The Hottest Experience in Champagne Right Now: Elaborate Dinners in UNESCO World Heritage Caves Beneath Millions of Aging Bottles On a Wine Tour From Paris

When you picture a Champagne house visit, you probably think of touring amazing gorgeous chalk cellars, sipping a flight of champagne cuvées on a champagne tasting tour, and maybe visiting a champagne museum. But in 2025, the Maisons are taking hospitality to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL and you guys you HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THIS!! I'm talking about meals inside the caves themselves!!!!! I have done this once with Champagne Mumm with my masters program in Reims and it was UNFORGETABLE, UNREAL A MUST MUST MUST!! 

Oui, Champagne Pommery, Champagne Ruinart, and even Champagne Moët & Chandon are offering opportunities to sit down for lunch or dinner in the heart of their historic UNESCO chalk crayères, surrounded by walls carved centuries ago, with Champagne flowing from the source. It’s gorgeous, so so so special, rare, and absolutely unforgettable. On one of our Tasty Side to Life Tours, private wine tasting tours to Reims we can now include these extraordinary dining experiences and we are so, so, so excited!!! So if you are looking for a 1 day wine tasting trip from Paris look no further!

At Champagne Pommery, their the “Gastronomic Visit” begins with a guided walk through the estate’s legendary crayères to understand how champagne is made. Here, art installations are mixed with ancient chalk and a champagne visit and were obsessed. Afterwards, you can sit down for a Champagne-paired meal at the house.

• Duration: ~3 hours

• Price: ~€145 per adult (Champagne included)

• The experience balances history, architecture, and cuisine — and the hush of the caves turns every sip and bite into something magical.

We can include this as part of your chauffeur-driven wine trip or Champagne day tour to Reims, combining Pommery’s art-filled caves with tastings at smaller grower estates for a balanced experience.

Champagne Ruinart — Dinners by Arnaud Donckele & the Immersive “Petit R”

Maison Ruinart has created some of the most exclusive dining experiences in the region and this house is TOP OF THE TOP! Ruinart is not too well known in the US but this is one of my favorite houses and a place not to miss!!

• The Ruinart Dinner by Arnaud Donckele: A five-course gastronomic dinner by a three-starred chef, paired with Ruinart’s finest cuvées, following a guided cellar tour. Price: €650 per person.

• Petit R Immersive Dinner: A 5-course journey blending visuals, history, and gastronomy, telling Ruinart’s story through food. Price: €500 per person.

• Weekend Lunches: A more relaxed option — four courses with Champagne pairing, around €140 per person. For me this is the perfect price point!

At Ruinart this is SO SPECIAL and sells out fast. Booking with us ensures your place on a private Champagne tour with chauffeur service to Reims, where you can pair Ruinart with boutique grower Champagne visits nearby.

Moët & Chandon — A Taste of Things to Come

Moët & Chandon has long led the way with cellar tours and tastings, and while their cave dining program is still emerging, there are whispers of private or high-end meals beginning to take place underground. For now, most guests can enjoy tastings paired with optional lunches nearby, but Moët’s size and history make it a house to watch as this cave-dining trend grows.

We can also include Moët’s legendary cellars and Avenue de Champagne tastings in Épernay on a chauffeur-driven Champagne day trip from Paris or Reims with Tasty Side to Life Tours.

Why Cave Dining Matters

For years, Champagne tours have focused on tastings, history, and vineyard tours. Adding meals in the caves changes everything: it’s immersive, it’s exclusive, and it transforms a Champagne visit into a full sensory journey. Imagine sitting thirty meters underground, candlelight bouncing off chalk walls, as a perfectly paired dish arrives with a glass of Champagne straight from the maison above.

Once again if you come on one of our private Champagne day tours with chauffeur service from Paris, we can design itineraries that weave these rare cave dining experiences together with boutique grower tastings, village strolls, and Michelin-starred meals in Reims and Épernay.

Plan Your Champagne Food & Wine Adventure

If dining in Champagne caves sounds like your kind of adventure, let us design a tour around it. At Tasty Side to Life Tours, our wine tasting trip from Paris includes not only the best tastings but also these extraordinary meals. From Michelin-starred dinners to rustic village lunches, we’ll make sure your journey through Champagne is unforgettable — in the glass, on the plate, and deep underground in the most magical dining rooms in the world. Can't wait to see you there!!

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/