Visiting champagne cellars in Reims: which ones to choose and how much it costs
Planning to visit champagne cellars in Reims and wondering which ones are actually worth your time and money ? Honestly, it’s not always obvious. Some are big, polished, and built for tourists. Others are smaller, more authentic, and frankly more memorable. Here’s a clear rundown of the main options, what they cost, and which one I’d recommend depending on your profile.
Why Reims is the best base for champagne cellar visits
Reims is basically the capital of champagne. Most of the big houses have their cellars here, dug into the chalk subsoil – some of them are former Roman quarries, which is pretty wild when you think about it. You’re walking through underground galleries that are 2,000 years old, with millions of bottles aging in the cool darkness. That alone is worth the trip.
If you want to stay close to the action, the city centre is where you should book. The cellars are walkable from there, or a short Uber ride away. For a comfortable stay near the cathedral and the main houses, https://hotel-grandcerf.fr is a solid base – central, practical, and you won’t waste time commuting between tastings. Trust me, after two or three glasses of champagne, you don’t want to deal with public transport.
The big houses : prestigious, polished, but pricey
These are the names everyone knows. Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery, Ruinart, Mumm, Vranken-Pommery – they all offer cellar tours in Reims. Each one has its style.
Taittinger is one of my favourites. The cellars are partly in the Saint-Nicaise crypt, which is part of an old 13th-century abbey. So you get history AND champagne. Tours start at around 35€ per person for the classic visit with one tasting, and go up to 80–90€ for premium experiences with multiple cuvées. Worth it ? Yes, if it’s your first time in Reims.
Veuve Clicquot is the big star. Tours are around 45–60€ depending on the formula. The brand is famous, the cellars are spectacular, but bookings fill up fast – especially on weekends. Book at least a month in advance, sometimes more in summer.
Pommery is unique because the cellars host contemporary art exhibitions. You go down 116 steps into chalk pits that are honestly impressive. Tours start at around 27€. It’s one of the cheaper options among the big houses and I think it offers great value.
Ruinart, the oldest champagne house (founded in 1729), is the most exclusive. Visits are by appointment only, expensive (usually 110€ and up), but the experience is unmatched. The Crayères are even classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you can afford it, go.
Mumm offers tours from around 25€, more accessible and well-organised. Good entry point if you don’t want to break the bank.
The smaller houses : where champagne feels real
This is where things get interesting. The big houses are great, but they’re a bit like factories with a marketing department. If you want to feel the human side of champagne making, head to the smaller producers.
Champagne Henri Abelé, founded in 1757, is one of the oldest houses but still relatively under the radar. Tours are around 25€ and you actually have time to ask questions. The guide isn’t reading a script.
Champagne Martel is another good pick. They offer tours from around 20€, and you really feel the family business vibe. Perfect if you don’t want the corporate experience.
Honestly ? If it’s your second or third time in Reims, skip the big names and try a smaller house. You’ll learn more, taste better, and the experience is more personal.
How much does a champagne cellar visit cost in Reims ?
Let me break it down clearly :
Budget option (20–30€) – Classic tour, one tasting glass, group visit lasting around 1 hour. You learn the basics, you taste, you leave happy. Pommery, Mumm, smaller houses fit here.
Mid-range (30–60€) – Better tour, often more cuvées tasted (2 to 3 glasses), sometimes vintage included. Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Vranken-Pommery offer this range.
Premium (60–150€+) – Private or semi-private tours, rare cuvées, pairing with food, longer visits. Ruinart, Krug experiences, exclusive cellar dinners. Worth it for special occasions, not for a casual visit.
A useful tip : many houses offer combined packages with multiple tastings or pairings. Check their official websites before booking through third-party platforms – you’ll often find better deals direct.
So which champagne cellar in Reims should you choose ?
Here’s my honest recommendation :
First time in Reims ? Go with Taittinger or Pommery. Spectacular cellars, fair prices, well-organised tours.
Budget-conscious ? Pommery or Mumm. Around 25–30€ and you still get the full experience.
Looking for something authentic ? Pick a smaller house like Henri Abelé or Martel. Less crowded, more conversation, often better tastings.
Splurging for a special occasion ? Ruinart, hands down. It’s expensive but unforgettable.
Last thing – don’t try to do more than two cellars in a day. After two visits with tastings, your palate is done. Plus, you want to actually enjoy each one. Spread them across your weekend, walk between visits, eat properly in between. That’s how you make the most of Reims.