Champagne & Paris

Reims & Champagne Tradition

The morning is yours to relax and enjoy a leisurely start to the day. Around mid-day, meet with your personal guide and set out to discover The city of Reims – which French people pronounce “ranse”(not exactly though but that is as close as we can get) – has a very rich history. During the Roman Empire, it was a powerful town called Durocortorum and stood as the Capital of the Gallia-Belgica province. At the end of the fifth century, Clovis decided to convert to Christianity in Reims. Clovis’s baptism established the link between the French monarchy and the Church. In memory of this event, 33 French kings came back to Reims to get crowned in the “City of Coronations”.

These coronation ceremonies required a proper venue that could met their royal prestige. Hence, the beautiful Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral – a Gothic piece of art – was built from the end of 13thcentury. You will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, a must see for anyone that comes to the Champagne area. Let yourself be self-guided along the alleys of this outstanding church. You will learn more about the royal history of Reims into the Palais du Tau – the former archbishop’s palace, where the kings stayed before their crowning is now a beautiful museum.

A visit and tasting today will be arranged in a Champagne House for a tour of the cellar and tasting of their prestigious wines. We consider Taittinger and Ruinart among the most worthwhile for a day like this!

Please note that final domain may change according to availability.

Boutique Champagne Discovery

This morning you will be met by your guide, a specialist of the Champagne region, and depart for a full day of exquisite tastings.

Before diving into the bubbly, enjoy a commented tour through the Champagne Scenic Road and discover the Premier Cru and Grand Cru villages that are part of the Montagne de Reims area. Admire the hillsides of the Champagne vineyards –recently listed on UNESCO World Heritage - and discover the most important treasure of the region: the grapes.

Next, your guide will bring you to the domain of a top-range boutique Champagne producer such as La Maison Penet, located in the Grand Cru village of Verzy. The estate produces qualitative cuvées, from the grapes of their prestigious vineyards of Verzy and Verzenay. Visiting their vineyards and their cellars, you will understand the specificities of this unique producer before enjoying a tasting of their range.

Alternatively you may visit Ployez Jacquemart, a charming boutique Champagne House is settled in Ludes – a Premier Cru village of the Montagne de Reims area. As the cellar master, Mrs Laurence Ployez pays particular attention to the elaboration of her top range Extra Brut Champagnes. Enjoy a tasting as well as having a tour of the property to discover their old press and their impressive cellars.

Enjoy lunch today at a traditional or Michelin-starred restaurant (to be paid directly).

After lunch, take a stroll down the Avenue de Champagne, located in the heart of Epernay which is internationally known as the "Capital of Champagne". Epernay’s stunning main street appears like an exhibition of opulent mansions housing the most illustrious Maisons de Champagne: Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouet, Mercier, etc. Not to mention the 100km of tunnels under the pavement!

This afternoon you will be welcomed for a tasting at two Premier Cru or Grand Cru estates such as Mailly Grand Cru, Michel Gonet, Gaston Chiquet or Voirin Jumel.

Please note that final domain may change according to availability.

Moët & Chandon Tasting

Make your way to Moët & Chandon Champagne house in Epernay for a shared tour and prestige tasting. You will be invited to visit the wine cellars, the largest in the Champagne region. Discover endless underground galleries, filled with history, and round off your visit with a tasting of champagne! Founded in 1743 by Claude Möet. its history is linked to some famous figures such as The Marquise de Pompadour and Napoleon 1st. This Champagne has also featured in many important historical events among which King Edwards VII’s coronation, Cannes Film Festival, the 120th anniversary of the Liberty Statue, etc…It is nowadays the most famous Champagne brand around the world.
Note: a private tour can be arranged for a supplement

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you the train station to catch your connecting train

Rail Journey - Reims to Paris
Comfort Class Tickets

Welcome to Paris! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Dinner Cruise on the Seine

Discover Paris as you've never seen it, cruising along the Seine River on a stunning glass-canopy boat whilst savoring a traditional French three-course dinner. The glass ceiling boat offers the best panoramic views of the iconic monuments of Paris, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay, and many more. On this two-and-a-half-hour, slow cruise along the world's most beautiful river route and enjoy the light show that is Paris in the evening from your window table.

Paris

Paris attracts so many visitors as it is a world capital known for its cultural and historic richness, as well as its famous monuments. The city is made up of various districts, or 'quarters', which offer a unique environment to suit everyone. You can stroll and wander along to discover the beauty and charm of these neighbourhoods. Amongst them: The Grand Avenue des Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe; the tranquility of the Seine's quays; the 'ile de la Cité' where the Notre Dame Cathedral stands; Montmartre dominated by the Basilique of Sacré Coeur, not forgetting the incomparable monuments that are the Eiffel Tower, the Garnier Opera, the Bastille Opera, the Louvre and Orsay museums, the lively districts of Montparnasse or the Latin Quarter, the latter being home to the famous Sorbonne University.

Paris at your Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Paris at your own pace. Perhaps set out on a shopping spree at the famous Galleries Lafayette, visit the Trocadero or Luxembourg Gardens, or peruse one of the renowned museums of Paris. We would be happy to arrange skip-the-tickets to the Louvre, if of interest.

Dinner & Show at the Moulin Rouge

Close to Montmartre in the popular Pigalle area, the Moulin Rouge has been a staple of the Parisian nightlife since 1889. Enjoy a French inspired dinner with a bottle of champagne and accompanied by the Moulin Rouge orchestra. At 9.00 pm it is time for the Revue “Féerie” - 2 hours of world class entertainment with a troupe of 80 artists including the magnificent Doris Girls performing the world famous French Cancan, 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins made in the most famous Parisian workshops and outstanding international acts that will leave you with unforgettable memories of an exceptional evening in Paris.

Day at Leisure in Paris

Enjoy another day at leisure to discover this city at your own accord. Visit museums you know and love, or explore those that may be new to you. Wander the markets and boutique in Le Marais and admire the iconic Haussman architecture of Paris streets. With its boulevards and bohemians, Paris lives up to its reputation as headquarters for the intellectually curious.

Dinner Reservation at l'Oiseau Blanc

A dinner reservation has been made for you this evening at l'Oiseau Blanc

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.