Champagne and Burgundy are two of the most iconic wine-producing regions of France.

On this luxury self-guided itinerary you’ll have the opportunity to stay in top quality historic hotels in the very heart of the wine-producing areas. You’ll experience delicious gastronomic local cuisine and learn all about what makes the ‘terroir’ of Champagne and Burgundy so exciting.

When it comes to Champagne, we prefer to avoid those big famous international brands which demand a hefty fee for a tour of their facilities. Instead, we make a bee-line for the smaller producers where you can actually meet the people behind the bubbly and learn what is involved in producing this most celebrated of beverages.

You may choose to enjoy a wonderfully alternative experience by taking a guided tour of Reims and then the champagne vineyards in a 2CV, that very symbol of la France profonde! Or why not in a tuk-tuk or electric buggy.

After 3 days of touring Champagne, head on down to your luxury hotel in the heart of the medieval town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy.

We have a number of possibilities for vineyards visits, wine tastings and gastronomic experiences in Burgundy. But with all of them you will again discover the smaller family-owned estates at which wine-making has been in the family for generations.

You’ll learn about the wine-making process from grape to bottle and then sample the end result. I can guarantee that you’ll be wanting to buy some cases to be shipped home as a souvenir of your stay.

Overview

Itinerary

What's Included

Accom

Location

Overview

This two centre, fully flexible itinerary covers two of the most iconic vineyard areas in France, Champagne and Burgundy. You’ll be based in Reims in Champagne and Beaune in Burgundy.

The itinerary proposed here is the basis from which your own personal itinerary will be created.

We suggest you fly into Paris from where you can hire a car. Overnights in Paris or the Paris area can be arranged before or after your tour of Burgundy and Champagne.

The price for this independent wine tour will depend on the number of people, the time of year and whether you choose to add additional elements to the itinerary such as a hot air balloon flight or cookery class.

This itinerary can be combined with any of the others on our site to create a complete trip to France.

Day 1 :

Explore Reims

We'll provide you with a wealth of tourist information enabling you to explore the beautiful city of Reims. A highlight is sure to be a visit to that jewel of gothic architecture, the UNESCO listed Notre Dame cathedral. Food lovers will discover the delicious 'biscuit de Reims' as well as handmade chocolates and 'pain d'epices'.

Day 2 :

Vineyard visits & champagne tastings

In the morning, a self-guided visit to a champagne producer to the west of Reims where you'll learn about production methods and the techniques for making this delicious sparkling wine.
In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Abbaye d'Igny nearby where you can visit the chocolate making facility and buy handmade chocolate to take home.

Day 3 :

The champagne tourist route

A day on the waymarked champagne tourist route down to Epernay, making a point of visiting the beautiful champagne-producing villages of Ay and Hautvilliers. Follow our recommendations for which producers to visit and also restaurants at which to enjoy the best regional produce for lunch.

Day 4 :

Heading for Beaune

Today you'll leave Reims and head down to the medieval town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. En route, explore the riverside town of Auxerre and other stop off points that we'll recommend to you. If you're a lover of white wines, a visit to Chablis en route is obligatory!

Day 5 :

Discover the wine and gastronomy of Burgundy

You'll be in the capable hands of your professional British guides today who will collect you from your hotel for a day of discovery. You'll start with a visit to a cheese producer followed by a visit to one of the iconic vineyards of the area such as Vosne Romanée or Montrachet. You'll then visit a smaller producer in the Côte de Nuits vineyards and maybe go truffle hunting in the Hautes Côtes. Enjoy a superb quality 3 course lunch with wine and coffee followed by a further winery visit after lunch or, subject to availability visit to local mushroom producer.

Day 6 :

Vineyard visits and wine tastings

You'll be collected from your hotel by your guides who will accompany you on further vineyard visits and wine tastings in the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and possibly Hautes Côtes vineyard areas of Burgundy. Your day will include a gastronomic lunch at a top quality auberge in the area.

Day 7 :

Leisure day

On your final day in Burgundy you may wish to follow some of our suggestions for discovering more of the hidden gems of the region before you head home. Round off your stay with a gastronomic evening meal in a Michelin starred restaurant in Beaune.