Here is a list of Champagne tours proposed by private companies. They will pick you mainly in Reims and Epernay and tour you in the countryside, along Champagne route, make stops in the vineyards or spectacular sites.
They all speak English and have knowledge about Champagne, wine making and local history.
Tasting in vineyards with Geoffrey Orban
The heart of these tours are usually visit(s) of local Champagne makers, far from fastuous Champagne brands. Back to the roots, wine making and simple but nice meetings.
Forged iron label in Hautvillers
We have been in contact with 3 of them (the ones below with comments) and all guests that attended a tour were highly pleased with it.
La vigne du roy private tours, higly appreciated
Cris events our favourite of the moment, deep knowledge of area and wine making, nice value,
Raw France looks expensive but our guests enjoyed it so much
France Bubbles tours
Ay éco visite
Vini vizit
Fernand Lemaire cellar in hautvillers
Even if you have a rental car in Reims, these tours will be appreciated as you ll enjoy a memorable day. ( you may also have a memorable night in ‘Les Telliers’ B&B )
My advice would be not to have a car in Reims as the city is compact and has nice bus and tram system. ( TGV trains are so fast… 45 min from Paris and 30 min from CdG Airport)
Like in most major cities, having a car is sometimes worrying, so explore city by feet and bus and save money for a paying guided tour.
Reims tourist office also proposes a bus tour in vineyards lasting 3 hours ( 35€ 1pers, 60€ for a couple ; rates for 2013)
