The Must-sees 3h30 from Epernay (Private Half day Champagne Tour)

About this experience

Near Epernay, Capital of the Champagne vineyard, discover the most famous Grand Cru/Premier Cru vineyards and villages of the historic hillsides of Champagne listed as World Heritage Site by Unesco in the Marne Valley, predominantly planted with Pinot Noir. In Hautvillers, village called the “Cradle of Champagne”, guided tour of the church of Dom Pérignon and the vineyard. Discovery of the famous village and Grand cru vineyard of Aÿ-Champagne. Visit the production site of a family of independent producer/grower followed by a commented tasting of a selection of 3 Champagnes Grand Cru/Premier Cru, as well as the essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs during additional tastings. Pause at the most beautiful viewpoints of Champagne in the heart of the vineyards and gain more understanding of vineyard management.

What to expect

1. Stop 1

   Discover the famous "Avenue de Champagne" a must-see Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site in Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyard. This Avenue is considered as "the most expensive Avenue in the world" with its prestigious Champagne houses, its mansions and its 100 kilometers of cellars which hide 200 million bottles. A commented passage in Avenue de Champagne is planned to explain the history of its superb mansions and production buildings belonging for centuries to the Champagne Houses like Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc.

2. Stop 2 · 30min

   In Hautvillers, village called the “Cradle of Champagne”, enjoy a private tour of the Church where the grave of Dom Pérignon, known as the spiritual father of Champagne, is. We will tell you his story and you will finally know whether or not he is the inventor of Champagne !

3. Stop 3 · 1h 30min

   In Hautvillers, we will also stop in the historical hillsides of Champagne listed as Word Heritage Site by Unesco to enjoy the most magnificent panorama of Champagne overlooking the Marne Valley, the place where Dom Pérignon carried out his experiments in winemaking. It is the ideal place in the heart of the vineyards to take unforgettable photos of you and this breathtaking landscape. We will visit a family of independent producer/grower and give you explanations on the Champagne making process, visit to the press, winery and cellar. You will taste there, during a commented tasting, 3 different Champagnes Grand Cru/Premier Cru*. *depending on the season and availability, this visit/tastings may take place in a village of the "Côte des Blancs" or in Aÿ-Champagne.

4. Stop 4 · 1h

   You will also discover the famous village of Aÿ-Champagne, its hillsides listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its very famous Grand Cru vineyards. Do you know that the village of Aÿ-Champagne was the main center of the Champagne industry in the 16th century and still has a very special place ? The kings of France had their own presses there and the wines of Champagne were formerly called "Wines of Aÿ". You will discover a part of this historic village and its famous vineyard mainly planted with Pinot noir where we will tell you about the work of the vines, the grape varieties, this exceptional Terroir, sustainable viticulture... We will also stop in front of the headquarters of famous Champagne Houses of Aÿ such as Bollinger, Deutz, Ayala.. During the tour, in addition to the Champagnes, taste the 3 essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs : Ratafia, Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne from the Goyard Distillery which is the oldest in Champagne.

5. Stop 5 · 30min

   We will also pass through the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Marne Valley with its historic hillsides listed as well as World Heritage Site by Unesco and mainly planted with Pinot Noir. This is the village where more confidential Champagne Houses are located : Champagne Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat. We will stop in the heart of the vineyards to admire another amazing panoramic view at the viewpoint called "Mont du Gruguet". You will discover an exceptional panorama from where you will see both the famous "Côte des Blancs", Kingdom of Chardonnay Grand cru and the villages and vineyards of the Marne Valley on the historic hillsides of Champagne, where Champagne was born.

6. Stop 6

   We will also cross the small wine-growing village of Mutigny in the heart of the vineyards which is located above Aÿ-Champagne. A charming early 16th century church overlooks the vines.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• In front of Epernay train station (near city center).
• In front of the Epernay Tourist Office (near city center and Champagne Moet & Chandon).

End point

• In front of Epernay train station (near city center).
• In front of the Epernay Tourist Office (near city center and Champagne Moet & Chandon).

ENGLISH If you have any problems, please always contact the guide on the number we have given you by message. If you wish to contact him/her on the day of your visit, please use Whatsapp. Please note that the number on this voucher is not that of the guide, but that of the company manager : - Isabelle (owner of the tour company) : +33 6 20 33 21 44 - Office number : +33 6 11 67 69 32 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) FRANCAIS En cas de problème, merci de toujours joindre le numéro du guide que nous vous avons communiqué. Si vous souhaitez le/la contacter le jour de votre visite, merci d'utiliser de préférence Whatsapp. Attention, le numéro sur ce voucher n'est pas celui du guide, mais celui de la gérante de l'entreprise: - Isabelle (gérante) : +33 6 20 33 21 44 - Téléphone Bureau : +33 6 11 67 69 32 (Lundi au samedi, de 9h à 17h)

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.