France – Champagne
7 Days in Wine Country
Join me on a champagne tour of France to explore the history, countryside and cellars of this new UNESCO site!
Contact Alice at alice@ReggaeWines.com to create your customized package.
Day 1:
Arrive at Charles deGaulle Airport, Paris France, where you will be greeted by chauffeured transportation to Ay, a suburb of Epernay, considered the centre of the Champagne Region. The following day, we will visit Chateau Pierry, the 18th Century summer palace of Louis XV and Louis XVI, wander around Epernay and tour a major Champagne house founded in the 19th century. You will enjoy a customized tasting and then an authentic dinner representing the region.
Day 3:
We leave Ay and travel the Champagne route to Haut Villiers, and the abbaye de Saint Pierre, home of the Benedictine monk, Dom Perignon. It is said his work in wine-making led to the birth of Champagne in France. Perched on the side of a hill, the panoramic views of the village and the countryside are stunning.
Our drive will take us over hills, around vineyards and through centuries’ old villages, where every corner boasts a champagne house. We will stop for lunch and champagne on our way to Le Brun de Neuville, located in a amongst 153 hectares in Sezanne. After 150 years, the Le Brun family still holds the title of this vineyard, through the noble heiress to the castle of Bethon, Mme de Reviers.
Day 5:
We arrive in Les Riceys,at the very south of the Champagne region in the late afternoon, where you can explore
the countryside, vineyards and cellars, rest and sip on AOC Champagnes. This area is not well known but is indeed a gem and not to be missed!
Eventually, we leave for Reims by way of Troyes, known for its Tudor architecture and for shopping. You will enjoy wandering around this town, discovering its many nooks and crannies. Arriving in Reims, a free evening awaits you in this university city and centre of business for the Champagne industry.
On your last day, if you wish, a tour guide will highlight the history of this old city, from Joan of Arc’s contribution in th 15th century, to its near complete destruction during WWII, sitting on the front between Germany and the Allies.
Optional Paris tour available upon our return by high speed train.