparkling wine - champagne.
This tour includes:
- A light breakfast with beverage will be offered on board
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel
- All entry fees and luncheon
Visits:
- small champagne winegrower
- guided walking tour of Reims Cathedral
- visit to one of Reims' most famous vineyards: Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot or Ruinart
- a 3-course-lunch
- tasting of 3 champagne throughout the day
Daily departure at 8 am from your hotel. Back at 8 pm to your hotel
Specialized chauffeur-guide
8:00 am: hotel pick up in Paris
2 pm: guided visit to Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral is the site where Clovis, the first Christian king of the Franks, was christened. It is also where the coronations of 25 kings of France, from Louis VIII in 1223 to Charles X in 1825 were held. This thirteenth-century gothic cathedral is a medieval religious jewel and a symbolic place for all European people. Indulge yourself and admire the breathtaking façade, lacy stonework, illuminated stained glass windows and be charmed by the famous “smiling angel” sculpture that welcomes you at the northern portico.
3.30pm: visit to the underground chalk cellar of one of Reims'most famous Champagne houses
Houses are the first champagne ambassadors both in France and in the whole world. Cultivate your knowledge about the history of champagne and how the most prestigious houses contributed throughout the ages to provide the exceptional quality of wines we enjoy today. You will be told about some of the traditional secrets of these famous vintners and thus, better understand the differences between the houses. An in-depth sampling of two different champagnes will deepen your knowledge and allow you to be able to “speak” more knowledgeably about champagne.
5:30 pm: departure for an arrival in Paris at around 8 pm
“Terroir,” a French word that loosely translated means “a sense of place.” Nowhere else could this be truer than in Champagne where the grapes are grown on land that has a unique quality. Champagne, by way of the grape, is a product that is extracted from the soil but is also intimately linked to the climate, vine and ultimately the human knowledge of the wine-grower. Your specialized guide will inform you about the vineyard, the champagne soil, the vines and the work that is done throughout the year. Here you will discover the different steps of champagne-making, learn why the geographical situation of the region is essential and how the talent and personality of the professional wine-grower results in each unique vintage.
From classic notions about wine-tasting, you will be more particularly initiated to the techniques applied for champagne-tasting. You will have the possibility to buy some champagne at the producer’s rates.
12:30 pm: lunch at the Brasserie Le Boulingrin, a historical brewery in Reims since 1925
From 160.00 € per person
- 06/02/2012 - 6 place(s)
- 07/02/2012 - 6 place(s)
- 08/02/2012 - 6 place(s)
Please wait ..