France: Champagne
The Region
Champagne was home to Dom Perignon, the 17th century monk and monastery cellar master who is credited with being the first to leave the second sugar to alcohol fermentation by-product carbon dioxide in the bottle. That’s where the bubbles come from! Champagne is a geographic region with appellation designation so only wine made in Champagne region can be called champagne!
You won’t want to miss the sacred town of Reim where most of the French Kings were crowned at Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims or the Roman-era city Troyes whose city center is the shape of a champagne cork! It is also home of the world-champion chocolate maker, Pascal Caffet! L’ Avenue de Champagne in Epernay derives its name and came from the millions of bottles of champagne stored in chalk cellars beneath it.
Champagne Houses
You may visit a mix of big names and superb small independent producers such as: Ruinart, Veuve Cliquot, Geoffroy, Drappier, Autreau de Champillon,Taittinger, Henriot, Moet & Chandon, Lanson, Demoiselle and Pommery.
Accommodation
Hotel l’Assiette Champenoise, in Reims, offers “refined luxury and gourmet indulgence”. Or you may want to upgrade to Hotel Les Crayeres, the top-rated hotel in the region, and one of the best in France. Its Michelin-starred restaurant is famous worldwide. There is no better place to stay!
Suggested Tours
5-Star Deluxe Paris, Champagne & Chablis 7 Nights, 8 Days
Inclusions
- Transfers – from and to airports/hotels
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- 8 days chauffeur & bi-lingual expert wine guide with local history and insider commentary.
- 8 days private car, SUV or van for transport including fuel
- 7 breakfasts
- 2 lunches: 1 at a champagne house; 1 at a Michelin Star restaurant
- 4 dinners including 2 with Michelin Star status
- 2 tours: A ½ day Private tour of Louvre and the same for Reims
- 1 artisan visit – chocolate & pastry maker
- 1 Lido or Moulin Rouge Dinner Show
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Meals and wine not stated as included.
- Personal items: tips, taxes, laundry /dry cleaning, and liquor not stated as included.
Pricing
Price Per Person $7,729.00 double occupancy… but can be as low as $6,449.00 per person with 6 people (e.g. 3 couples) traveling together.
The Fine Print
Prices are per person double occupancy and subject to change due to currency fluctuations until offer purchased.
N.B. Restaurants, Hotels and Winery Owner/Wine Consultant Lunches may change based on availability of seats, rooms, or individuals. Substitutes will be of equal or greater value and interest.
5-Star Champagne: 3 Nights, 4 Days
Inclusions
- 4 days/3 Nights hotel in shared double/twin room and local taxes
- 4 days bilingual, wine expert driver- guide with local history and insider commentary.
- 4 days use of car, SUV or van and fuel.
- 3 breakfasts
- 1 tasting lunch at a champagne producer
- 1 gourmet dinner at your hotel (wine not included)
- 4 Champagne House visits and all ‘Bubbly’ tasting fees
- One Artisan visit
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Meals and wine not stated as included.
- Personal items: tips, taxes, laundry /dry cleaning, and liquor not stated as included.
Pricing
Price Per Person $3,469.00 double occupancy… but can be as low as $2,489.00 per person with 6 people (e.g. 3 couples) traveling together.
The Fine Print
Prices are per person double occupancy and subject to change due to currency fluctuations until offer purchased.
N.B. Restaurants, Hotels and Winery Owner/Wine Consultant Lunches may change based on availability of seats, rooms, or individuals. Substitutes will be of equal or greater value and interest.