Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Burgundy to Champagne
on the Trail of France's Best Wines

Starting from between £1,770 to £2,230 per person for 5 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Take a break on the Champagne and Burgundy roads: you'll experience sublime landscapes everywhere you go


  • Private tour of the Cote de Beaune and Hautes Cotes de Nuits wineries with an oenologist


  • Dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant, private cruise on the Marne, visits to historic French sites: it's all on your itinerary


  • Includes all our additional services, such as fast track airport services and our local Concierges
In Reims, visit the great Champagne houses with a local guide; we've planned tastings and a picnic amid the vineyards. In the evening, we've reserved a table for you at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city. The next day, you'll head to the Marne with a glass of fine bubbly, guided by a knowledgeable skipper who adores the region. You'll stop for a few nights at a stunning 17-acre estate just a stone's throw from the city centre.

Then head to Burgundy, where you'll stay at a hotel that evokes the elegance of the 19th century . Enjoy the calm river that flows through the garden. You'll then trade the bubbly for some superb Cotes de Beaune and Hautes Cotes de Nuits . An oenologist will accompany you along the wine trail, which you might view as a happy coincidence or just simple precaution on our part. You taste, he drives (and advises you).



Champagne & Burgundy – A history of France



Stop at Reims , in the heart of Champagne, to gain an understanding of the thousand-year-old monarchy on a tour with a guide, a Champagne local who is passionate about their region. Clovis was baptised in the fifth century on the site of the future Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral, a Gothic wonder. Nearby, the Abbey of Saint-Remi preserves the relics of the eponymous bishop, the very one who granted the holy sacrament to the king of the Franks. To link the Catholic Church and the Kings of France, visit the Palais du Tau, the diocese's historic episcopal residence and a museum of undeniable richness.

You'll then head for Burgundy. On the way, take the opportunity to visit Fontenay Abbey, thanks to the entry tickets we've already reserved for you. Founded in 1118, it is the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey and offers a singular visual harmony between its walls and along the lanes of its 'remarkable garden'. 60 miles further south is Beaune . The town is home to the splendid 15th-century Hospices de Beaune, a former charitable almshouse. Its flamboyant Gothic style has made it world-famous, as has its status as the epicentre of the Burgundy vineyards. You can opt for a private visit to the distinguished building, which will provide access to rooms that are usually not open to the general public.
Wine cellar - France © Esperanza33/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Wine cellar - France © Esperanza33/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hospices de Beaune - France © stocknshares/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hospices de Beaune - France © stocknshares/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Vineyard - France © Eléonore H/stock.adobe.com
Vineyard - France © Eléonore H/stock.adobe.com
Hospices de Beaune - Burgundy - France © Lotharingia/stock.adobe.com
Hospices de Beaune - Burgundy - France © Lotharingia/stock.adobe.com
Dommange town - France © Robert Vierdag/stock.adobe.com
Dommange town - France © Robert Vierdag/stock.adobe.com
Backyard - France © Aleksandr Shyripa/stock.adobe.com
Backyard - France © Aleksandr Shyripa/stock.adobe.com
Wine cellar - France © Poplasen/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Wine cellar - France © Poplasen/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Arrival at Reims Station and pick-up of hire vehicle.
Two-night stay at a prestigious and historic hotel near iconic Saint-Remi Basilica. This bourgeois home reveals a vast 17-acre garden, mere steps from the heart of town. Rooms and suites offer a classic, delicate style.
Included in the itinerary - A table reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city. The contemporary and refined restaurant serves creative and masterful cuisine that showcases fresh produce.

Included in the itinerary - After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel. You'll set out in their 100% electric SUV. Together you'll explore Reims, Epernay and the Champagne vineyards. Here you'll be following in the footsteps of the Kings of France, from Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral to the Basilica, with a stop at Palais du Tau. Yet Reims is also synonymous with champagne, and the most important houses are set along the slopes of Saint-Nicaise Hill. You'll then explore the Gallo-Roman 'crayeres' of the Maison Ruinart before enjoying its fine champagnes. Next up is the cellars of Maison Taittinger, where no less than 15 million bottles are stored. This will be followed by a picnic in the vineyards, in the hills of Hautvillers, enjoying a panoramic view of the extraordinary rows of plantings. It is also an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a certain Dom Perignon, monk of the Benedictine Abbey of Hautvillers, who discovered and perfected the techniques that gave birth to champagne as we know it. Finally, stop at Epernay, considered the capital of Champagne with its 68 miles of underground cellars including those of Moet & Chandon.
Included in the itinerary - A private cruise on the Marne, aboard the Bullet 1927. While the boat may be Dutch, your skipper is a proud Champagne native. You'll learn about the wine growing environment and the history of Champagne, glass of bubbly in hand.
Optional - End this epicurean day with a reservation at a three Michelin-star restaurant in the city.

Head south to another prestigious wine region: Burgundy.
En route, and already in the itinerary - You are free to explore Fontenay Abbey in Marmagne, because entry tickets have been booked in advance. Founded in 1118 by Saint-Bernard de Clairvaux, it is the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Stay two nights at a 19th century country manor with a fitting period interior design. In the garden, a grassy carpet is dotted with round bushes surrounding a lovely fountain. Nearby, a small wooden bridge crosses a bucolic river. Rooms and suites offer superb comfort and are pleasantly simple. You can enjoy the gourmet cooking of the area, paired with the best regional wines, while seated by a crackling fireplace. When the weather is warm, you can also sit at the waterfront tables.
Optional - Unique private visit of the Hospices de Beaune (or Hotel Dieu). While touring rooms not usually open to the general public, discover the secrets of this unique building. This Burgundy icon features a flamboyant, Gothic style.

Included in the itinerary - Explore the Cote de Beaune and the Hautes Cotes de Nuits with an expert oenologist. Spend the day on the wine trail of Burgundy and explore its best vintages. You'll ride in a private vehicle, which allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the green hills and valleys of the Burgundian landscapes. Your guide will adapt the tour to your wine knowledge and open the doors to understanding the singularity of the vineyards and these legendary hills.

Drive to Dijon Station, return the hire vehicle and take the train back.
Optional - Discover the world of truffles in a castle in Cote-d'Or. By following the truffle dogs of the estate and their expert hunting masters, you'll witness the search for these precious mushrooms. Then enjoy a meal featuring truffles from start to finish, in a beautiful 17th-century structure.
Optional - explore the Burgundy environment at the Dijon market. As you move from stall to stall, accompanied by a local gourmet guide, you'll indulge in culinary treasures such as mustard, kir, gougere pastries or local gingerbread (pain d’epices). It's an opportunity to speak with food artisans and enjoy plenty of great eats.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

Private tour of the Hospices de Beaune



A private and unusual tour of close to two hours through rooms not typically open to the general public, allowing for a unique, personalised experience.

Optional



Delve into the world of truffles at a castle in Cote-d'Or



Accompanied by the stewards of the Chateau d'Entre-Deux-Monts in Cote-d'Or and their pack of dogs, get acquainted with truffle hunting (cavage as it's called locally) around the castle before enjoying a hot meal, featuring truffles from start to finish. It's also a great opportunity to discover this castle, which dates back to the 17th century and is listed as a Historic Monument while strolling across its grounds. Having been neglected for a long time, it has received increasing attention over the past 20 years and even won the first regional heritage prize for the 'parks and gardens' category in 2010.

Optional



Dijon market with a gourmet guide



Dive into the heart of Burgundy at the Dijon Market. You'll discover Dijon's culinary specialties during your walking tour through the historic streets of downtown, including tasting stops at authentic places. Tuck into Burgundian classics like mustard, kir, gougere pastries, gingerbread (pain d’épice), and many other local products. Your guide, an expert on the region, will take you through the renowned Halles market, where you'll meet local sellers and discover their colourful specialities.Optional

Why visit France with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to France

  • Our local Concierges
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  • Airport lounge access
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  • 24-hour helpline
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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The estimated cost for this trip starts from £1,770 to £2,230 per person. All of our holidays are tailor made so prices will vary dependent on a number of factors, such as seasonality, level of accommodation and how far in advance you book. The final cost will vary according to several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average cost for this trip is £2,055 per person.
Included in this suggestion

  • Take the train to Reims and return home from Dijon


  • Car hire for four days


  • Two-night stay in Reims in a luxury room with breakfast included


  • Two-night stay in Beaune in a deluxe room with breakfast included


  • Reserved table at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Reims


  • Explore Reims, Epernay, and Champagne vineyards in the footsteps of a local enthusiast, transported aboard their 100% electric SUV


  • Enjoy a private cruise with tasting on the Marne


  • Entry tickets for a free visit to Fontenay Abbey


  • A private tasting to explore Cote de Beaune and Hautes Cotes de Nuits with an oenologist


  • Our local Concierge service

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