An Exclusive Champagne Tour of France: The 100th Anniversary of the Champagne Trail

Arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, your private chauffeur will meet you and escort you from the outskirts of the bustling city to the calm and serene countryside. Capture scenes of rolling hills and rows of vines in contoured valleys as you travel to Reims, the Champagne capital. In Reims, the timeless elegance of Champagne flows alongside centuries-old architecture, where cobblestone streets lead to treasures like the resplendent Notre-Dame Cathedral. Settle into your luxury hotel and enjoy the chilled half-bottle of Krug in your suite.

Your private driver will transfer you to your first gourmet experience this evening, where an intimate dinner at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant awaits you. Listen to the rhythmic hum of soft conversation mixed with a faint clink of glasses and cutlery, notes of subtly smoked seared dishes or aromatic herbs carried in the air. Savor a symphony of flavors as you revel in the chef’s five-course signature menu. Find the delicate aroma of the ocean as you dine on firm yet tender wild turbot, or embrace the vibrant tang and citrusy perfume of a juicy grapefruit dessert. Each dish is perfectly paired with wines from the region and the ambiance exudes elegance.

After a sumptuous breakfast, meet your private driver and guide to embark on your journey through the enchanting Champenoise countryside. Take in the sights of gentle, undulating, and lush vineyards dotted with charming villages. Visit boutique wineries and, in a quiet and cozy tasting room, discover true craftsmanship as you savor a selection of Champagnes presented with an explanation of their characteristics, production methods, and the terroir that shaped them. Notes of citrus, brioche, or floral hints fill your nose while the crisp effervescence dances on your palate.

Embrace the opportunity to tour the illustrious Krug Champagne estate, where you will explore their historic cellars and sample some of their most prestigious cuvées. Experience flavors of honey and spice with the flagship Krug Grande Cuvée and notice hints of caramel and toasted almonds in your tasting of Krug Vintage. As evening falls, indulge in a sublime three-Michelin-starred dinner, where each course is complemented by a selection of the brand’s offerings, culminating in an unforgettable celebration of the region’s culinary and viticultural artistry. Delve into truffle-infused creations or dishes boasting silky sauces, bursts of umami, and subtle sweetness. Enjoy aromas of earthy mushrooms, fragrant herbs, or citrus.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back to the picturesque Champenoise countryside with your private driver and guide. Take in the charming atmosphere of the legendary Dom Pérignon cellars at Moët & Chandon, where you will descend into cool, vaulted chambers steeped in history and tradition. Named after a visionary Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon embodies centuries of Champagne tradition, with its roots in the monk's pioneering techniques that elevated winemaking to an art form in the Hautvillers Abbey. Indulge in exceptional tastings of rare Dom Pérignon vintages, among them the 2010 refined vintage, with notes of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. The delicate rosé enchants with its vibrant red berry aromas, subtle spices, and a graceful, silky texture.

Enjoy a three-course Michelin-starred lunch, where dishes are paired flawlessly with a white burgundy or chardonnay, and champagnes that enhance every flavor and texture. Savor pan-seared scallops with velvety Champagne beurre blanc, acknowledging aromatic hints of citrus and subtle floral undertones. End your meal with a delicate souffle, with bright, zesty lemon notes that balance sweetness and acidity, while aromas of freshly grated lemon zest and a hint of vanilla perfume the experience. Your afternoon entertainment comes in the form of a private sabrage demonstration, where you have the chance to partake in this theatrical and ceremonial art of opening a sparkling wine bottle with a sword. The evening is yours at leisure in Reims.

Optional:

An optional indulgence is on offer this afternoon by way of a refined Champagne and chocolate pairing session led by a knowledgeable sommelier. Pair a crisp Brut Nature Champagne with the subtle flavors of roasted coffee or cocoa in a silky dark grenache. Sip a sweet demi-sec boasting hints of honey and fruit with savory-infused chocolates whose hints of sea salt or spices elevate them to a sensory blend of sweetness, depth, and subtle warmth.

Your day begins with a private transfer into the heart of Reims, where you will explore the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand cathedral has been the historic coronation site of French kings since the baptism of Clovis in 496 AD. Admire its soaring 13th-century stained-glass windows and intricate stone facade, which is adorned by over 2,300 statues, including the famed Smiling Angel. Notice how the vaulted ceilings and serene chapels evoke centuries of royal tradition and spiritual grandeur, offering a glimpse into France’s rich heritage.

Spend some time in the world’s oldest Champagne house, Maison Ruinart, and celebrate the art and heritage of Champagne-making. This UNESCO treasure is crafted from local limestone and natural light filters softly through glass windows, illuminating contemporary artworks and elegant interiors. The eco-friendly pavilion features a sculpture garden and is nestled beside the historic cellars carved into chalk rock. The constant, cool temperature is perfect for aging Champagne. Feel the mineral-rich air against your skin and a profound silence interrupted only by the gentle echo of footsteps.

Taking time out from Champagne’s vineyard and winery explorations, you are invited to spend some me time as you indulge in a day of luxury relaxation and rejuvenation. Your day may start a little later, perhaps with a glass of bubbly and a morning facial treatment, a brilliant way to awaken your body and mind. Simply float in a heated pool with no timeline to observe or build up your appetite with a yoga class or gym session in a venue boasting incredible views.

Enjoy a tasty and healthy lunch before a full-body or hot-stone massage. With soft music and the opportunity to stay as long as you want, you may find yourself drifting off to sleep. Spend some time in the sauna, slowly letting any last bit of tension melt away, or take a wander around the magnificent grounds the luxury spas in Reims offer. In the evening, dine in style on expertly crafted cuisine served with a glass of wine or Champagne. Feel like royalty as you settle into your elegant suite at the end of a really laid-back day in the heart of the Champagne Trail.

Your private transfer today will reveal the gradual transition from the serene vineyards and rolling hills of the countryside to the iconic urban landscape of the French capital. Along the way, you may catch glimpses of charming villages which eventually give way to the prestigious neighborhoods and, finally, timeless monuments that define Paris’ skyline. Check into your luxury hotel and enjoy some time at leisure. This evening, your private driver will transfer you to the Seine’s right bank in time to board an elegant yacht to enjoy the world’s only Michelin-starred floating restaurant.

Your dining experience is a masterful celebration of French haute cuisine, featuring a beautifully crafted multi-course menu. Savor unique flavors and textures like anise-flavored fennel cream with crunchy roasted seeds, and enjoy the pop of caviar pearls as they release their rich, slightly buttery essence. Enjoy a harmonious balance of curry spices mingled with the delicate sweetness of crab meat topped with grapefruit zéphyr as you pair your meal with wines and Champagne.

Spend a full day in Paris with your private guide and chauffeur, with the opportunity to explore some of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems at your pace. Stroll through the enchanting Passage des Panoramas, a historic arcade filled with boutique shops and gourmet eateries. Discover the Square des Peupliers in the 13th arrondissement, known for its picturesque cobblestone square lined with ivy-clad houses and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit the Musée Nissim de Camondo, a lavish mansion showcasing exquisite 18th-century art and furniture. Keep an eye out for secret gardens or perhaps an artisan’s workshop, or immerse yourself in a touch of Parisian elegance and charm with an unexpected pop-in at an underground jazz club.

Conclude your day in true Parisian style with a private chef-led market tour. Feast your eyes on classic ingredients such as artisanal baguettes, creamy wheels of Camembert placed near a charcuterie of saucisson or pâté, and fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon. Notice the inviting sweet, toasty, and nutty aroma of freshly baked pastries and the delicate herbal notes of lavender and rosemary as you prepare to return to a private kitchen for an intimate cooking class. Master classic French dishes, savoring the fruits of your labor with exquisite wines.

Optional:

Elevate your experience with a personalized shopping guide who will walk you through Paris’s finest boutiques and ateliers on the glamorous Avenue Montaigne and Rue Saint-Honoré. Discover timeless Parisian chic in handcrafted leather goods, haute couture, fine jewelry, and unique artisanal pieces in softly lit spaces.

Today sees the end of your celebration of Champagne, as well as the magnificent wineries and estates found along the Champagne Trail. Before your private transfer greets you at the hotel, you can relax in a corner café, sipping coffee and savoring a traditional French pastry. Your celebration of the region’s 100th anniversary has given you delectable gourmet cuisine and beautiful flights of wine and bubbles for an unforgettable exclusive trip. Your private driver will escort you to Charles de Gaulle Airport in time for your onward flight, bringing an end to your time in France.