A fabulous weekend in Champagne at the magical Château de Sacy

At a glance

Trip Summary

On the morning of day two, you will be met at the Château by an English-speaking specialist driver/guide for a full day tour as part of a small group.  En route to your first visit, you will be driven through Reims city centre, where you will have the opportunity to see the amazing Cathedral. Reims Cathedral is one of the finest Gothic Cathedrals in northern Europe, where 25 Kings of France were crowned. You will start the day in style with a group tour and tasting at the world-famous Veuve Clicquot estate.  You will also stop at the famous hilltop village of Hautvillers, the “cradle of Champagne.” As well as admiring the spectacular views across the vineyards, your guide will take you on a tour of the village, visiting places such as the Church where Dom Perignon is buried. After such an interesting morning, you will then be taken to a beautiful private mansion for a unique Champagne tasting masterclass. As well as having the opportunity to taste the three principal grape varieties, a light lunch will also be served. In the afternoon, you will visit a small family-run Champagne House and after a tasting session of their Champagnes, you will enjoy a traditional French apéritif. Your guide will take you back to the Château at the end of the day

For those who would like the four day break, you will be met by a private driver on the morning of day three and accompanied throughout the day on a private basis. European drivers do not necessarily speak much English and are, therefore, not able to provide a full commentary en route to your activities. However, please rest assured that all winery tours are conducted in English. If you would instead like to be driven by a specialist, English-speaking guide, we can provide the relevant supplements upon request.

Your first stop will be the largest and grandest Champagne House Moët and Chandon, for a private Dom Pérignon tour with a VIP guide. Your guide will accompany you around the estate and through the extensive cellars. You will hear about the famous Dom Pérignon, monk and cellar master at the Benedictine abbey in Hautvillers who perfected techniques that enabled the bubble to be captured in the bottle, the very beginnings of what eventually became Champagne as we know and love it!  Your visit will conclude with a tasting of latest white Dom Pérignon.  Your next stop will be at a quaint tasting boutique for a comparative tasting session of three single varietal Champagnes (100% Chardonnay, 100% Pinot Noir and 100% Meunier). Platters of cheese and charcuterie will also be served.

In the afternoon, you will be welcomed at the estate of a boutique Champagne House. As well as having a tour of the property, you will learn the Napoleonic art of Sabrage (the art of opening the Champagne bottle with a sword). Since you will open your own bottles, you will then need to drink at least some of the Champagnes that have been opened.  Learning Sabrage is a tremendously fun and festive activity and not only is it a fantastic photo opportunity, you will also have acquired a new party trick to entertain your friends and family at home with! At the end of such an enlightening day, your chauffeur will take you back to the Château, where the evening is at leisure.

Region Map

Outline Itinerary

Day Three (Optional)

• After breakfast, your tour day will comprise of:
• A chauffeured vehicle for the day on a private basis.
• A private Dom Pérignon tour and tasting.
• A comparative tasting of three Champagnes with platters of cheeses and meats.
• A tour and tastings with Sabrage at a boutique Champagne House.
• The evening is at leisure and we would be pleased to recommend a restaurant for dinner.

Final Day

• After a leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your way back to the UK, taking the Eurotunnel from Calais to Folkestone.

Package Prices

• These prices are per person and based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
• These are realistic guide prices, based on travel in standard season (usually April to the end of October). Discounts often apply for travel out of season (usually November to the end of March) or if there are more than two of you travelling together. Please let us know your preferred travel dates for a definitive price.
• Other room grades are available. Just let us know which you prefer and we will send you the relevant supplements for the various room grades.
• Single supplements and extra night prices are available upon request.

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Further Information