Unesco Champagne Experience from Epernay (Private full day tour)

The Cathedral of Reims, site of the coronation of the kings of France, a UNESCO site, is the essential first step of your stay in Champagne. A time to visit the Cathedral is planned after having given you all the secrets outside. We will pass to join it by the "Colline Saint-Nicaise", occupied by Champagne Houses (Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery...) which have exploited the chalk pits there since the end of the 18th century, also inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Another must-see Champagne UNESCO World Heritage Site that we will cross is the "Avenue de Champagne" in Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyard. It is considered 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 ! We will cross this Avenue for a good kilometer to explain the history of its superb mansions and production buildings belonging for centuries to the Champagne Houses Moët and Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger to name a few.

You will discover the historic hillsides of Aÿ-Champagne which are classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its famous Grand Cru vineyards. Do you know that the village of Aÿ-Champagne was the main center of the Champagne industry and still has a very special place ? The kings of France had their own presses there from the 16th century and the wines of Champagne were formerly called "Wines of Aÿ". You will discover the 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... You will taste the 3 famous Champagne spirits from the Goyard Distillery in Aÿ, which is the oldest Champagne Distillery founded in 1911 : Ratafia of Champagne, Fine of Marne, Marc of Champagne.

For lunch, we have selected for you Champagne and dining bars appreciated by the locals in order to share this convivial moment. * *Depending on the day of the tour, the lunch location may vary. On the menu, to accompany your Champagne (1 bottle per group of 2 persons) for example : gourmet platters of charcuterie and cheese with bread and salad, ready-made farm meals, pâtés, regional biscuits and coffee. When booking your tour, please inform us if you have food allergies or have any dietary requirements.

We will also pass through this 1st Cru village with its historic hillsides classified as well as World Heritage Site by Unesco and mainly planted with Pinot Noir. We will pass in front of the headquarters of more confidential Champagne Houses : Champagne Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat.

We will stop in the unmissable village of Hautvillers in its hillsides classified as World Heritage by UNESCO to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Champagne, in the vineyard exactly where Dom Pérignon conducted his experiments. 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 with explanations of the champagne production process, visit of their presse, winery and cellar. You will taste there, during a commented tasting, 3 different Champagnes mainly composed of Pinot Noir*. *depending on the season and availability, this visit/tastings may take place in a village of the "Côte des Blancs" or in Aÿ-Champagne.

Hautvillers is a historic village of the 'Vallée de la Marne" called the Cradle of Champagne and known for its history with the famous monk Dom Pérignon "Spiritual father of Champagne". We will visit the church where he officiated for 40 years and where he now rests forever. I will tell you his story and you will finally know whether or not he is the inventor of Champagne !

During the journey between Epernay and Reims, you will also discover the "Montagne de Reims" and its superb forest to cross to reach the famous vineyards near Epernay, the Capital of the Champagne vineyards.