Summary
Short description
A no-fly journey to France's most historic wine regions
Highlights
- Begin your journey in historic Reims and seek the Biscuit rose de Reims
- Discover the Champagne caves of Épernay
- Visit the Hautvillers Village, where the monk Dom Perignon first discovered the Champagne wine-making process in the 18th century
- Explore the many wine regions surrounding Bordeaux
- Tour Saint-Émilion, the oldest wine area of the Bordeaux region and a UNESCO World Heritage site
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | Food & wine | History & culture | No-fly | Rail holidays
Curated by our specialists, this itinerary takes you from historic Reims to magnificent Bordeaux without the need to fly or drive. Included transfers and rail journeys see you to each city, and a host of included tours let you explore the best of France's iconic wine country throughout. Visit the Champagne caves of Épernay and the vineyards of Bordeaux, tour cobbled city streets and discover the origins of Dom Pérignon. And, along the way, you'll be treated to first-class cuisine and taste delicious varietals direct from source.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Reims
You'll start your no-fly journey on the Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord. On arrival in Paris, you'll make your own way to Gare du l’Est to board a regional train to Reims, the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine region. A private transfer will see you to your accommodation, a boutique hotel overlooking the magnificent Reims Cathedral. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure – perhaps seeking out the Biscuit rose de Reims, a light pink biscuit unique to the city.
Stay: La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe)
Day
2
Reims & Épernay
Today you'll spend the morning exploring the Gothic architecture and tree-lined streets of the city with a private guide. This afternoon, perhaps take a half-day private tour in a vintage Renault van to Épernay, home to some of the world's most famous Champagne houses. Along the Avenue de Champagne, visit the fascinating Champagne caves, originally built by the Romans to mine salt and chalk. This evening, return once again by vintage transport to your accommodation in the heart of historic Reims.
Stay: La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe)
Day
3
Reims & Champagne Vineyards
Today you'll immerse yourself in everything this region is famous for with a full day Champagne Discovery tour. You'll be taken from your hotel to the Hautvillers Village, where the monk Dom Pérignon first discovered the Champagne wine-making process in the 18th century. You'll then take a scenic drive through the Champagne Vineyards, pausing for photo opportunities and to learn about the cultivation process, before stopping at an independent producer for a tasting. A fresh, seasonal lunch is included in Épernay followed by more visits and tastings with local Champagne producers.
Stay: La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe)
Meals: L
Day
4
Reims to Bordeaux
This morning you'll have a little more time to explore Reims before a private transfer to the station for your direct train to Bordeaux. On arrival, another transfer will see you to your hotel around an hour away – a countryside manor overlooking vineyards and five acres of manicured grounds. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and recharging surrounded by nature.
Stay: La Maison D'Estournel, Bordeaux (Deluxe)
Days
5-6
Bordeaux & Médoc
After breakfast this morning enjoy an exploration of your mansion home in the Médoc region, and make use of the complimentary fleet of e-bikes to enjoy the hilly peninsula that stretches north to the Pointe de Grave. Spend two days exploring the wine-growing region famous for Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and many famous wines are produced here including the Château Margaux, Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Lafite-Rothschild. Back at the hotel enjoy a wine tasting in the superb vaulted cellar devoted to the wines of Cos d'Estournel and Pagodes de Cos.
Stay: La Maison D'Estournel, Bordeaux (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
7
Bordeaux to UK
This morning you'll depart Bordeaux, travelling directly to Paris and then Eurostar on your return journey to the UK.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Deluxe
Low Season
from £2,515 pp.
High Season
from £2,785 pp.
Includes
- Return Eurostar rail travel between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord stations in Standard Premier Class
- Regional train from Paris Gare de l'est to Reims
- 3 nights accommodation in Reims on a BB basis
- Full Day Private guided Discover Champagne tour including a range of visits and tastings
- Half day Private guided Reims city tour
- Regional train from Champagne-Ardenne station to Bordeaux St Jean station
- 3 nights accommodation in Bordeaux on a BB basis
- Return private transfers between Bordeaux train station and hotel
- Complimentary e-bikes to explore the vineyards of Medoc
- Regional train from Bordeaux to Paris
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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