Aÿ-Champagne

Experience Aÿ-Champagne during a tour, tasting, and lunch experience at a typical Champagne house in the middle of the Le Clos Corbier Champagne vineyards. See cellars dug in the 1850s and a traditional press. Learn the secrets of the Champagne-making process. Arrive at the winery and take a seat and enjoy your tasting class with a Champagne quiz. Train your nose to identify different aromas and flavors that can be found in Champagne through an olfactory workshop. Get competitive as you blindly identify 3 different champagnes from various small wineries, all while eating local snacks. Next, immerse yourself in the French lifestyle with a casual lunch of homemade regional specialties like pâté en croute (meat-filled pastry), Langres cheese, or pink biscuit cake paired with a variety of champagnes. Continue your tastings with the local red wine, Côteaux Champenois, and the regional liquor known as Ratafia. End your Champagne experience after lunch in the early afternoon.

Be welcomed in Mareuil-sur-Ay at a typical Champagne House in the middle of Champagne vineyards (Le Clos Corbier). During the visit to the cellars dug in the 1850s, you will start with the discovery of a traditional press and learn all about the secrets of the champagne making process. Take a seat and enjoy your tasting class with a champagne quiz, then train your nose to identify the different aromas and flavors that can be found in Champagne through an olfactory workshop. Get competitive as you blindly identify 3 different Champagnes from the family, including one Grand Cru Vintage. You will enjoy some local sweet treats and finger food paired with your champagnes! (It can be adapted to allergies or specific diets)

Option Pick-Up 1: Pick-up from Reims at 9:00 am in front of the Reims Centre train station tourist office (https://maps.app.goo.gl/tDwpQpJ57NGghT2i8). For train arrivals, exit via the REIMS CENTER. Drive towards Epernay, the capital of Champagne, to discover the region and its unique terroir. Option Pick-Up 2: Pick-up from Epernay at 9:35 am in front of the Epernay Tourist Office (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bc4HZiv3J8tuqRa49). Pass the famous Avenue de Champagne, lined with prestigious Champagne Houses. Option Pick-Up 3: Pick-up from Mareuil-sur-Ay at 9:45 am at Le Clos Corbier (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9vvchofvBDXjKWEF9). Minivan service is not included for this location. Arrive at Le Clos Corbier, where e-bikes will be ready for your Champagne countryside adventure. Ride through Premier and Grand Cru villages to reach some of Champagne’s most beautiful and remote locations. Enjoy breathtaking views of UNESCO-listed vineyards, then visit Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne. Here, you’ll see the church where Dom Pérignon is buried. Please note: No alcohol will be consumed during the bike tour itself, as drinking is prohibited while cycling. Upon your return to Le Clos Corbier, you’ll enjoy a cellar visit, champagne tasting, and an introduction to the champagne-making process. Enjoy a traditional French lunch featuring local specialties like cheese puffs, paté-croute, quiche, and Reims pink biscuit (adaptable for dietary needs). Important Note: Participants must be comfortable and confident riding a bike, as e-bikes are heavier than standard bicycles. For safety reasons, we may refuse participation at departure if guests do not demonstrate sufficient cycling experience. Drop-off is at 3:00 pm (Mareuil-sur-Ay), 3:15 pm (Epernay), and 4:00 pm (Reims).

Immerse yourself in all things Champagne with this ticket to the Pressoria Champagne museum in Aÿ-Champagne. Uncover the secrets of what makes Champagne authentic, as you follow the journey from the soil to the bottle. Travel to the foot of a green French hillside to the UNESCO world heritage commune of Aÿ-Champagne. View the classically designed museum and explore the engaging displays at your own pace. Find out what makes Champagne the drink of kings. Dig into the depths of the sub-soil and relax in the peaceful vineyards. Learn how to pick and to press the grapes. Follow the process of fermenting, aging, and bottling the perfect Champagne. Become a connoisseur as you learn more about how each layer of flavor is constructed. Let the light bubbly flavor delight your taste buds to the fullest.

Ready for a bubbly adventure in Champagne? Whether you’re a Champagne newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, this full-day tour is designed to give you an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Champagne region. Your day will begin with a meeting at 9:20 AM. Please meet your guide in front of the Reims train station tourist office (exact address: Cour de la Gare, 51100 Reims). Enjoy a guided visit to the renowned Veuve Clicquot cellars, conducted by one of their expert guides, with a tasting of four unique cuvées at the end. (If Veuve Clicquot isn’t available, don’t worry – we’ll replace it with another prestigious Champagne house!) Next, stroll through the picturesque village of Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon rests. Take in the breathtaking viewpoint, perfect for capturing memorable photos of the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. You'll also have a fun and informative introduction to Champagne tasting to enhance your appreciation of this iconic wine. Midday, indulge in a delightful lunch at a family-owned Champagne estate (Dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated, but please mention any specific needs when booking.) Continue your journey with a visit to a small, family-run Champagne house, where you’ll get an insider’s view of their unique winemaking process. Over the course of the day, savor a total of 9 Champagne tastings. This immersive tour offers a perfect blend of famous Champagne houses, hidden gems, and fantastic tastings to make your day truly memorable. The tour concludes at 5:30 PM, returning to the same location where you were picked up.

Select your pick-up location and meet your local guide in Reims or in Aÿ- Champagne (Mareuil-sur-Ay): Discover the charm of the Champagne countryside through a pleasant drive to a typical Champagne House, Le Clos Corbier, where your electric bike will be ready for you to ride. After a brief warm-up to get comfortable with your e-bike, you’ll be set for an unforgettable adventure through the vineyards. Pedal through the picturesque landscapes of Montagne de Reims, its vineyards and villages. Cycle back to Le Clos Corbier down the Marne canal. Visit the cellars and taste different champagnes from the family domaine. You will discover and learn about the champagne making process. After this memorable afternoon, your guide will drop you off at back to your departure point.

Enjoy a unique and luxurious experience aboard our solar House Boat as you sail through the heart of the prestigious Champagne vineyards. Available every day from 10am to 9pm, this boat can accommodate up to eight people and will take you along the hillsides of the villages of Champagne. An unforgettable experience - Flexible Duration: You can choose a walk from one to four hours, depending on your desires, whether it's for a short getaway or a more in-depth exploration. - Nature Discovery: Admire the picturesque landscapes and the surrounding nature from the comfort of our House Boat. - Unique Perspective: Get a different view of the Champagne hillsides and UNESCO-listed vineyards, visible from the canal. A Solar and Eco-Responsible House Boat: - Solar: Built in France in Arcachon in 2023, the AY-CHAMPAGNE House Boat is unique in the Grand Est region for its solar design. Eco-Responsible: This boat filters its wastewater and limits its need for drinking water, thus becoming a model of ecotourism. Comfort and Safety: Sail serenely with our experienced skipper.Scenic routes- Marne and Canals: Sail on the canals to the south to the foot of Hautvillers, to the east to Châlons-en-Champagne, to the north to Reims. Depending on the time available and the weather conditions, you can also sail on the Marne to Épernay.- Wildlife Observation: Take advantage of the tranquility of the waterways to observe the local flora and fauna. A ride in premium comfort - Fast food: On board, enjoy jars Made in France. - Toilet and Equipped Kitchen: With microwave to heat bottles, sink to wash hands, etc. - Sunbathing: The solarium offers sunbathing areas to fully enjoy the sun. Don't forget your sunglasses, caps and hats, as the reflection on the water is more intense.Living room with Leather Sofa, Table and Chairs: For those who prefer shade, the living room is equipped with a leather sofa, table and chairs.This solar House Boat tour promises you an unforgettable getaway, combining luxury and respect for the environment, while offering you a unique perspective on the beautiful Champagne vineyards. Flânerie Package - 1 hour• Around Aÿ, navigate between the two communes of Aÿ, immerse yourself in the history of the Clos des Goisses, the Goyart distillery, the hillsides of Ay, Mutigny and Mareuil.

Discovery of the most famous areas around Epernay, Capital of the Champagne vineyard : The "Côte des Blancs" known as the kingdom of Chardonnay Grand cru and the Marne Valley renowned for its historic hillsides producing Pinot Noir where Champagne was born. Visit 2 families of independent producers/growers with explanations on the Champagne making process, visit of presses, wineries and cellars. Taste 6 different Champagnes Grand Cru/Premier Cru including natural Champagnes (without dosage), extra brut, old vines, vintages, aged in oak barrels, etc. 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. Our discovery tour through the vineyards and villages of the "Côte des Blancs" passes in front of the "Château de Saran", a prestigious property of the LVMH group (owner of Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, etc.) and the production site of Champagne Moët & Chandon. A commented passage is also planned in the very famous "Avenue de Champagne" in Epernay where are located the superb mansions and production buildings of the Champagne Houses Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc. When visiting 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. In Hautvillers, we will also stop to admire the most magnificent panoramic view of Champagne overlooking the Marne Valley in the hillsides listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO where Dom Pérignon performed his experiments. It is the ideal location to take unforgettable photos of you and the breathtaking landscape. Here we will also discuss sustainable viticulture and explain the management of the vineyard. What a program ! Believe me, you will become an expert in Champagne after this tour !

During this private day, you will discover the famous "Côte des Blancs", Kingdom of Chardonnay Grand Cru and the historic hillsides of the Marne Valley listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO where Champagne was born. Our discovery tour through the vineyards and villages of the "Côte des Blancs" passes in front of the "Château de Saran", a prestigious property of the LVMH group (owner of Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, etc.) and the production site of Champagne Moët & Chandon. A commented passage is also planned in the very famous "Avenue de Champagne" of Epernay, Capital of the Champagne vineyard, where the superb mansions and production buildings of the Champagne Houses Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc. are. Visit 2 families of independent growers with explanations on the Champagne making process, visit the presses, wineries and cellars. Taste many Grand cru/Premier cru Champagnes : natural Champagnes (without dosage), entra brut, old vines, vintages, aged in oak barrels, etc. Tastings are commented with tasting advice. In addition to the Champagnes, taste the essential Champagne alcohols and aperitifs : Ratafia, Fine de la Marne and Marc de Champagne from the Goyard Distillery which is the oldest in Champagne. The village of Aÿ-Champagne was the main center of the Champagne industry in the 16th century. The kings of France had their own wine presses here and the wines of Champagne used to be called “Wines of Aÿ”. The vineyard predominantly planted with Pinot Noir is classified as Grand Cru at the highest level of the Appellation. On our visit to a part of this historic village, we will discuss the vineyard management, the different grape varieties, the exceptional "Terroir" and sustainable viticulture. The tour includes a stop in front of the headquarters of the famous Champagne Houses in Aÿ such as Bollinger, Deutz and Ayala. Drive through other villages and vineyards classified Premier cru including Mareuil-sur-Aÿ where the Champagne Houses Billecart-Salmon and Philipponnat are located. When visiting Hautvillers 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. In Hautvillers, we will also stop to enjoy the most magnificent panorama of Champagne overlooking the Marne Valley, where Dom Pérignon carried out his experiments in winemaking. It is the ideal place in the heart of the vineyard to take photos of you and this breathtaking landscape. For lunch, we have selected for you Champagne and dining bars appreciated by the locals in order to share this convivial moment*. On the menu, to accompany your Champagne (1 bootle for 2) for example: gourmet platters of charcuterie and cheese with bread and salad, ready-made farm meals, regional biscuits and coffee. When booking your tour, please inform us if you have food allergies or have any dietary requirements. *Depending on the day of the tour, the lunch location may vary.

Enjoy an unforgettable private day in Reims, Epernay and its surrounding villages. Discovery of the most famous vineyards and breathtaking places of the region near Epernay which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cathedral of Reims, place of coronation of the kings of France, a UNESCO listed site, is the first essential step of your stay in Champagne. Before giving you the opportunity to explore its interior, your passionate guide will explain the Cathedral’s history and mysteries. In Epernay, Capital of the Champagne vineyard, drive through the "Avenue de Champagne" where the superb mansions and production buildings of the Champagne Houses Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Pol Roger, etc. are located. Discover Grand Cru/Premier Cru vineyards and villages in the historic hillsides of Champagne predominantly planted with Pinot Noir which were listed in 2015 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit of a family of independent producer/grower with explanations on the Champagne making process, visit of the press, winery and cellar. The visit will be followed by a commented tasting of several of their Champagnes. 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. The village of Aÿ-Champagne was the main center of the Champagne industry in the 16th century. The kings of France had their own wine presses here and the wines of Champagne used to be called “Wines of Aÿ”. The vineyard is classified as Grand Cru at the highest level of the Appellation. On our visit to a part of this historic village and its well-known vineyard, we will discuss the vineyard management, the different grape varieties, the exceptional "Terroir" and sustainable viticulture. The tour includes a stop in front of the headquarters of the famous Champagne Houses in Aÿ such as Champagne Bollinger, Deutz and Ayala. When visiting Hautvillers 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. In Hautvillers, we will also stop 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. For lunch, we have selected for you Champagne and dining bars appreciated by the locals in order to share this convivial moment*. On the menu, to accompany your glasses of Champagne (a bottle of Champagne for 2 pers.) for example : gourmet platters of charcuterie and cheese with bread and salad, ready-made farm meals, regional biscuits and coffee. When booking your tour, please inform us if you have food allergies or have any dietary requirements. *Depending on the day of the tour, the lunch location may vary.