A Perfect 1 Day Wine Tasting Trip in France to Reims, the Capital of France’s Champagne Region!!

You guys, are you coming to Champagne this summer? It is a must and summer 2026 is just starting!! As I am planning my own summer travels I'm wondering why can't all of Europe be $60/ night B&B's along a river with breakfast included like we do in champagne. We love this one https://www.chambresdhotes.org/english/Detailed/937437.html talk to Ennio and Renaud's here: Chambres D'Hotes Cumieres Renaud.

Champagne, just 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed train, is one of the BEST destinations for travelers looking for a quick 1 day wine tasting tour from Paris! Were talking about luxury champagne tastings, guided champagne tours, small group champagne tours, and people seeking world-class champagne, French heritage, and elegant gastronomy. With Tasty Side To Life Tours, guests can enjoy a seamless and refined day discovering the heart of Champagne.

To start with us doing the best Champagne Tour in Reims, the perfect morning begins with a private transfer from the Reims or Champagne Ardenne station or local B&B or hotel, followed by a guided tour of one of Champagne’s most legendary houses, renowned for its historic cellars, remarkable heritage, and internationally acclaimed cuvées: either the iconic  Maison Veuve Clicquot, the prestigious Maison Ruinart or an alternative experience at Champagne Taittinger, where visitors discover historic underground caves and craftsmanship behind some of Champagne’s most admired labels. If it was our preference it would be Ruinart hands down 1000%. Please don't miss a visit to Ruinart on a champagne tour with us! Make sure to book early.

Afterwards, guests can explore the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral. In my opinion this is more gorgeous than the Paris Notre Dame Cathedral!! This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its breathtaking Gothic architecture, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows. The stained glass is so gorg!!! It's my favorite part. Known as the traditional coronation place of the Kings of France, the cathedral offers visitors a unique journey through French history and remains one of the most impressive monuments in the Champagne region. Also seeing the bullet holes from WWI is amazing and something you will never forget. On a private champagne tour with us and a 1 day trip to champagne please dont miss the Cathedral! We can squeeze it in during 30 mins prior to a visit to Ruinart, Veuve, Pommery or a lunch at Les Crayeres, its all 15 minutes apart!!

For lunch, Reims offers several incredible Michelin-level dining experiences where gastronomy and champagne pairings take center stage!!! Guests may choose elegant seasonal cuisine at Arbane, refined dining at Le Foch, or contemporary creativity at Racine, each offering the opportunity to discover how great dishes can be elevated by carefully selected champagnes. For those wishing to explore beyond Reims, Les Avisés in Avize is a remarkable destination in the Côte des Blancs, celebrated for its intimate atmosphere, estate-driven cuisine, and outstanding Champagne pairings linked to the Selosse family domaine. We love love love Avises and you have to have a bottle of Selosse during lunch! In nearby Vinay, La Briqueterie’s Michelin-recognized restaurant Alcôve offers an elegant countryside setting surrounded by vineyards, ideal for a refined lunch or dinner after cellar visits near Épernay. Of course there is Les Crayeres which is one of our top restaurants as well and really you can't leave the region without eating there!

In the afternoon with us on a 1 day wine tasting tour from Paris, the journey continues with a more intimate exploration of Champagne through visits to outstanding family-owned producers. You can come with us to wine taste with Champagne Bernard Pertois in the Côte des Blancs, celebrated for elegant Chardonnay-focused cuvées, Champagne Bliard-Labeste for its artisanal spirit and expressive wines, Champagne Alexandre Filaine for distinctive grower champagnes prized by enthusiasts, or Champagne Le Gallais, beautifully located in the Marne Valley with stunning vineyard views. These boutique visits offer a privileged opportunity to meet passionate producers and experience the authentic craftsmanship behind Champagne. We love these stops b/c you can test up to 3 cuvees and visit some of the best of the best 19,000 growers in the region! My fav way to do it is to taste a Pinot heavy champagne, a 100% Meunier champagne and a 100% Chardonnay champagne! 

During cellar visits, you can also enjoy curated tasting experiences designed to showcase the art of food and champagne pairing, from delicate Blanc de Blancs served with seafood to richer Pinot Noir blends matched with fine cheeses or gourmet bites. These experiences reveal the remarkable versatility of Champagne throughout a meal.

Like we said earlier, if you're interested in exploring more of Reims’ rich heritage, a visit to the Basilica of Saint-Remi is a wonderful addition to the day and just 5 mins from the Cathedral. This remarkable UNESCO-listed monument, known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, offers a peaceful and elegant setting while showcasing centuries of French history. It is an ideal cultural stop for travelers who wish to combine champagne experiences with the historic soul of Reims.

For our clients wishing to stay overnight, Reims offers a selection of elegant accommodations perfectly suited to a luxury Champagne getaway. Domaine Les Crayères is one of the most prestigious addresses in the region, set within a magnificent château surrounded by landscaped gardens and renowned for its refined service, timeless atmosphere, and exceptional gastronomy. We just stayed there and are OBSESSED!!! For those who prefer a charming city-center stay, Grand Hôtel des Templiers offers classic French elegance, a warm boutique ambiance, and convenient access to Reims’ main attractions, restaurants, and champagne houses. Both properties provide an ideal base for extending the Champagne experience in comfort and style. We also LOVE La Briquterie, Royal Champagne, Loisium Hotel Champagne and then B&B's I listed earlier or in French its a Chambre D'hotes!

Those returning to Paris can easily board an evening high-speed train at Champagne Ardenne Station or Reims station (we recommend the TGV or fast train) and be back in the capital in under an hour, making Reims one of Europe’s most effortless luxury 1 day wine tasting trips!.

For travelers searching for the best Reims Champagne tours, private Champagne tastings, luxury Reims day trips, or exclusive vineyard experiences from Paris, Tasty Side To Life Tours is the Best of the Best and most unforgettable way to discover Champagne!!

👉Plan your unforgettable experience today: https://www.tastysidetolifetours.com

Champagne in 2026: Why Reims Is The Top Destination for Champagne Tours

Despite a more cautious global economic climate, champagne continues to confirm its position as the ultimate symbol of luxury, elegance, and celebration. In 2025, more than 266 million bottles were shipped worldwide, reinforcing the strength of the region and the lasting demand for wines from Champagne.

The United States remains the number one export market, with over 26.4 million bottles shipped last year. This continued success highlights the worldwide appeal of both prestigious maisons and independent producers from the Champagne region.

In Reims, this momentum is especially visible. Visitors from around the world are no longer seeking only a tasting—they want a complete and memorable experience that blends gastronomy, heritage, and discovery. This growing demand has made champagne tours Reims and Reims wine tours more popular than ever.

From exploring legendary cellars to visiting world-famous estates, travelers are increasingly booking guided champagne tours Reims, small group champagne tours, and exclusive private champagne tours Reims to experience the region in a more authentic way.

For those looking for one of the best champagne tours in Reims, Tasty Side to Life Tours offers tailor-made experiences through the vineyards, villages, and iconic houses of Champagne. Whether you are interested in a luxury champagne tour Reims, a Reims champagne houses tour at Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, or unforgettable Champagne tasting Reims, their curated journeys provide the perfect way to discover the heart of the region.

Ideal for visitors planning day trips Champagne France, exploring nearby Épernay, with Épernay champagne tours, or seeking premium Champagne region tours France, Tasty Side to Life Tours creates memorable moments in one of the world’s most celebrated wine destinations.

👉 Plan your unforgettable experience today: https://www.tastysidetolifetours.com

Best Restaurants in Reims and Nearby Champagne Villages to Visit During a Champagne Day Trip from Paris!

 

Best Restaurants in Reims, France and Nearby Champagne Villages to Pair With Your Champagne Day Trip with us!

When travelers dream of a chauffeur driven day trip to Champagne like the one's we organize at Tasty Side To Life Tours, they usually picture golden glasses of bubbly clinking in UNESCO candlelit caves. But ask anyone who’s been here recently, and they’ll tell you that the food scene in Reims and the surrounding villages is just as memorable as the bubbles and the best part is the food is affordable!!! You can eat a Michelin star meal at Chateau Les Crayeres with four courses for 120€ which is a STEAL and what I love, love, love about the region! It is starter, main cheese and dessert with many pre and after courses so instead of 3 courses its like 6-7! Wine pairing is an additional 65€ and SO WORTH IT! This is only Wed-Friday and lunch only but still! You must experience this.

A Champagne tour isn’t complete without a long two hour mandatory lunch, a cozy bistro dinner, or a modern tasting menu that impresses you with every course. And the best part of france in my opinion is the cheese cart they wheel up for pre dessert! It's a selection of 50 cheeses and you could try a little piece of each if you'd like!

Over the years of leading Tasty Side To Life Tours and guiding guests on chauffeur driven private tours through Reims, Épernay, and the rolling surrounding gorgeous villages beyond, we’ve discovered restaurants that truly capture the spirit of Champagne and are the best of the best. These are the places we love to share with travelers who book a tour with us, because they combine what the region does best: exceptional wine, seasonal produce, and a deep respect for tradition.

Reims:

L’Assiette Champenoise — This Michelin-starred restaurant is often at the top of every list, and for good reason. Chef Arnaud Lallement crafts dishes that are both luxurious and welcoming, with a cellar that highlights Champagne pairings better than anywhere in the world. If you want to celebrate a special occasion in Reims, this is the place.

Les Crayeres Le Parc and Le Jardin— Set in a fairy-tale château surrounded by lush gardens, Le Parc delivers a dining experience as refined as the Champagnes on its list. Guests love starting with a glass on the terrace before heading into the grand dining room. It’s everything you imagine when you picture French fine dining. If you want something more casual than Le Jardin is perfect, its their GORGEOUS bistro!

Racine — A creative blend of Japanese precision and French flavors, Racine has become a favorite among food lovers seeking something unexpected. Tucked into a quiet Reims street, it offers an intimate setting where each plate feels like an art piece.

Local Favorites and Bistro Charm

Café du Palais — For a more casual experience, Café du Palais is a Reims institution. With colorful stained glass and eclectic décor, it’s the perfect spot for lunch between cellar visits. The menu is straightforward, hearty, and paired beautifully with a glass of Champagne. A must is the table side beef tartare

La Grande Georgette — Located near the Cathedral, this modern brasserie balances tradition with a youthful energy. It’s one of those places that feels both polished and relaxed, making it a great stop on a day of sightseeing. This is the hottest restaurant of the moment

Le Bocal — If seafood calls your name, Le Bocal (part fish market, part restaurant) is the spot. Order oysters, a bottle of Champagne, and let the afternoon drift by. We LOVE seafood and LOVE this seafood counter. Even better if you visit on a Saturday and pair this with the HUGE Reims farmers market

Beyond Reims: Dining in Champagne Villages

When we design custom Champagne tours, we often take guests beyond Reims to villages like Hautvillers, Rilly-la-Montagne, and Épernay. Here you’ll find hidden gems, small family-run restaurants where you might be the only visitor among locals. The best part of being in the villages is that you are 15-30 minutes from Reims and you are SURROUNDED by vines! These meals are often the ones our clients remember most: rustic dishes, friendly service, and plenty of grower Champagne flowing at the table.

Chez Max (Magenta / near Épernay) — A family-run restaurant dating back to 1946, Chez Max offers a warm and convivial setting. Expect regional specialties like pink Champagne lentils, escargots, sole meunière, or a perfectly prepared steak tartare, all paired effortlessly with local bubbles. This is very close to Epernay so just a 10 minute drive to tasting at Champagne Moet et Chandon on our private chauffeur driven tour.

La Briqueterie (Vinay) — Set within a charming country hotel, La Briqueterie is known for its two restaurants: the refined Alcôve and a more relaxed bistrot. Seasonal menus highlight Champagne terroir, and the elegant dining room makes it an ideal stop for a leisurely gourmet meal in the countryside. We LOVE this countryside hamlet and bring people here often!!

Le Grand Cerf (Montchenot, near Reims) — A Michelin-starred gem in the Champagne countryside, Le Grand Cerf offers refined, creative French cuisine in an elegant yet intimate setting. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a gastronomic experience outside the bustle of Reims. We go here A LOT with our clients on private chauffeur driven tours around Reims. This is in between Reims and Eperany and we LOVE LOVE LOVE. It's Michelin star as well and very affordable. 

Les Avisés (Avize) — Located at Jacques Selosse’s estate in Avize, Les Avisés combines refined modern cuisine with one of the most impressive grower Champagne lists in the region. Guests love the understated luxury and the thoughtful pairings that showcase some of Champagne’s finest terroirs. This is the best of the best small bistro, and the most famous champagne grower. This is a must visit! You can also stay here when on a chauffeur driven private tour with us, a more bonus!

La Cave à Champagne (Épernay) — A cozy, traditional spot in the heart of Épernay, La Cave à Champagne offers classic French dishes in a warm setting. It’s especially popular for hearty lunches or dinners after cellar tours, with a wine list heavy on local growers. We LOVE this for traditional food or even Au 36 for a wine bar in Hautvillers. Its the best to eat regional dishes only when in champagne!

The Sacré Burger (Épernay) — A playful, modern concept near the Avenue de Champagne, Sacré Burger serves gourmet burgers crafted with French ingredients and paired with — you guessed it — a glass of Champagne. It’s casual, fun, and a refreshing twist after a day of tastings. This is our friends husbands restaurant and its a fabulous French burger! Great if you have kids too, they will LOVE. 

Prise de Mousse (Rilly-la-Montagne) — A local favorite in Rilly, Prise de Mousse charms guests with a menu that balances French tradition and creativity. Its intimate village setting makes it a great stop for those wanting to discover Champagne beyond the main cities.

Le Bacchus (Rilly-la-Montagne) — Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Le Bacchus offers rustic French cooking and generous portions. It’s the kind of place where you linger over a carafe of wine or a bottle of grower Champagne with the locals.

La Table du Petit Bonhomme (Rilly-la-Montagne) — A cozy bistro that feels like dining in a friend’s home. The cooking is hearty and unpretentious, and the atmosphere is friendly, giving guests a true sense of village life.

Château de Rilly (Rilly-la-Montagne) — Set within a restored 18th-century château, this restaurant offers elegant fine dining paired with estate wines and Champagnes. The picturesque gardens and refined service make it a destination meal during a tour. Gorgeous place to stay as well!

Le Relais de Sillery (Sillery) — A traditional French restaurant with a reputation for excellent fish and seafood, Le Relais de Sillery is a hidden gem in a quiet Champagne village. It’s a relaxed stop where local cuisine shines alongside regional wines.

Why Great Restaurants Belong in Your Champagne Tour

Wine and food go hand-in-hand. Visiting Champagne without experiencing its restaurants is like tasting only half the story. By weaving in these dining experiences, your tour becomes not just about what’s in your glass, but also about the flavors on your plate, the people behind them, and the way Champagne is meant to be enjoyed: together, around a table. Also most houses take a break from 12pm-2pm so you must stop as well and why not do it with amazing food paired with champagne? 

At Tasty Side to Life Tours, we design Champagne itineraries that balance cellar visits, village exploration, and restaurant experiences tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re dreaming of Michelin stars or cozy bistros, we’ll make sure your journey through Champagne is unforgettable.

Plan Your Champagne Food & Wine Adventure

If dining your way through Reims and Champagne sounds like your kind of trip, we’d love to help. Reach out to us to create a custom Champagne tour that includes not only the best bubbles, but also the meals that bring this incredible and gorgeous region to life at tastysidetolifetours@gmail.com or https://www.tastysidetolifetours.com/

Champagne Tour from Reims- A Day Trip Itinerary to Champagne Moët, Champagne Growers & The Best of the Best Hidden Gems

We Are Back to Blogging! Kicking Off Early Summer 2025 with Our Favorite Champagne Day Tour from Reims!!

It has been a while since we last posted! We've been busy living life—still shipping grower Champagne around the world and giving private tours to both iconic and boutique Champagne producers. We’ve also recently hosted tours in Napa, Spain, and other beautiful wine regions.

If you’re in Paris now (or heading there soon), the real question is: are you ready for the best part of your entire trip to France??? I mean really... it will be! A Champagne tour is the perfect day trip from Paris! Reims is just a 38-minute train ride away, and with France’s high-speed trains being so fast, clean, and easy, this is one experience you won’t want to miss. In truly 38 mins you can get out of the city and into drinking champagne all day, I mean?!?

Whether you're planning a short luxury day tour from Paris or open to staying overnight in the Champagne region, our private tours—with your own chauffeur—are really the perfect balance of legendary Champagne houses and unforgettable grower boutique tastings. From iconic cellars to hidden gems, we design fully customized itineraries tailored to your pace, style, and interests. Email us to customize your tour here! 

Still on the fence? Contact us to book your Reims Champagne tour and enjoy the best of the best champagne tastings at houses like Champagne Moët & Chandon, Champagne Pommery, Champagne Ruinart, etc, etc. We’ll also take you off the beaten path to the best family-run producers like Champagne Forget-Chemin, which is truly the heart and soul of the region plus scenic stops in historic Hautvillers—all with a private driver to guide your day. We’re absolutely OBSESSED with what we do and can’t wait to welcome you to the most beautiful region in France!!!

A Perfect Day in Champagne: Our Favorite, Favorite, Favorite Reims Wine Tour Itinerary

If you're dreaming of the ultimate day trip from Paris around Reims/ Epernay, this is one of our favorite itineraries—and for good reason! Featuring world-class Champagne houses, charming picturesque vineyard villages, unforgettable meals, and tasting, after tasting, after tasting, this tour delivers the perfect mix of luxury, culture, and indulgence in the heart of France’s most iconic wine region!!

 10:00 AM – Reims Local Pickup or Champagne Ardenne/ Reims pickup with train from Paris

Our day begins with a convenient pickup at your Reims Airbnb, local hotel like the stunning Les Crayeres, Royal Champagne, B&B Le Chen Plat  (the BEST B&B on a river in Champagne around Reims) or pickup at the Train station (either Reims Gare or Champagne Ardenne Gare) coming in 38 minutes from Paris. No need to worry about navigating, just sit back and enjoy the rolling vineyard views as you head toward your first destination.

Les Crayeres- a must hotel stay. Oui to whipped chocolate butter on toast for breakfast!

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10:30 AM – Grower Champagne Tasting at Thierry Forget (Champagne Forget-Chemin)
The day kicks off with an intimate tasting and tour at Champagne Forget-Chemin, a boutique grower in the Montagne de Reims ie the land of Pinot Noir! This is the structured powerful champagnes that are a must visit. Led by fourth-generation winemaker Thierry Forget, this visit offers an authentic look into family-run Champagne production and Thierry is just the best host, the nicest man and filled with so much passion for what his family does! I mean can you imagine your life's work being running a vineyard and making champagne? Talk about a dream. Here you'll explore estate vineyards, learn about traditional methods, and taste refined cuvées—Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs, and Rosé—that highlight Pinot Noir and Meunier. It’s a masterclass in craftsmanship and terroir, far from the crowds of commercial houses and you will taste 3 glasses or his master work.

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12:30 PM – Michelin-Starred Lunch at Le Grand Cerf
After your first champagne tasting with the fab boutique grower, it’s time to indulge in a gourmet lunch at Le Grand Cerf, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its seasonal French cuisine. This place is the BEST! It's on the road to Eperany, so like 15 minutes out and just so special, so memorable, so perfect. The setting is elegant yet welcoming, and the food—paired with a curated wine list—is the kind of experience that makes Champagne dining truly special. Here we say spurge and try a bottle of Champagne Jacques Selosse or a red wine Cote de Champenoise which is the only place you will try Champenoise red wine!

 

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2:45 PM – Scenic Stop in Hautvillers
Next, we head to the picturesque village of Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne. There is nothing like getting out of the big cities and dropping into the vines. It truly takes your breath away. You'll visit the Dom Pérignon church and enjoy panoramic vineyard views where you can take some photos. This is really a perfect moment for photos and a little fresh air before your next tasting.

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 3:50 PM – Moët & Chandon Tour in Épernay
No Champagne itinerary is complete without a visit to Champagne Moët & Chandon to tour their ancient UNESCO Heritage site caves. This legendary house, founded in 1743, is one of the most recognized names in champagne. You'll tour their extensive cellars and enjoy a tasting of their flagship cuvée, Moët Impérial. It's a luxurious, immersive experience that connects tradition with glamour. Remember to bring a coat as it is 55f in the caves but this is a must to experience the world where over 300 million bottles of champagne are aging! 

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 6:00 PM – Sunset Glass at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Before heading back to Reims, we stop at the stunning Royal Champagne Hotel for a glass of wine with one of the best views in the region. Perched above the vineyards, this location offers a perfect moment of serenity and reflection.

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 7:00 PM – Return to Reims
Your day ends with drop-off back at your Airbnb in Reims, Hotel Les Crayeres or the Train station. After a full day of Champagne tasting with a private chauffeur, a day of  culture, and cuisine, you’ll return after having had one of the most memorable days of your life—and maybe just a little tipsy.

Ready to book your private Champagne tour from Reims?

Let us help you create an unforgettable experience through the heart of France’s most celebrated wine region. Contact us to customize your itinerary today! Tastysidetolifetours@gmail.com